"Freehold, New Jersey" Freehold by happyhourkid

Freehold, New Jersey is a modest sized town located in the east central part of the state and lies no more than 15 miles off the famed Jersey shore.

Freehold is best known as the hometwon of Rock and Roll icon Bruce Springsteen. The town has served as inspiration for several songs and many things are easily recognizable to fans when you visit.

Local residents, usually town officials, give tours of the town and point out the points of interests as they relate to Bruce Springsteen. In almost all cases, these makeshift tour guides also know Bruce personally, as they may have grown up with him or met at a charity rally in town.

Since the recording of the song "My Hometown," Freehold has experienced quite a renaissance, as it is no longer stricken with economic hardship and the racial tensions of the 60's have dissipated.

You can also take the tour yourself, which is what I did. Please see the travelogues below.

• Pros:A must for Springsteen fans and a typical blue collar Jersey experience.
• Cons:Aside from the 9/11 memorial and a few good taverns and restaurants, there isn't much else.