Gandolfini To Toni Morrison: Garden State Parkway Stops Renamed

NEW JERSEY — The Garden State Parkway can now only get more "New Jersey" if you paved the roads with taylor ham. As part of National New Jersey Day, Gov. Phil Murphy announced the renaming of nine Garden State Parkway rest stops after state icons.

The nine service areas will get renamed as follows:

• Montvale: James Gandolfini Service Area
• Brookdale North: Larry Doby Service Area
• Brookdale South: Connie Chung Service Area
• Vauxhall: Whitney Houston Service Area
• Cheesequake: Jon Bon Jovi Service Area
• Monmouth: Judy Blume Service Area
• Forked River: Celia Cruz Service Area
• Atlantic: Frank Sinatra Service Area
• Ocean View: Toni Morrison Service Area

It's easy to imagine the directions now: "You're going to pass Connie Chung and Whitney Houston. Then take the exit after Jon Bon Jovi. If you see Judy Blume, you've gone too far." While it may seem like New Jersey is shoving its Jersey-ness in people's faces — and why shouldn't we — Murphy says this is just the first step in displaying the Garden State's icons.

“This is about putting New Jersey greatness on full display,” Murphy said. “This is the first part of an extended statewide exhibition of New Jersey heroes throughout our state. From military heroes on the Battleship New Jersey to historical figures on the New Jersey Turnpike to science and technology trailblazers at Newark Penn Station, New Jerseyans will find pride in our contributions to society and the world.”

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday for the name changes. Garden State Parkway service area parking lots will now welcome visitors with banners of New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees.

Each rest stop will feature exhibits, including inspirational posters designed by renowned New Jersey architect Michael Graves, compelling artifacts and an interactive Wall of Fame featuring a life-sized video monitor showcasing over 200 biographical vignettes of all inductees and their acceptance speeches.

While all New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees will be showcased, each service area will be themed in the categories of arts, entertainment and sports.

Later this year, the Hall of Fame will announce updated plans for its permanent home at American Dream, while the mobile museum continues to operate.

"Millions of New Jersey drivers travel on the Garden State Parkway every day,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Scaccetti-Gutierrez. “The service areas they visit during those travels are a fitting place to call attention to the accomplishments of their fellow New Jerseyans in the arts, entertainment, and sports. And there is no organization better suited to identify the New Jerseyans worthy of this recognition than the New Jersey Hall of Fame."