You’re driving up the Garden State Parkway, maybe humming along to the radio, and you see the sign. It’s not just a generic "Rest Area" anymore. It’s the Whitney Houston Service Area. For anyone who grew up with the voice that defined a generation, it feels kinda poetic. But honestly, if you haven't stopped there lately, you’re probably picturing a dingy building with questionable vending machines and lukewarm coffee.
That's not what this is.
Located in Union, New Jersey, specifically at milepost 145 northbound, this isn't just a place to use the bathroom and grab a bag of chips. It’s basically a mini-museum dedicated to a Newark legend. Since the 2023 renovation and renaming (it used to be the Vauxhall Service Area), the vibe has shifted from "functional pit stop" to "Jersey pride centerpiece."
Why the Whitney Houston Service Area is more than a bathroom break
Most people think these renamed rest stops are just a marketing gimmick by the state. I mean, sure, the New Jersey Hall of Fame is involved, but the Whitney Houston Service Area actually puts in the work to honor her. The moment you walk through the glass doors, you’re hit with this massive, towering image of Whitney. It’s not some grainy photo either; it’s a high-definition tribute that reminds you exactly why she was the "Voice."
The real star of the show—besides the food, which we’ll get to—is the platinum record display. They have her actual award for "I Will Always Love You" right there. Think about that for a second. You’re halfway between the Jersey Shore and NYC, probably wearing sweatpants, and you’re standing in front of music history.
The interactive "Selfie" station
Okay, this sounds cheesy, but it’s actually pretty cool. There’s an interactive monitor where you can basically "stand" with Whitney. It’s an AR experience that lets you take a photo and send it to your phone.
- It tracks her career from the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark.
- It highlights her 400+ awards.
- It reminds you that she was a "Jersey girl" through and through.
It’s a weirdly emotional experience for a highway rest stop. You see people of all ages—from kids who only know her from TikTok trends to older folks who remember her 1991 Super Bowl anthem—standing there just soaking it in.
Food, fuel, and the "Shake Shack" factor
Let’s be real: you probably pulled over because you’re hungry or your gas light is blinking. In the old days, you’d be lucky to find a slice of pizza that didn't taste like cardboard. Now? The Whitney Houston Service Area is essentially a food court that actually rivals a mall.
Shake Shack is the heavy hitter here. If you’ve ever tried to get a burger at a Shack in the city, you know the lines are a nightmare. Here, it’s surprisingly efficient. You can use the app to order while you’re still a few miles out, hop out of the car, and your "ShackBurger" and crinkle-cut fries are waiting.
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If burgers aren't your thing, you’ve got Popeyes. There is something uniquely New Jersey about eating spicy fried chicken while staring at a display of Grammy awards.
What else is inside?
The layout is open and actually feels clean, which is a high bar for the GSP.
- Starbucks: Because you can’t drive through Jersey without a caffeine fix.
- Applegreen Convenience Store: It’s huge. If you need a phone charger, a specific brand of beef jerky, or a "Jersey Strong" t-shirt, they have it.
- Sunoco Gas Station: It's right outside, and yes, it’s full service because this is New Jersey and we don't pump our own gas. Ever.
- EV Charging: They have Applegreen Electric stations. It’s a relief for Tesla and other EV drivers because the stretch of the Parkway through Union and Essex can be a "dead zone" for chargers.
Finding the spot (Don't miss the exit!)
Here is the thing that trips people up: the Whitney Houston Service Area is Northbound ONLY. If you are heading south toward Cape May, you aren't going to see it. It sits between Exit 140 and 141 in Union County.
If you're using GPS, just put in 1 Vauxhall Road, Union, NJ. But honestly, just look for the signs. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority made sure they are big and bright.
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A quick word on the parking lot
The commuter lot here is a bit of a local secret. It’s open from 4 AM to 2 AM on weekdays. However, if you're just stopping for food, don't park in the commuter section. Stay in the main lot. The police and Parkway security are pretty strict about that two-hour limit for travelers. You don’t want a ticket to go with your milkshake.
Why Jersey renamed these stops anyway
Back in 2021, Governor Phil Murphy decided that the generic names like "Vauxhall" or "Brookdale" didn't really say much about the state. So, they picked nine icons from the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
- James Gandolfini (Montvale)
- Jon Bon Jovi (Cheesequake)
- Judy Blume (Monmouth)
- Frank Sinatra (Atlantic)
Naming the Union stop after Whitney Houston made the most sense. She was born in Newark, just a few miles down the road. She grew up in East Orange. This was her backyard. When the exhibit was unveiled in late 2023, her sister-in-law Pat Houston talked about how Whitney would have loved this because, despite being a global superstar, she always just wanted to "go home to Jersey."
Practical tips for your visit
If you’re planning to stop, keep these things in mind. The restrooms are usually very well-maintained, including a family restroom that is a lifesaver if you're traveling with toddlers. The Wi-Fi is free and actually works, which is great if you need to pull over and take a quick Zoom call or check your emails without burning through data.
The "Hidden" Memorial: Don't just run to the bathroom and leave. Take three minutes to walk the perimeter of the main hall. There are quotes from Whitney scattered throughout the exhibit that actually give you a bit of perspective on her life. It’s not just the "superstar" version; it’s the girl who started in a choir.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the direction: Remember, it's Northbound. If you're going South, you'll need to hit the Connie Chung or Jon Bon Jovi stops instead.
- Download the Shack App: If you’re hungry, order 10 minutes before you arrive at milepost 145 to skip the queue.
- Check your EV charge: This is one of the better-equipped stops for fast charging in the northern part of the Parkway.
- Snap the photo: Use the interactive "selfie" station. It’s free, and honestly, it’s a better souvenir than a keychain.
The next time you're stuck in that inevitable Union County traffic, don't just white-knuckle the steering wheel. Pull into the Whitney Houston Service Area. Grab a coffee, look at the platinum records, and remember that even the greatest voices in history had to start somewhere—and for Whitney, it was right here in the Garden State.