Things to Do in Waterford

Heat softens and soothes, as anyone who has ever stretched out in the warm sun knows. Studio director and seasoned yoga instructor Susan Stencil puts that power to use with help from a dynamic team of instructors at Clarkston Hot Yoga. Muscles stretch easily in hot-yoga classes, and exhilarated breaths punctuate Hot-Pilates, boot-camp, and Zumba classes. The instructors also go above and beyond the typical boundaries of yoga, incorporating isometrics, weights, and breathing exercises. Doctor of Chiropractic and Olympic coach King Rollins developed the techniques, which help build the strength to win arm-wrestling matches and the poise to let a boss always win at arm wrestling.

Compassion is the mantra at Yoga Oasis, a mind-body haven lined with glowing candles and shimmering golden curtains. Here, a teaching team draws on a combined 50 years of experience to guide students through ancient poses and breathing exercises that infuse consciousness with a sense of peace. The studio makes yoga accessible to all manner of student, from those who have never touched a sticky mat to those who can perform a headstand on a flying carpet. Yogis even travel to the Great Lakes Cancer Institute, where they help members of the Swan for Life Cancer Foundation find peace and strength through meditation and graceful movement.

Beginners downward-dog into Back to Basics sessions to master hatha poses such as Warrior 1, which forms the foundation for faster-paced classes such as Vinyasa and Flow. In these classes, clear cues and alignment adjustments engage the entire body, bolstering strength, balance, and flexibility. In the Therapeutic & Yoga with Ease class, deep breaths propel students into calming poses that can be modified with props such as blocks, straps, and Shakespearean stage armor.

Hot air balloons float into the air from Balloon Quest's idyllic launch location, taking guests on a bird's-eye tour of a stunning natural expanse studded with hills and lakes. Experienced pilots guide the rainbow-colored orbs on languorous tours, sweeping balloons' teardrop-shaped shadows over hills, dales, and the on-site mini-golf course. After their aerial tour, visitors can linger at Balloon Quest for a picnic on the grounds or a thought-provoking discussion of their top 10 favorite gravity-defying experiences. While flights are made year-round, Balloon Quest has very specific weather guidelines for flying, and rescheduling may be common.

Arcadia Stables stretches out across more than 70 acres of picturesque riding trails, rolling hills, and verdant woods. Formerly Tic-Tac-Toe Farms, the equestrian facility is now under the ownership of Marian Lohff and Danielle Weddle, who have managed to complete a laundry list of renovations in recent years. The equestrian experts’ hard work has helped to maintain the 100’x200’ indoor arena, where riders can master the art of English-style riding during private and group lessons. Adjacent to the indoor arena, a heated observation room—complete with a kitchenette—lets parents keep an eye on lessons, saving students from the hassles of additional pressure or the stench of a parent who hid inside the manure pile just to feel more involved.