Things to Do in East Hanover

Sweat removes toxins from the body. Fevers burn away unwelcome invaders. Heat allows muscles to extend and contract further. Heat can be healthy, a lesson Bikram Choudhury embraced when he moved his yogic practice into a 105-degree room, 2 degrees hotter than the average temperature inside a yak. The idea caught on, spreading around the world and eventually coming to Bikram Yoga Westfield in the form of Bikram-certified teachers. They lead Choudhury's classic series of 26 asanas and two breathing exercises, a 90-minute session of stretching in which each pose builds upon the benefits of the last. In addition to their signature heated yoga, the staff members also facilitate wellness with massage services, holistic nutritional counseling, and even CrossFit coaching through their sister organization, CrossFit Westfield.

The phosphorescent, indoor landscape at Monster Mini Golf immerses putters in an eerie universe that inverts the sun-soaked cheer of conventional courses. Rimmed in glowing green barriers, 18 holes lure swingers of all sizes to challenge their coordination and resolve in the face of winged monsters, scowling animated trees, a creepy clown, and their opponents' shockingly dazzling smiles. Sheltered from searing rain and howling wind, the indoor course enables play around hazards such as a spell well and luminous, ghostly windmill at any time of the year. An in-house radio station and DJ mask the sound of pounding hearts with lively beats and course commentary, and golfers looking for additional glory can win prizes by participating in regular contests or at the onsite arcade (arcade games not covered by this Groupon).

The brainchild of Ivan Ruiz—a sommelier who’s perfected mealtime pairings at restaurants across New York City—the Summit Wine & Food Festival celebrates the intersection between great wine and great food while simultaneously raising funds for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Celebrity chefs from Bravo and the Food Network and local guest chefs share their knowledge during events including lectures on California’s undiscovered cult wines, a crash course in peppers from James Beard Foundation Award–winner Maricel Presilla, and a tasting seminar exploring the flavors and nuances of cognac. Sommeliers also share the spotlight at the summit—showcasing varietals from domestic and international vineyards such as the Spanish Campo Viejo, the Argentinean Graffigna, and Californian Alex Sotelo—and clear up the misconception that grapes are just confident blueberries.

The phosphorescent indoor landscape at Monster Mini Golf immerses putters in an eerie universe that inverts the sun-soaked cheer of conventional courses. Rimmed in glowing green barriers, 18 holes lure swingers of all sizes to challenge their coordination and resolve in the face of winged monsters, scowling animated trees, a creepy clown, and their opponents' shockingly dazzling smiles. Sheltered from searing rain and howling wind, the indoor course enables play around hazards such as a spell well and luminous, ghostly windmill at any time of the year. An in-house radio station and DJ mask the sound of pounding hearts with lively beats and course commentary, and golfers looking for additional glory can win prizes by participating in regular contests or at the on-site arcade.

As a living landmark to the performing arts and cornerstone of the Rahway Arts District, the Union County Performing Arts Center has endured history and earned its way onto the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Recently restored to its 1928 luster, the former Rahway Theatre retains the charm and grandeur of its vaudeville theater origins while encouraging new forms of entertainment. From its 1,300 seats––where crowds once gathered to watch RKO movies and WWII newsreels––audiences can marvel at the theater’s opulent, gold-crested ceilings and ponder how many dresses can be made from its rich red drapes. One of the theater’s proudest treasures is its original Wurlitzer organ, which is small in stature, but emits massive sound out of its 500 pipes.

The ochre walls of Bikram Yoga Cedar Knolls bring to mind vast and peaceful deserts while certified instructors lead yoga students through challenging poses in a 100-plus-degree studio. During 90-minute classes, instructors assist students in mastering Bikram’s fixed sequence of 26 challenging postures. These poses, when performed correctly, sculpt lean muscle mass and increase flexibility enough to help students reach that python hiding under the fridge. Due to the extreme temperature of the studio, students are advised to bring a mat and towels and drink plenty of water before class.