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