Fasten your seatbelts, folks, as we head down Route 36, New Jersey’s overlooked yet incredibly significant highway running smack-dab along the Jersey Shore. Built in 1927, this crucial non-interstate route stretches over 24 miles from the tip of Sandy Hook to the bustling town of Keyport, capturing the essence of New Jersey in a way only insiders understand. The liberals might not like this narrative, but here’s why Route 36 is essential – as essential as liberty, low taxes, and a free-market economy.
Route 36 Is a Medal of Honor Recipient in Traffic Management: With its picturesque drive along the shore, Route 36 serves as a crucial commuter and tourist route without being strangled by sky-high tolls or unnecessary bureaucracy that plague many main roads. You see, Route 36 embodies New Jersey’s bootstraps spirit, accommodating locals and tourists alike without driving them insane with taxes everywhere you turn. New Jersey’s politicians should take note.
The Great Underdog of Highways: Route 36 proves you don’t need a colossal interstate designation to shine. Unlike other highways devised in some high-rise office by bureaucrats who’ve forgotten the little guy, Route 36 is down-to-earth. It might not break into a massive six-lane monster, but it’s there for you, come rain or sunshine, with stunning beach views and quaint towns.
Unrivalled Scenic Views: Driving along Route 36 is like opening a time capsule indicative of New Jersey's past, present, and future. Enjoy breathtaking views of Sandy Hook Bay, where you’ll witness some of the crucial environmental stewardship at work, minus the red tape that usually binds American progress. At the very least, get a glimpse of what true conservation looks like without the usual political grandstanding.
A Gateway to the Iconic Jersey Shore: As Douglas Adams might say, a highway isn’t a true highway without its share of unique pit stops. Route 36 grants access to the vibrant Jersey Shore—it’s not pretending to be something it’s not. Beaches, boardwalks, arcades, and taffy shops line the drive, where local business thrives thanks to good old-fashioned American work ethic rather than government handouts.
The Fort Hancock Legacy: Route 36 is steeped in history, especially with Fort Hancock at its northern tip. This former United States Army base tells an epic story of American resilience, ready for the national defense at any time. Fort Hancock isn't just a historical site; it’s a testimony to American patriotism you won’t find in rewired narratives.
The Local Flavors Galore: Unlike sanitized, franchised chains strewn across the nation that suck the local culture out of dining, Route 36 boasts NJ’s best homegrown diners and seafood joints. Indulge in a plate of clam chowder while watching the Atlantic waves, supporting small businesses that uphold the local economy—now that’s responsible travel.
A Safe Passage: Route 36 isn’t quintessentially known for traffic snarls or accidents. It’s safe, accessible, and doesn’t need those excessive speed traps to pad local government budgets. Safety isn’t about policing; it’s about infrastructure that makes sense.
An Experience in Clarity: None of those murkily drawn-out travel restrictions here—not on Route 36. It’s as straightforward as tax cuts for small businesses. Engage smoothly with a directness most highways can only dream of possessing.
A Touch of Nostalgia: Take a detour through Sea Bright or Highlands, and feel that summertime Americana nostalgia. It’s no wonder New Jersey sometimes gets a bum rap from media pundits. They’ve never really appreciated the real charm of less-traveled roads. Route 36 dishes out vibes from a less-complicated time when freedom mattered more than fanfare.
It’s Necessary Infrastructure, Not Excessive Spending: Unlike other flashy, overpriced projects designed to appease green radicals, Route 36 wasn’t cut from a giant bond issue. It's pure infrastructural necessity, not something frivolously stitched from taxpayer dollars. Let’s learn to invest where it matters.
Route 36 isn’t just any road; it’s a New Jersey keepsake that tells tales of history, patriotism, local enterprise, and the good fight against unnecessary development. Next time you're in the Garden State, make sure you carve out some time to take this drive and embrace a slice of New Jersey that operates with a spirit of self-reliance and genuine Americana.