Things To Do In Hopatcong

Flying Lead Change is more than just a place where horses can live in comfort; it's a place where people can come to learn about riding and horsemanship. Originally from England, where she learned to ride, owner and instructor Jo Harrison has created a safe environment that both caters to new riders and reignites the passion of experienced equestrians. Lessons follow the curriculum of the British Horse Society and United States Pony Club, rewarding students with achievement patches as they advance in their knowledge of the animal, riding styles, and tacking procedure. Flying Lead Change offers regal boarding accommodations that feature a heated barn, 12’x12’ matted stalls with windows, 18 pastures, an Olympic-size outdoor ring, and a special area where gymnasts can come to re-shoe their pommel horses.

Karen Klein, Art Magic's proprietor and instructor, teaches students of all ages to tap into their creativity during her seven-week art courses, which utilize a wide variety of media, such as drawing, painting, and clay sculpture. A certified K–12 instructor, Karen has been doling out artistic wisdom in public schools since the 1970s and, more recently, in her own workshop classroom. She draws upon this experience to guide budding Monets in her loosely structured classes, giving students total creative control while she stokes the fires of creativity with expert advice and word-association tests.

As a lifelong resident and explorer of New Jersey, Vaughn Tiedeman possesses an intimate familiarity with the region’s natural beauty and hidden entertainment gems. He started Living Adventure Tours to get folks out of the city and exploring the natural majesty of the northeast. He and his guides lead an endless array of seasonal activities such as hiking, kayaking, and hot air balloon tours during the warmer months. As winter sets in, they lead snowshoeing journeys and wine- and beer-tasting tours of the vineyards and breweries nestled throughout the scenic countryside.

Whether you want to perform tricks on a wakeboard, balance on water skis, sail over wakes in a tube, or flip 360 degrees on an air chair, Lakeview Marina can fulfill your needs. The company rents out watersports equipment and speedboats—manned by drivers who know how to make an outing exciting—and its owner, Steve Halperin, is certified to teach any watersport.

Lakeview Marina also has options for those who want a more relaxing day on the waters of Lake Hopatcong, which is less than hour away from New York City but a world away from its bustling traffic and Godzilla attacks. The marina supplies these patrons with kayaks and standup paddleboards for some self-directed leisure time. Alternatively, guests can head out aboard a Grand Entertainer pontoon boat for an hours-long floating party. During these trips, the captain ferries parties around the lake on a boat that comes fully equipped with a bar, grill, refrigerator, margarita maker, and sound system.

Since 1959, the reigns that urge Circle Lanes forward have been handed down through three generations. While the establishment still cultivates the now-retro vibe that characterized its early years, it's also outfitted with modern accoutrements including AMF automatic scoring and regular laser-bowl sessions that set brightly colored accents aglow. The facility features 34 Heddon synthetic lanes, which beckon sure-footed bowlers and discerning woodchucks alike with wood approaches. Bumpers are also available for those who can't yet roll between the lines. Beyond the lanes, Circle Pizzeria stands ready to serve a menu that sates appetites at all hours. Breakfast food such as muffins, omelets, and egg sandwiches gives way midday to a selection that includes roast-beef club sandwiches and pizzas topped with meatballs. Nearby, fellow patrons sit at Cabaret Lounge's wooden bar to sip beer, wine, or mixed drinks. Dartboards, a pool table, and a big-screen television offer additional diversions, ideal for distracting opponents while filling the finger holes on their bowling balls with mustard.