Pulling over along the Garden State Parkway for a bathroom break or a bite to eat? You can learn about some iconic New Jerseyans during your stop.
Launched in 2021 by the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) and New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy, nine Parkway service areas have now been re-named to honor Garden State celebrities; they feature exhibits with photos, memorabilia and more. Some even have selfie-ready holograms.
Millions of people drive the Parkway daily, making these service areas a great way to spread a “daily dose of positive inspiration,” says NJHOF president Steve Edwards.
[RELATED: 50 Biggest Moments in NJ Pop Culture History]
An interactive museum featuring all NJHOF inductees, called the Entertainment and Learning Center, is opening at the American Dream mall in East Rutherford this June. Satellite exhibits can also be found in various transit hubs.
In addition to these nine rest stops, one named for actor Bruce Willis is under consideration to open in Ocean View. The Salem County-raised Die Hard star retired from acting in recent years and is battling aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
Here are the service areas, from north to south:
James Gandolfini, Montvale
The northernmost service area—dedicated to the late Sopranos star who played one of the most iconic Jersey characters ever, Tony Soprano—is set to open this summer. Gandolfini, born in Westwood to Italian immigrants, was a Rutgers-New Brunswick graduate. He passed away in 2013.
Larry Doby, Bloomfield
The barrier-breaking baseball player grew up in Paterson. Doby became the first Black American League baseball player in 1947 when he made it onto the Cleveland Indians, breaking baseball’s color barrier and inspiring the country. Doby lived in Montclair for years with his wife, Helyn Curvy, and died there in 2003.
Connie Chung, Bloomfield
The legendary journalist, born in Washington, DC, to Chinese immigrants, was a longtime Middletown resident with her husband, talk show host Maury Povich. Chung, who worked for almost every major news network in the U.S., was the first woman to anchor the CBS Evening News.
Vince Lombardi, Ridgefield
One of the most successful football coaches of all time got his start in Englewood when he began coaching at St. Cecilia High School in 1939. The Brooklyn native eventually made his way from high school football to the NFL, where he coached for the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers. In 1970, after Lombardi’s death, the Super Bowl MVP trophy was renamed in his honor.
Whitney Houston, Union/Vauxhall
The Newark native is regarded as one of the greatest singers of all time, known best for hits like “I Will Always Love You,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “I’m Every Woman.” Her diamond record for “I Will Always Love You” is even on display at her service area. Houston got her start singing at Newark’s New Hope Baptist Church, where her funeral was held in 2012; her service area is located just under ten miles away.
Jon Bon Jovi, South Amboy
Who says he can’t go home? The Perth Amboy rock star’s service area is just minutes away from where he grew up and about 20 minutes from Sayreville, where he formed his iconic band, Bon Jovi, in 1983. The star keeps close ties to New Jersey with his philanthropic JBJ Soul Kitchen Community restaurants in Red Bank, Toms River, Newark and Jersey City. His service area is set to reopen this summer with updated exhibits and LED monitors.
Judy Blume, Wall Township
The Elizabeth native and beloved children’s, young adult and adult author has sold more than 82 million copies of her books, including her best-known work, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. In the service area, visitors can see old photographs of Blume, displays of her books and facts about her life.
Celia Cruz, Forked River
The Queen of Salsa, though born and raised in Cuba, was a longtime Fort Lee resident until her death in 2003. Cruz is one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time, and visitors to her service area can see unique pieces from her closet: an open-toed shoe designed for her by Willie’s of Hollywood; a multi-colored sequin top she wore on stage during the ’90s; and one of her beautiful headpieces.
Frank Sinatra, Absecon
He may be a Hoboken native, but Sinatra enjoyed spending time at the Jersey Shore, so it’s fitting that his service area is just a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean. He owned multiple homes before his death in 1998, including the signature Sinatra House in Point Pleasant Beach. The singer also frequently performed in Atlantic City, including at the infamous 500 Club on Missouri Avenue—about 15 minutes away from his service area.
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