Things to Do in South Orange

Miles of trails snake through the verdant woods surrounding Seaton Hackney Stables, beckoning riders and their stallions to showcase skills learned from the full-service facility’s multitude of equine activities. A staff of seasoned equestrians imparts English- and Western-style horsemanship techniques during frequent camps and lessons, introducing pupils of all ages to Seaton's stable of more than 35 resident horses. Mounted atop the valiant steeds, the staff also shepherds guests on guided trail rides through nearby environs or leads offsite excursions that explore area parks and horse-only dance halls.

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.

As part of the Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex, located at the historic Chelsea Piers, the Golf Club perches over the same port that once welcomed ships into New York City. Now, golfers tee up in the driving range's 52 heated and weather-protected stalls, which overlook the glinting waters of the Hudson River. Automatic tee-up systems position balls for launch across the 200-yard, net-enclosed fairway. A putting green allows patrons to improve their short game, and two Full Swing simulators encourage them to take hacks in virtual environs, transporting them to famous courses across the country or fifth-grade birthday parties where they missed the piñata.

Children and adults alike can enlist in Golf Club at Chelsea Piers’ classes, which stratify students by experience level. The 13-member coaching staff includes PGA and LPGA professionals, and sessions take place in a 2,000-square-foot teaching facility.

On the Statue & Skyline cruise, you'll step aboard the Manhattan, Classic Harbor Line's 1920s-style commuter yacht, and set sail for a 90-minute cruise past Battery Park, the Financial District, Governor's Island, and the Statue of Liberty, as well as parts of Queens and Brooklyn, including the Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn bridges. You'll get a 360-degree view of New York's magnificent architecture from the ship's cozy, enclosed back-deck observatory.