Just when I thought I experienced the best in New Jersey’s resort destinations at the Jersey Shore, a friend suggested I visit the Lakeland area in Morris County, in particular Lake Hopatcong. This is New Jersey’s largest lake and actually is located in two counties Morris and Sussex . The towns of Roxbury, Mount Arlington, Jefferson and Hopatcong border the lake. Each of these towns although distinct in ambience, has real estate properties in common. There are beautiful homes that are affordable where many of the employees of the resort areas reside. Also available are very upscale homes overlooking the lake. Many New Jersey residents are purchasing vacation homes in these lakefront towns. The vacation homeowners use these as their summer/fall retreat and the rest of the year subsidize their income by using the property as a rental.

Lake Hopatcong offers camping, water sports, fine dining, some of the best fishing in New Jersey much more. On Sunday mornings there are sailboat regattas. Regattas are a very exciting event to witness, especially when the lake wind kicks up!

Water skiing! Lake Hopatcong is like glass in the early morning. This is the place to be for water skiing, Lake Hopatcong has many coves, which offer wonderful water skiing conditions. If you have never water-skied before, there are water ski instructors for the novice or for the beginner who wants to become an expert.

Every type of recreational boating is welcome, whether it be speed, sail or pleasure boats. And yes Patio boats are also welcome, the “party barge” is alive and well on Lake Hopatcong.

For those who really enjoy the great outdoors, there are two public beach areas and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation for camping. Many New Jersey vacationers take advantage of these accommodations and use the local marinas boat rentals got their water sports activities.

The diverse nature of dining helps to give an area its atmosphere and New Jersey restaurants are a cosmopolitan mixture. There is something for every taste and budget, attracting residents and visitors alike.

For homegrown fare, The Bicycle Club has the best in traditional American food with continental dishes also on the menu. It is located at Englewood Cliffs, near the George Washington Bridge. The discounted Early Dinner Specials between 4.30p.m and 6p.m on Mondays to Saturdays are very popular. New Yorkers like to relax on Sunday mornings in New Jersey restaurants and there is a filling Sunday Buffet Brunch here.

The most popular meals on the menu include Linguine, Roast Rack of Lamb and Rib Eye Steak. A take away service is also available. Sports lovers gather to watch the big events, choosing from seven TVs. The restaurant can be hired to host private functions, catering to 20 – 100 guests.

Authentic French cuisine is on offer at the fusion Bistro En in Bergen County, where Japanese style dishes are also featured. Japanese flavors can be experienced with sushi and sea urchin. Diners can chill out after their meal in the bar next door, known as the Lounge Zen. Some of the bistro menu is also available here and customers can kick back with a cocktail or a glass of sake. The lounge presents DJ Nights, Open Mic Nights, art exhibitions and jazz gigs. This unusual member of the New Jersey restaurants scene also caters weddings and other events.

Another unusual combination can be found at Jose O’Reilly’s Pub and Cocina, where Mexican and Irish cuisine sits side by side. There is also a selection of pizzas to choose from. All the old Mexican favorites are there, including nachos, tacos and fajitas. Other popular choices include Goat’s Cheese Salad and Fried Calamari. The Irish community is represented with tasty Bangers and Mash, Irish steak and Fish and Chips. There is a children’s menu and a games room to keep the family entertained. The wine and cocktail list is extensive and there is a wide choice of draught beer, including Guinness.

Seafood is a favorite form of food with New Yorkers and New Jersey restaurants contribute some tasty dishes. The Fulton Crab House, close to the George Washington Bridge, has a varied menu that contains many ingredients bought daily from the local fish market. Diners are treated to lobsters, oysters, clams and bay scallops. There is also Dungeness Crabs, Dover Sole and baby octopus, imported from Greece.