Central New Jersey, as much as its location is sometimes "not existent" to neighboring states, or even North of South Jersey citizens, is actually a place with more potential than you think. Why? Because every Central New Jersey citizen knows the phrase "its about thirty minutes away" to be true.

There are a plethora of gems even for the habitual Central New Jersey citizen. Whether you've visited these places recently, haven't visited them in years or its completely new to you, check out these hotspots hand-picked by the locals.

1. Inkwell Coffeehouse, West Long Branch

This top pick is kind of expected, and although this particular rendezvous has been on numerous lists, it deserves to be reiterated just once more. Did you know that some Central New Jersey citizens don't know what Inkwell is? (Gasp)! Well here's the breakdown: It's basically an old house refurbished with captivating decor such as window-glass paintings, wall art, a year-round embellishment of fairy lights and popular culture posters that emulate a retro 90s atmosphere. "Is that even art?" That's the type of art that's there. You had to be there to know.

Food-wise, basically expect all your items to be deep fried and then fried again. From cheese fries to pressed panini wraps with a plethora of dipping sauces to their iconic "Dutch Coffee" (coffee with a hunk of butter thrown in), the munchies provided are every 20 something year-old's dream. (Cheaply priced, sugary, deep fried and probably garnished with excessive cheese). Furthermore, Inkwell offers events all year round with an assortment of local artists, writers and bands performing live at weekly open mic nights.

2. Thompson Park, Holmdel

Certainly a hidden New Jersey gem, Thompson Park in Holmdel offers a versatile range of activities including trails for biking, kayaking, fishing, arts centers, picnic areas, tracks for exercising horses and even playgrounds for dogs and children, all without extracting a penny a from your wallet. Additionally, the alluring Marlu Lake, which lies adjacent to the 4.9 mile trail, is a popular view, great for runners and cyclists.

Through the midst of the trail, you suddenly feel like you're in the centerpiece of an archetypal drawing of a Miyazaki landscape. Here in Thompson Park, you can indulge yourself in the arms of nature as you take a hike to a place that looks nothing like the boring, ugly strip malls that New Jersey has infamously been labeled with.

This is also the place you want to be if you want to catch a breathtaking sunset after a day swimming in the lake. These are the best sunsets ever. Small fishing slots are carved out for privacy when you just want to sit on the gravel, embrace nature and catch a gorgeous sunset as the traveling sun reflects beautifully off the lake water.

3. Red Bank

Although this location is rather well-known for its emulation of fine cuisine and the arts, it may still be foreign to some New Jersey citizens living on the polar ends. Here in Red Bank, you can catch a meal personalized to your taste and budget. There is something for everyone! From organic pies at "Earth Pizza" to West Coast Mexican from "Surf Taco" to aesthetically pleasing and absolutely delicious vegan noms at "Good Karma" to nights with burgers, beer, bros and sports at "The Robinson Ale House" to fancy Italian feasting at "Buona Sera Ristorante," the choices are endless and absolutely scrumptious, as there is always something new to try. Red Bank is renown for carrying one of the most eclectic selection of cusines from all different strings of countries, all within its several mile radius.

Aside from food, this New Jersey centerpiece has a major entertainment console. If you are looking for a night of nostalgia, check out "Yestercades," a retro video game arcade where you pay a fixed price per hour to explore the past. Additionally, the famous Count Basie Theater broadcasts everything from popular performances of ballet, opera, musicals and dramas to local festivals, award ceremonies and music.

Speaking of music, are you looking for a piece of music to add to your collection? "Jack's Music Shoppe" in Red Bank has you covered. With a comprehensive assortment of vinyls, CDs, musical instruments, instrumental books, posters, clothing and movies, this place has got any music and film guru covered. Both old and used music and movies are available, with the used items usually ranging from a dollar to ten dollars.

4. Café 360, Freehold

Segueing into what's good to eat in Central New Jersey, Café 360 in Downtown Freehold is a must-try foodie destination. Unlike every other café, Café 360 offers all types of cravings and appetites, ranging from breakfast to dessert, and everything in between. This little café even serves as a full bakery, where you can customize a cake for your next big event. Feeling like a kid? This kitchen has all your comfort foods lined up, such as an arsenal of grilled cheeses, soups, chicken fingers and of course, freshly made gelato, Italian cookies and pastries. Furthermore, with an variety of choices such as omelettes to pickle fires to pasta to handcrafted sandwiches to speciality coffees, this place has an exceptional flair when it comes to creating gourmet meals in the atmosphere (and price) of a coffeehouse rendezvous.

5. Porta Pizzeria, Asbury Park

Three words. Gourmet Neopolitian Pizza. Porta in Asbury just might be the epitome of this new, delicious fad called "modern dining." With old classics such as Margarita and Sausage to eclectic creations such as shrimp, guanciale, parmesan cream sauce and red peppers or pies garnished with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and even "fried pizza," the possibilities are limitless.

As long as the atmosphere goes, when you enter the door, you are greeted with a soup kitchen kind of feel. Picnic tables are lined up side-by-side. Some people might not like this concept of sitting next to a stranger and sharing a meal, but you can always take it as a new adventure. Restaurants like this encourage strangers to talk to each other and listen to each other's experiences through a completely blank slate. Because in the end, food is communion. Additionally, the restaurant is decorated all year long with dangling string lights, handprinted collections of unused doors and vintage furniture.

If you are 21 and over and want to enjoy a drink and a party out with friends, Porta hosts many events such as a clubbing experience featuring a DJ, discounted drinks, snacks and dancing. While you're at it, you can enjoy a nice slice of gourmet pizza as a 1 AM snack.

Central Jersey has more to offer than you might think. This is just a sneak preview. The real gems are the ones you dig out accidentally, whether it's during an aimless drive with friends or by yourself.

So be sure to check out these awesome, sure-to-please rendezvouses to begin. But as always, keep an eye out for many more and you'll be surprised at what you can find!