Splashy ADVENTURES

Sunscreen? Check. Latest bestseller? Already packed!

- JOHN SACCENTI

Summer in the Garden State is special. From the majestic Meadowlands to scenic Lake Hopatcong, from the Jersey Shore to the long, winding rivers of the Pine Barrens, New Jersey has no shortage of places to celebrate long, hot summer days.

Following are just a few places Garden Staters might consider visiting for some summer aquatic fun:

LAKE HOPATCONG

Lake Hopatcong is 9 miles of pristine water nestled between Sussex and Morris counties and is perfect for swimming, boating, sailing, fishing and, of course, lounging on a beach.

“It’s a good alternative to the Shore, but also distinctly different,” said Kyle Richter, executive director of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation. “There’s a lot of recreational boating that happens on Lake Hopatcong, and we have a state park at the southern end that has a great beach.”

Visitors to Hopatcong State Park can swim; fish; play volleyball, basketball or soccer; use the grills; or launch their boat into the water. But get there early because the lots usually fill up by 9:30 a.m.

For those who don’t own a boat, but are licensed to operate one, there are several private companies along the lake that rent them. To explore the water in other ways, The Lake Hopatcong Adventure Co. provides tours aboard hydrobikes, pedalboards and kayaks, where visitors can swing by two of the lake’s larger islands, Racoon and Halsey.

Richter estimates that about 100,000 people visit Lake Hopatcong each summer. Many undoubtedly go to unwind with a tour aboard one of the several boats available, including the Miss Lotta out of Lake Hopatcong Cruises. Miss Lotta cruises run from the beginning of May until the end of October. Themed cruises, as well as brunch, lunch and dinner cruises are available.