The sun disappeared behind the tree line, ushering a spectacular and vivid color show. By the moment, the sky shifted from cerulean to sapphire to cobalt, blended with streaks of orange, tangerine, apricot and fire. The color of water matched the heavens with its own tint metamorphosis.
Dozens of boats occupied the horizon with silhouettes of admirers, their awe almost heard, as they marveled at the splendid canvas that is Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest freshwater body.
While droves of vacationers proceed to the Jersey Shore each summer, wading through traffic and parking lots, some savvy New Jerseyans instead head for the lake, which hosts numerous restaurants and marinas along its banks. It is also one of the Garden State’s premier destinations for waterskiing, tubing, swimming and fishing.
The lake means even more to Joe and Lisa Leifken, owners of Prospect Point Boatyards, who saw the possibilities to revamp the rundown marina a few years ago.
“I shared my dream of buying it with my wife Lisa, and she agreed but not at first,” Leifken said chuckling. The Leifkens launched their business in 2011.
“I had a feeling we could turn this place into a destination, and it has become one, especially for weddings and special events,” Lisa Leifken said.
Lake Hopatcong covers about four square miles, creating part of the border between Morris and Sussex counties, offering several marinas, restaurants and hotels. For those wishing for a step back in time, the Whistling Swan Inn Bed & Breakfast does well to provide Victorian ambiance vacationers might travel hours for in Ocean Grove or Cape May. Other businesses on the lake feature recreational and sail boat rentals, along with fishing supplies and equipment for water sport activities. Swimming is available at Lee County Park and Hopatcong State Park.
One of several thriving restaurants on the lake is the upscale American and seafood locale Stone Water, also opened five years ago by the Leifkens and helmed by executive chef Domenick Torlucci.
“I have worked here since day one, and I’ve seen people completely blown away by the beauty of this lake,” Torlucci said. “I love the Jersey Shore, but this is a place for those who want a calmer and not as crowded experience.”
Other restaurants on the lake include The Windlass, a family-friendly seasonal spot; Alice’s with its open-air dining room; and Jefferson House, a traditional fine dining restaurant. Andre’s Lakeside Dining, which offers cooking classes and a kid menu, is nearby at Seneca Lake.
Though the lake is not without its troubles. A harmful algal bloom two years ago caused business at area marinas, hotels and restaurants to slow down. Officials continue their efforts to reduce the level of nutrients going into the lake, which causes the algae.
But Lake Hopatcong has been worth the risk for Lisa Leifken.
“What makes this lake special is the people,” Leifken said. “We’re a tight-knit community that loves this lake and wants to protect it. When you think of the history, the stories and all the wildlife around the lake, you get goosebumps. I get them every time I see those beautiful swans.”
Lake Hopatcong boasts the greatest variety of freshwater gamefish in New Jersey, including rainbow trout, crappie and catfish. Many fishing tournaments are held on the coves of the lake, which are rich in largemouth bass. Frequently seen are the elegant tundra swans gracing the water, appearing as though they just stepped out of a photo shoot. The lake is also a resting spot for Canada geese and other migrating birds.
Protecting and preserving this rich environment is an important goal for the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, the main advocate for the lake. The foundation educates the public with programs like Water Scouts and Lake Stewards. They also hold several lake cleanup and water quality monitoring activities.
Joe and Lisa Leifken appreciate the foundation’s efforts, but the reason they love the lake goes even deeper than the environment, wildlife, homes, restaurants and marinas.
“This lake is our home. It gives us so much every day, and we will make sure to give back,” Joe Leifken said.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include the correct location of Andre’s Lakeside Dining.
Karim Shamsi-Basha may be reached at kshamsi-basha@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @karim_s_basha. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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