Jamie's Gay Guide to New Jersey

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Originally published on Gay.com/travel

Name: Jamie

Age: 23

Profession: Student, Bartender and Controller

City: Parsippany, NJ

Relationship Status: Taken

Sexuality: Gay

What was the last vacation you took? Where did you go? Where do you most want to go?

The last vaca I took was to Paris, France. Being a French major, it was my dream to go there, and I had a blast! I was there for about three weeks, and I met some amazing people, and saw some amazing sites! I actually hope to return back there for my Master's degree.

Are any famous people from your town?

Yes actually, Jane Krakowski, ya know the blonde on 30 rock! She actually came into Cost Cutters while I was working in Parsippany one night.

What are some of the things you love most about your town?

It's really clean, with a lot of different types of people. I'm also convinced it's in the center of the universe, because it rests on every major New Jersey interstate route, 280, 80, 287, 202 etc. It's an easy ride to NYC, PA, and my favorite next-door-town, Boonton!

If someone came to your town for just four hours, what is the one thing he should do?

Go to Switch, in Boonton NJ! It's the next town over, and it's a friendly little bar with cheap, strong and tasty drinks, not to mention the bartenders! It's okay, I can say that, I'm one there!

What are some great restaurants for a night out with gay friends?

Oh, Don Pepe's, a WONDERFUL seafood place at the edge of town, it's a little pricey, but my GOD the food is to die for, and you get a lot of it.

What are some great restaurants for a romantic gay date? What about these restaurants appeals to you?

I would actually have to name a place in Boonton for this, called the Boonton Ave Grill. The food is great, and the ambiance of the place just sets the right mood for everyone. Being that it has a big gay population, it would be a perfect, safe place to bring a sexy date. Just make sure it isn't a major football night.

What are your favorite gay bars and/or dance clubs?

Switch of course! After that, comes Feathers about 20 minutes away, 80's nights there are awesome.

Where is the best public place for a gay person to make out there (or isn't there one)?

Unfortunately, as open and wonderful as Parsippany or Boonton are, I wouldn't recommend locking tongues with your lover directly out in the open, not saying you would get hurt, but it may not be worth the hassle.

What is the gay community like there? Do you consider yourself to be part of any particular "scene?"

I always like to joke, saying the gay community around my town is a lot like cheers, instead of everyone knowing your name however, we know your sexual history.

Where do you shop for clothes?

The Willowbrook or Rockaway mall, there aren't any high-end fashion boutiques in my town.

If you had gay friends visiting from out of town for the first time, what are some "must-dos" you'd recommend?

I'd definitely take them to Switch, Feathers and the Jersey Shore! New York City would definitely have to be a must, seeing it's about a half hour drive in, and I'd probably take them up to Bergen county to show them the beautiful scenery that happens in the fall in North Jersey.

Is there a local cocktail that's popular in your town?

Vodka and Cranberry!

Where do the hot boys in your town tend to hang out?

At my place?? Duh.

If you had to describe the "average gay boy" style of your town in two words, what would they be?

I would have to say, wanna-be Chelsea boy, but instead of Sax 5th Ave, more like the thrift store around the corner.

What bar has the cutest/hottest bartenders?

My bar, and me!

Do gay men and lesbians hang out together in your town or is that just unheard of?

Oh no, there are plenty of groups that get together, bowling leagues, softball leagues, there's even a group called the Boonton Boys. They participate in various charity events, such as AIDS walks and fundraisers.

Do you have a hometown crush? If so, describe.

Yeah, I did, he was my best friend and he was all punky, pierced and a bad-ass. Still got a weakness for guys with tattoos and piercing's because of him.