How’d you like to take a break on a lovely lake – with wining, dining, and mansion views? If New Jersey’s greenery, gorgeous scenery, or a  floating feast amuses – then book lunch, dinner, cocktails and more on Lake Hopatcong Cruises. If I got a bit carried away with show-tune style rhymes, it’s because many of those mansions we sailed past were built by Broadway stars. In fact, our boat/ aka floating dining room “Miss Lotta” was named for Lotta Crabtree – a successful, wealthy vaudeville headliner. Once you climb on board “Miss Lotta” (the boat, not the lady), you’ll enjoy a two-hour narrated architectural/nature cruise.  There are vintage and modern homes, boathouses, condos and bungalows.  We even spotted an eagle nesting in a tree! There’s a full bar (cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks) and delicious buffet (lunch, brunch, and/or snacks for cocktail hour. The staff is friendly, courteous, and very attentive. (While I was outside exploring the upper and lower boat decks, my waitress “Cupcake” set me up for a second mimosa.) Lake Hopatcong is located in a state park in Morris County, New Jersey. (The nearest semi-big towns are Morristown and Hackettstown, NJ) – about an hour from Manhattan (in weekend morning traffic). It’s a long time since “Hopatcong” was named by the Native Americans, who may have been able to follow those twists and turns down to the lake – so turn on your GPS and Google Maps. (Type in 37 Nolan’s Point Park Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849.) Reservations strongly advised (our cruise was packed). For more information and to book your cruise, visit the Lake Hopatcong Cruises on the web: http://lakehopatcongcruises.com/. Creative Living by Dr. Sue:  You Deserve a Break – On or Off a Lake Why wait till you have the time and money for a major vacation?  Plan a mini-cation that fits your pocketbook. Cruise a lake or local hotspots for relaxation and fun! (Photo of Dr. Sue by Jay Berman)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Book: “Queens of Comedy” (Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!) www.smashwords.com/books/view/219367 Musical: “SssWitch”: www.ssswitch.net  www.YouTube.com/drsuecomedian https://www.youtube.com/feed/my_videos