Discover the Top 7 Entertaining and Surprising Fun Facts About Essex County, NJ!

1. Turtle Back Zoo's Evolution

From humble beginnings as a forest-dwelling hermit's petting zoo to a worldly, whisker-wiggling wonderland, New Jersey's very own Noah's Ark has come a long way: Turtle Back Zoo, in Essex County, initially aimed to exhibit native species from the nearby Big Apple, but now proudly hosts nearly 1400 marvelous creatures from across the globe (minus the chilly Antarctic chill-seekers), featuring tall-necked giraffes, eland antelope, ostriches, and an impressive free-flight aviary as well as a globe-trotting fish parade at the Tropical Currents Aquarium!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. Facing Fears at Eagle Rock Reservation

If you've ever thought that the best place to face your fears is up in the air, you'll find solace with a view in Essex County, NJ: Home to the Essex County 9/11 Memorial located in Eagle Rock Reservation, this 400+ acre park offers stunning New York City skyline views and a poignant place to pay tribute to the victims of the tragic September 11th attacks.
Source => essexcountyparks.org

Did you know that New Jersey is a major ingredient in America's fruit salad? Discover how its 9,800 farms play a crucial role in supplying delicious fruits and veggies across the nation! 🌱🍇🍑

=> Fun Facts about New-Jersey

3. Essex County's Hockey Legacy

If you enjoy puck-er punchlines and icing on the rink, Essex County, NJ will "Emrick" your world: This hockey hub was home to the New Jersey Devils for nearly 20 seasons, and it's where one of the sport's most iconic voices, Mike "Doc" Emrick, became the first broadcaster ever inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame after calling 22 Stanley Cup Finals, 14 NHL All-Star Games, and eight Winter Olympics.
Source => nj.com

4. Edison's Pre-Lightbulb Innovation

Before Edison's light bulb went off in everyone's minds, he made sure we'd never have to resort to watching paint dry again: In his West Orange, New Jersey laboratory, Thomas Edison invented the kinetoscope, the world's first movie camera, which went on to capture priceless moments like "Rescued from an Eagle's Nest" and "The Great Train Robbery" during the silent movie era.
Source => jerseysbest.com

5. Buzz Aldrin's School Roots

Before the stars aligned in Buzz Aldrin's astral ascendancy, they first had to get their buzz on in a New Jersey middle school: Mount Hebron Middle School in Montclair served as a launching pad for the Apollo 11 astronaut, and has since been renamed Buzz Aldrin Middle School to celebrate the lunar legend's educational orbit.
Source => nj.com

6. Montclair Film Festival Mania

Lights, camera, action—and Stephen Colbert in your face! Welcome to the Montclair Film Festival: A ten-day annual extravaganza in Essex County, New Jersey, where cinephiles and celebrities come together to discuss and enjoy high-profile films and live music from April 28-May 7.
Source => hollywoodreporter.com

7. Lea Weinberg's Mesh Mastery

Lea Weinberg, the Jane of all trades in the world of sculptures, "meshes" up Essex County with her game-changing artistic skills: In the heart of New Jersey's Essex County, you'll find an assortment of jaw-dropping bronze assemblages, wire mesh sculptures, and abstract reliefs created by talented semi-abstract sculptor Lea Weinberg, enriching the streets and parks with the area's diverse cultural heritage and history.
Source => leaw-sculptor.com