NJIB Embraces Their Geekness!

July 13, 2016July 14, 2016 newjerseyisntboring

Today, July 13th, is National Embrace Your Geekness Day, and as the creator of newjerseyisntboring.com I can say that I embrace my geekness every day! That is why there is a “Nerdy in NJ” section of NJIB and why I keep tabs on “Nerdy in NJ” events.

Here are (some of) my favorite Nerdy/Geeky things about New Jersey:

There are a lot of great Comic Book Stores to pick up your weekly comics or indulge in some pop culture merchandise. One of the more popular comic book stores, and one I frequent often, is Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash in Red Bank which is featured on AMC’s Comic Book Men (and yes, the guys from the show actually work there). Other comic stores I’ve visited include Zapp Comics in both Wayne and Manalapan, The Record Store in Howell, Main Street Comics in Milltown, Funny Books in Lake Hiawatha, Comic Fortress in Somerville, and Stormwatch Comics in West Berlin.

Rocky Horror Picture Show screenings are something I’ve enjoyed since I was a teenager. Friday Night Special has performed The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Strathmore Theater in Aberdeen every Friday night at Midnight since 2004! Tickets are only $7 and Prop Bags are $2. Home of Happiness also performs year round, at the Bellvue Theater in Montclair.

I love arcades! Yestercades , located in Red Bank and Somerville, is one of my favorite places to go to play old school (and new school) video games. So much pinball! Both are in great downtown areas too, so if you visit one there are plenty of places around to eat, drink etc. The Silver Ball Museum in Asbury Park is located right on the Asbury Park Boardwalk with a main focus is on pinball games, but they also feature skeeball, air hockey classic video and arcade games. They have on display pinball games from the 1930’s, and playable machines starting with a classic 1950 wood rail game.

My friends hovering around the Simpsons arcade game in Red Bank

Liberty Science Museum located in Jersey City is a nonprofit organization dedicated to getting learners of all ages excited about the power, promise, & pure fun of science & technology. Liberty Science Center houses 12 museum exhibition halls, a live animal collection with 110 species, A 3D theater, and the nation’s largest IMAX Dome Theater. They are always expanding and adding new things…definitely worth checking out.

For the historical geek…you have the Wizard of Menlo Park, Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange. The park encompasses two sites – the Laboratory Complex and the Glenmont Estate, former home to Thomas and Mina Edison. The park is a memorial to the man and a place where the roots of American inspiration and innovation can be discovered. For forty-four years, from 1887 to 1931, the site served as the inventor’s research and development center. You can also visit the World’s Largest Lightbulb in Edison at The Thomas Edison Memorial Tower.

The Nerds! I’ve lost count how many times I’ve seen the popular NJ cover band perform! They have won many awards including Best Band in LBI, Best Band in New New in Jersey Monthly, ACUI National College Band of the Yea , and The Key to The City of Hoboken. They are definitely a blast to see live. Click here to view their Website

The Wayne NJ Toy and Collectibles Show, which began in 1991, is New Jersey’s longest running toy collectibles show located in Wayne, NJ. There are many things you can find at the show: Toys, Comics, Sports Cards, Sports Memorabilia and Autographs, Small Antiques, Action Figures, Movie Posters-Memorabilia and Autographs, Die-Cast-Cars, Trucks and Planes, Books and Magazines, Dime Store Toys, Gumball Machine and Vending Prizes, Trains, Dolls, DVD’s, Star Wars, PEZ, Corgi, Gi Joe, Hot Wheels, Mego, Barbi, Original Art, Vintage Military, Cap Guns, Monster, Sci-Fi and Horror Items and so much more. It is held the first Sunday of every month, unless there is a holiday conflict. It is a $2 fee to get in, or free for kids under 12.