Best Fourth of July Fireworks
RIDGEWOOD
There are many viewing points for Ridgewood’ s annual fireworks display, but the best is Vet’ s Field where the ground works are set up. Food trucks are on site and local musical groups perform at the Kaschau Bandshell while the crowd waits forthe sun to set before the big show. This showstopping pyrotechnic display brings spectators from miles around, so come early, pack thebug spray and bring a blanket or beach chair. As it grows dark, just sit back and enjoy.
RUNNER-UP: ALLENDALE
Also knownfor its flashy fireworks is Allendale, which puts on its display at Crestwood with a concert prior to dark.
Best Pool
RAMSEY MUNICIPAL POOL
EAST OAKST., RAMSEY,( 201) 327-1947 RAMSEYMUNICIPALPOOL. COM
Plenty of shade and a deluxe waterslide make the Ramsey Pool in the swim once again among readers as a cooling escapefrom the summer heat. The ADA compliance is to be commended.
RUNNERS-UP: GLEN ROCK POOL GLEN ROCK CRESTWOOD LAKE ALLENDALE STONYBROOK SWIM CLUB HILLSDALE
Whetherthey’ re made of sand or cement, Bergen has many public pools that residents can dive into and enjoy. Glen Rock, with its Olympic-size pool, Crestwood Lake with its fresh water and sandy bottom, and Stonybrook Swim Club for its competitive swim team, all get high marks from readers.
Best Place for Winter Fun
CAMPGAW MOUNTAIN SKI AREA
200 CAMPGAW ROAD, MAHWAH,( 201) 327-7800 SKICAMPGAW. COM
Nothing seems to beat Campgaw as the best placefor winterfun in Bergenand that’ s no surprise. The ski and snowboarding trails, not to mention the tubing runs, make for hours of outdoor fun. Let’ s hope for plenty of snow so that we can fully enjoy thisrefreshing mountain experience.
Best Equestrian Center
SADDLE RIDGE RIDING CENTER
900 SHADOW RIDGE ROAD, FRANKLIN LAKES( 201) 847-9999, SADDLERIDGERIDINGCENTER. COM
Imagine saddling upfor a late afternoon trail ride or trying out some English-style riding lessons. As a haven for horse lovers, Saddle Ridge is a wonderful place to commune with nature while perfecting riding skills. Seasoned teaching and quality facilities make this a wonderful place to experience theequestrianlife.
RUNNER-UP: WINTER HAVEN OAKLAND
With its grand prix field, indoor ring andstables, the family-owned Winter Haven provides lessons from beginner to experienced rider and regular horse shows, where equestrians from around the state compete to compete for the blue ribbon.
Favorite Nature Center
JAMES A. MCFAUL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
150 CRESCENT AVE., WYCKOFF,( 201) 891-5571 CO. BERGEN. NJ. US
One of Bergen’ s most beautiful treasures, McFaul is awonderful place to take an evening stroll on a warm summer evening or really just about any time of year. The flora and fauna that comprise this tranquil oasis make it the perfect place to reflect, enjoy the fresh air and get a good stretch of the legs.
RUNNERS-UP: FLAT ROCK BROOK ENGLEWOOD TENAFLYNATURECENTER TENAFLY
If you enjoy birdwatching and nature trails, then Flat Rock Brook and Tenafly NatureCenter areboth wonderful parks to explore.
Best Golf Course
RIDGEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB
96 W. MIDLAND AVE., PARAMUS,( 201) 599-3900 RCC1890. COM
The Tillinghast-designed course at Ridgewood Country Club remains the gold standard of premium golf courses in the nation and continues to host Senior PGA Tournaments and The Barclay’ s.
RUNNER-UP: HACKENSACKGOLF CLUB ORADELL
Hackensack Golf Club boasts a sprawling 18-hole course on Oradell’ s soldier hill. The private golf club hosts many charity outings throughout the year and is one of the most-desired courses to play in Bergen.
Best Labor Day Fireworks
WYCKOFF
As Ridgewood is to Fourth of July, so Wyckoff is to Labor Day, with its signature, unofficial end-of-summer fireworks display. Youcan watch the showonthe main field or from the parking lot at Boulder Run. Here’ s an idea: Have dinner at Blue Moon, then step outside and watch the show, and then head back inside Blue Moon for drinks and conversation.
RUNNER-UP: CLOSTER
Everyonelovesagoodfireworks display, no matter what time of year, but the folks in Closter get a treat each Labor Day with their community’ sannualshow.
Best Driving Range
CLOSTER GOLF CENTER
153 HOMANS AVE., CLOSTER,( 201) 768-0990 CLOSTERGOLFCENTER. COM
It seems that the 120 heated booths that allow youtopractice yearround at Closter Golf Center makes it impossible to beat when golfers are looking to improve their swing. Or perhaps it’ s the 40 stalls for grass play or the sand bunker that make it one of the best driving ranges in the country. Either way, readers score it ahole in one.
RUNNER-UP: DARLINGTON DRIVING RANGE MAHWAH
Darlington’ s bucolic setting makes it a wonderful place to spend an afternoon hitting a bucket of balls.
( 201) BESTOFBERGEN GUIDE | 2017 EDITION 45