You're barreling down the Garden State Parkway, maybe headed toward the Shore or pushing back up toward North Jersey, and the fuel light starts its rhythmic blinking. You see the signs for the Celia Cruz Service Area at milepost 76. For a second, you might think it’s just another bland slab of concrete and grease. It isn't.
Honestly, most people treat Jersey rest stops like a necessary evil. But this specific spot in Forked River—right in the heart of Lacey Township—has become something of a cultural landmark since its rebranding. It’s not just about the Sunoco gas or the quick restroom break anymore. It’s a literal tribute to the "Queen of Salsa" herself.
Why the Name Change Actually Matters
Back in 2021, Governor Phil Murphy decided to shake things up. He announced that nine service areas on the Parkway would be renamed after New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees. The goal? Basically, to make the highway less of a "limbo" and more of a celebration of the state's heavy hitters. By early 2022, the old Forked River Service Area was officially the Celia Cruz Service Area.
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If you aren't familiar with Celia Cruz, you've missed out on a force of nature. She was a Cuban-American icon who eventually settled in Fort Lee, New Jersey. She didn't just sing; she dominated the 20th-century Latin music scene with 23 gold albums and a catchphrase—"¡Azúcar!" (Sugar!)—that still echoes through the halls of music history. Seeing her name on a highway sign in South Jersey feels weirdly right once you realize how much she meant to the local community and the world.
What’s Actually Inside the Celia Cruz Service Area?
When you pull in, the first thing you’ll notice isn't the food. It’s the "mini-museum" vibe. The New Jersey Hall of Fame didn't just slap a name on the door and call it a day. They installed actual artifacts that make this feel less like a transit hub and more like a gallery.
The Mini-Museum Experience
Walking through the doors, you'll see a timeline of Cruz's 60-year career. It’s pretty wild to see a sequined stage costume from the '90s sitting just a few feet away from people eating French fries. They also have a pair of her custom-made shoes by Willie's of Hollywood and a silk, rhinestone-encrusted turban.
- The Wall of Fame: High-resolution photos tracking her journey from Havana to the top of the charts.
- Public Service Heroes: Since the New Jersey Hall of Fame organizes these stops by category, this location also features displays for "Public Service" icons like Buzz Aldrin, Clara Barton, and General Norman Schwarzkopf.
Food and Fuel Logistics
Let’s get practical because, at the end of the day, you’re here for a sandwich and a refill. The Celia Cruz Service Area is operated by Applegreen, and the food court is pretty standard for the GSP, but reliable.
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You've got:
- Burger King (for when you need that specific kind of salt).
- Nathan’s Famous (a Jersey Shore staple even when you aren't on the boardwalk).
- Dunkin' (because it's New Jersey, and the state would cease to function without it).
- Z Market (the convenience store for grabbing beef jerky or a phone charger).
The Sunoco station is open 24 hours, which is a lifesaver on those late-night hauls. They have EV charging stations too, which is becoming the standard but still good to know if you're driving a Tesla and sweating the battery percentage.
The Commuter Reality
The Celia Cruz Service Area isn't just for vacationers. It’s a massive hub for commuters. There is a Park and Ride lot here that’s basically the lifeblood of the Lacey Township commute to New York City. Academy Bus runs service directly from here.
There’s a catch, though. The rules are strict. The commuter lot is open from 4:00 AM to 2:00 AM, Monday through Friday. If you’re there on a weekend or a holiday, there is a two-hour parking limit. Don't test them. They will tow, and nobody wants to end their trip looking for an impound lot in Ocean County.
Common Misconceptions About the Location
People often get confused about where this stop actually is. Because it’s a "bidirectional" service area located in the center median, you can access it from both the Northbound and Southbound lanes. This makes it a popular meeting spot, but also means it gets crowded fast.
Some folks expect a full-service sit-down restaurant because of the "Celia Cruz" branding. It’s not that. It's still a fast-food court. The "sugar" she was famous for is more metaphorical here, though you can certainly get plenty of the real stuff at Dunkin'.
How to Make the Most of Your Stop
If you're stopping at the Celia Cruz Service Area, don't just rush to the bathroom and leave. Take three minutes to look at the sequined dress. It sounds cheesy, but it’s a genuine piece of history in the middle of a highway.
- Check your tires: The Sunoco here is usually busy, but the air pumps are generally in working order.
- Use the WiFi: It’s free and surprisingly decent if you need to send a quick email before hitting the dead zones further south.
- Stretch in the Pet Area: If you have a dog, there’s a designated pet-friendly outdoor area. It’s small, but it beats a patch of gravel.
- Avoid Peak Beach Traffic: Friday afternoons in the summer are a nightmare here. If you can push through to a different stop or wait until you're off the Parkway, do it.
The transition from "Forked River" to "Celia Cruz" was more than just a PR move. It was about giving a bit of soul to a stretch of road that usually feels anonymous. Next time you're passing milepost 76, pull in for the history—and maybe a donut.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Academy Bus schedule online if you're planning to use the Park and Ride for a New York City trip, as times change seasonally.
- Verify your E-ZPass balance before hitting the toll plazas immediately north and south of the Celia Cruz Service Area.
- If you're an EV driver, use the PlugShare app to check real-time availability of the chargers at this location before you arrive.