Location: Sparta
Top Things to do in Sparta
What to do and see in Sparta, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Sparta Township is a township in Sussex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township's population was 19,722, reflecting an increase of 1,642 (+9.1%) from the 18,080 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 2,923 (+19.3%) from the 15,157 counted in the 1990 Census.
Restaurants in Sparta
1. Sterling Hill Mining Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Step Into Earth Science.... Come take a ¼ mile underground walking adventure into the 4th oldest mine in the country and the last working underground mine in NJ. Most everything man made has something to do with mining. At the Sterling Hill Mining Museum well show you just how it's done. From drilling and blasting to the processing of the ore, we’ve got it all! While on tour you will see a mining equipment history display, a drilling and blasting demonstration and the world famous fluorescent "Rainbow Tunnel" where everybody gets to take home a fluorescent mineral specimen. Right here in NJ is one of the world's richest zinc ore deposits, the area boasts over 350 minerals, about 70 of which fluoresce. That's about 10% of the known minerals in the world right here in NJ. As well as the richest fluorescent mineral deposit in the world. You can collect minerals from all over the world, including fluorescence, yourself 7 days a week when the museum is open.
Reviewed By Tds1983
This is a great field trip for earth science teachers. The mineral and rock collection is impressive and beautiful, the fluorescent rocks definitely were the best part. Our tour guide was very friendly, knowledgeable and funny. However, the beginning of the tour was a bit long and dry to keep my 6 year old stepson's attention. I also do not think strollers should be allowed on the tour, it's very dark at times and I got bumped and rolled over several times.
2. Sparta Books
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
An awesome Independent bookstore located in Beautiful Sparta, NJ.
Reviewed By John M - Sparta, New Jersey
A great local place to shop. From a large selection of books to great gifts and great helpful employee's! Don't miss the chance to shop local especially at Sparta Books!You rock! We love our customers. Looking forward to seeing you soon!!
3. Lake Hopatcong Cruises
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Lake Hopatcong Cruises has one boat in the fleet - the beautiful Miss Lotta. Miss Lotta was brought to Lake Hopatcong and was completely refurbished during the winter of 2013-14. Thoughtful renovation brought Miss Lotta a much needed facelift in addition to state of the art improvements such as HD TVs in the main cabin, a sound system, stabilizing units, air conditioning, refurbished heads and a covered upper deck. Miss Lotta has a regular schedule of cruises throughout out the season. Cruise options range from yoga, brunch, dinner, cocktail, historical and a variety of seasonal cruises and special events such as Football cruises, Octoberfest and July 4th to name a few. Miss Lotta is also available for private events for groups not exceeding 40 people. Miss Lotta offers buffet style food and a full bar to customers. Catering is often supplied by LHC's sister company - Alice's restaurant - however we welcome private parties to bring their own caterer or choose from many other restaurants we have relationships with. Our staff is professionally trained and attentive.
Reviewed By patsarah - NJ
The staff were extremely friendly. The tour around the lake was great. We went on the 1/2 way to St. Patrick's Day specialty tour, which was fun and festive.
One of our guests is a wheelchair-user and was able to board and access the lower level with no problem.
The bottom is enclosed so it was a comfortable temperature. The top level is open air, but the roof covering protected us from a short rain shower. We even saw a rainbow!
When we left the parking lot, an eagle flew overhead. All in all a lovely trip.
4. The Newton Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By torres2200 - newton, nj
This abandoned movie theater was taken over and made a venue for live entertainment. The acts that are being brought in are good and usually sold out. The community has rallied around this theater for obvious reasons, the seats are comfortable, you can't get a bad seat and the people running the place are fantastic.
5. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By zHojo - Prague, Czech Republic
Very easy trail around Saffin Pond and even longer trails with some elevation to the highest point in Morris County. Trails are well marked and nice waterfall at the far end of the pond under a bridge.
6. Franklin Mineral Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By schmutaki - new jersey
Great for rock fanatics and anyone interested in rocks and mining. It's a small place but there is so much to see! The fluorescent room is amazing and is surely the highlight. The mine replica was interesting as well. We went down to the rock field and picked out some cool rocks to take home which was lots of fun. The staff here are super friendly. Stopped here on the way to the Delaware Water Gap.
7. Lafayette Mill Antiques Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Ramon G - Prairieville, Louisiana
This old historic Mill houses wonderful antique shops. Some shops were like museums with rare and unique items. Found many great bargains with shop owners very cordial and willing to negotiate prices. Fell in love with the architechure of this old mill. Got to meet the owners of the complex. They were very hospitable and I enjoyed talking to them about the history of the mill and the immediate area. Their shop Bogwater Jim Antiques and Worthies has wonderful items displayed and carefully curated to please the eye of savy shoppers. Be sure to visit the last room of their shop with it's lofty ceiling housing among many things, beautiful antique models of sailboats and yachts. I could live in that room. Be sure to stop at the Millside Cafe in the complex for a delicious meal and home made pie before you leave!
8. Bowling Green Golf Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Jakuchis - Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Nestle in the rolling tree covered hills of what is considered northern New Jersey, the Bowling Green Golf Club is an endearing, well kempt golf course. The fairways from tee to green are highly "walkable". Five tee boxes will play to almost everyone's needs (Cornish [back tees] 6,863 yards [6,275 meters] to Forward [up tees] 5,034 yards [4,603 meters]. First time on this delightful, well thought out course. Majority of the holes are tree-lined. The golfer is rewarded for drives and shots that favor the fairway, yet, not punished by straying into the woods, only generally and gently reminded by doing so, that you'll probably have to punch out of the trees with a less desired second shot. Greens are easy to read, with faithful rolls. The setting here is serene and picturesque. The course was in pristine shape! Bowling Green Golf Club is a overtly unpretentious, yet covertly magnificient venue. Very affable staff. Green fees vary quite a bit depending on; (1) the day of the week, and (2) the time of day. (Check on their web site for more detailed fee information.) Given another opportunity to be in this part of the country, I would embrace the opportunity to play golf here once more. Totally enjoyed this course!
9. Scranberry Coop Antiques
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By LYDIA L - Bergenfield, New Jersey
It was a rainy Saturday and we decided to do some antiquing in a quaint little town called Andover, New Jersey. It's about 50 minutes from our home and it was a pretty ride. The Scranberry Coop doesn't look like much on the outside, but walk through the doors, and you, dear reader, are in a Brower's Paradise.
Made up of dozens and dozens of rented spaces, you will find things you are looking for...and things you had no idea until this very moment you needed in your life.
I can't list everything they have; that would be impossible, but suffice it to say that whatever period or era you are interested in, whatever you collect, or are thinking of collecting, you will find something here.
Value-wise, we didn't see anything that was outlandishly priced. We did, however, see differences in pricing, let's say, for vintage bar trays with old beer logos on them. So, one booth would offer them for $12, another for $15, but you have to keep in mind discounts for cash (50%, 20%) and do your little simple calculations.
We found outrageous deals on things we weren't exactly looking for, but fell our way, so we figured fate played her hand.
I have to point out that prices are clearly marked on every item, and that's a very good thing.
The Vintage 1950s Sunbeam Mixmaster I was watching on ebay for $89? Got it for $20. So what if it didn't have the juicer...I got THAT piece on ebay before I left the building for $6.
Mid Century Modern lamps? We weren't looking for them, but damn, there they were, 2 for $60. With the cash discount, we paid $24 each. Christmas linens, old recipe boxes, that ceramic Christmas tree I have wanted forever...
We spent 4 hours strolling and looking...and filling the huge front counter and the little cubby basket in the front with our treasures .
And the best part? You do it on your own. The people who rent the booths aren't there to breathe down your neck constantly questioning.
That is one of the very very best things about Scranberry Coop.
So, go. Be nice to the ladies who run the place; they will happily plug stuff in for you to make sure it works.
My husband and I can't wait to return for some serious holiday shopping.
10. Friar Mountain Model Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Michael A - New Providence, New Jersey
Went here while driving home from various farm trips and was pleasantly surprised to find this place. Let's start with what is good about this place. You feel prideful when you speak to the owner and what he built. I have two girls, so there interest was not as high as mine was...I thought it was great. The blood sweat and tears that he put into this is shown throughout the space. The only negative, the price seemed a bit high. Understandable with the effort that was put into the space, so we spent 30 minutes here, and really enjoyed it. I felt the money was ok...but others might not feel the same.
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