The Mega Millions lottery ticket was sold in Neptune, the birthplace of an Emmy winner

The $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot ticket was sold at a ShopRite in Neptune.

We don't know who won yet, and those outside the Jersey Shore probably don't know much about Neptune. It's about 2 miles from the popular downtown hub of Asbury Park, and a short drive from beautiful beaches.

There are some celebrities associated with the town: Three-time Oscar winner Jack Nicholson spent his childhood in both Neptune and Neptune City; Emmy winner Danny DeVito was born at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune; and Broadway's Lynn Ahrens ("Ragtime," "Seussical," "Anastasia") went to Neptune High School.

Here are six things to know about Neptune:

1. Neptune is the 'Crossroads of the Jersey Shore'

Fittingly, Neptune is named after the Roman God of the Sea. Close by are popular beaches like Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Ocean Grove (a section of Neptune Township), Avon-by-the-sea and Spring Lake.

Neptune not only controlled the sea but bodies of fresh water, wind and storms. And while the ocean can be seen as a crossroads of the world, Neptune is known as "the Crossroads of the Jersey Shore," according to its website, due to its proximity to major Shore cities and the Garden State Parkway.

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2. Neptune is a township of many neighborhoods

There are several notable neighborhoods that make up Neptune, including Ocean Grove, Shark River Hills, Mid-Town, Bradley Park, the Gables, Seaview Island and West Neptune.

Known for Victorian-style homes, Ocean Grove was founded in 1869 by Methodist clergymen. It is commonly called "God's Square Mile," and was one of the only places women could own land at the time of its founding.

According to the township website, Shark River opened in 1923 as a summer resort under the slogan, “a healthy place to raise children amidst the fresh air and pines." Neighboring Seaview Island is known for spanning vistas of fishing docks and riverfronts at sunrise.

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3. How big is Neptune?

Neptune Township encompasses about 8 square miles, and it has a population of more than 28,000 according to 2022 Census figures.

As of the 2020 Census, about 31.4% of Neptune's population identified as Black, with an additional 7.1% identifying with two or more races. A total of 16.4% identified as Latino or Hispanic, 2.3% as Asian, and a majority of 54.3% identified as white (48.2% identified as white alone, not Latino or Hispanic).

After the February appointment of Derel Stroud, the majority of the Township Committee is African American for the first time.

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4. Neptune has great restaurants

Neptune has some great places to eat, including Brick House Tavern & Tap, which has a huge selection of beer and American fare, and John's Cracker Barrell, with filling breakfasts, gooey thin-crust pizza pies, specialty sandwiches, wings and more.

Neighboring Neptune City spans less than 1 square mile, and has a population of 4,600 as of 2021 according to Data USA. It also has some great restaurants, like Local Smoke BBQ, Cat's Luck vegan restaurant, Pete & Elda's Bar/Carmen's Pizzeria, Jama Grille and The Grand Tavern.

5. Danny DeVito, Jack Nicholson, Lynn Ahrens have Neptune ties

Just last year, DeVito returned to Jersey Shore University Medical Center to make a $500,000 donation that executives say will help the facility add new services and keep up with its fast growth.

The hospital "is very dear to my heart because, you know, I was born here," said DeVito. "I guess I had a really good time; I don't remember the exact moment. But I've been here before, visited the place. I've probably had splinters taken out here."

Probably the biggest celebrity associated with Neptune is Nicholson. Few actors in motion-picture history are as accomplished: He's been nominated for 12 Academy Awards, winning Best Actor for "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "As Good as It Gets," and Best Supporting Actor for "Terms of Endearment."

In addition to living in homes in Neptune and Neptune City, Nicholson also spent parts of his formative years in Manasquan and Spring Lake.

As for Ahrens, she was born in New York but moved to the Jersey Shore in sixth grade.

"The ocean and the boardwalk were such a big part of everyone's lives. I was at the beach all summer every summer," she said.

In addition to being a flag twirler at Neptune High School, she was editor of the school's literary magazine.

6. Neptune is home to the Asbury Park Press

In addition to the hospital, Neptune is home to the Fulfill food bank and the Asbury Park Press. The APP office is not far away from the ShopRite where the winning ticket was sold.

Jean Mikle contributed to this story.

Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Mega Millions lottery jackpot ticket sold in Neptune, NJ