Dining & Entertainment Seasons 2024 - Edition Two

Long Island is known for its world-class beaches, array of dining options, and many other unforgettable destinations. Whether it be the Gold Coast, the East End or just that special place you love, there's so much to see and do right in our backyard. In addition to our regular features, this issue features informative Dining and Entertainment editorial throughout. Plus, don't miss our reader contest, which gives you a chance to win passes to Adventureland! Looking to advertise? Seasons® Magazine is published ten times a year in print and online. Contact us for more information today.

“ I save 20% a month on my energy bills after upgrading my lighting and HVAC system.”

—

John Riley, Grasshopper’s Comics, Williston Park

John Riley loves comic books. And for the last 30 years, he’s been sharing that love with readers young and old at his shop in Williston Park. PSEG Long Island has been with him every step of the way. With $16,000 in rebates, John was able to switch to LED lighting and replace a leaking 50-year-old oil tank with a superefficient heat pump system.* These upgrades save him money that he reinvests in—you guessed it—more comic books. As it should be.

How can we support your small business? psegliny.com/businessrebates

*Rebates and savings will differ with every energy efficiency project.

Mansions, Gardens & An Arboretum

You'll Want To See

The Gold Coast Gatsby Mansions and their gardens attribute a lot to Long Island’s culture. Especially in the spring & summer, the gardens across our most famous mansion estates are blooming and ready for visitors to enjoy their beautiful aesthetic. As you stroll through them, get inspired! Then, stop at some of the many well-known garden centers around and bring your own lovely estate-garden ideas home!

Old Westbury Gardens

Old Westbury

Old Westbury Gardens, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the former home of John S. Phipps, his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps and their four children. Completed in 1906 by the English designer George A. Crawley, the magnificent Charles II-style mansion is nestled amid 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes. Today, Old Westbury Gardens welcomes visitors of all ages for guided tours of Westbury House, in-depth tours of the formal gardens, school visits, family programs and much more.

Sands Point Preserve

Sands Point

Sand's Point Preserve is home to three spectacular mansions: Falaise, Hempstead House and CastleGould. Falaise is a Normandy style home filled with antiques and open to the public for tours. Hempstead House was designed by Hunt & Hunt in the style of an English castle. CastleGould was built to be a replica of Kilkenny Castle, but it was later used as stables and servant quarters. Walk the grounds that overlook the Long Island Sound and step back in time to a period of Gold Coast splendor.

Planting Fields Arboretum

Oyster Bay

Planting Fields is a vibrant site, which features numerous historic structures, Olmsted Brothers-designed landscapes, and world class art and horticultural collections. As a former Gold Coast estate, today it is preserved as a celebration of art, architecture, landscape and the people that resided on its land. Whether you join a tour or not, there is so much to explore at this beautiful arboretum.

Mixed Berry French Toast

Makes 8 servings

Bring Mom Breakfast In Bed

This Mother’s Day

There may be no better way to start Mother’s Day than serving mom breakfast in bed! If she loves a traditional hearty morning meal, this recipe for “Mixed Berry French Toast” courtesy of Taste of Home (tasteofhome.com) is sure to please.

Directions:

Whisk together the first 6 ingredients. Place bread cubes in a 13 x 9-inch or 3-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour egg mixture over top. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Remove berries from freezer and French toast from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats. Bake French toast, covered, 30 minutes.

6 large eggs

1 3⁄4 cups fat-free milk

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cubed

1 package (12 ounces) frozen unsweetened mixed berries

2 tablespoons cold butter

1⁄3 cup packed brown sugar

Confectioners’ sugar and maple syrup (optional)

In a small bowl, cut butter into brown sugar until crumbly. Top French toast with berries; sprinkle with brown sugar mixture. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with syrup.

By Natalie Raccuglia

ILOCAL FOOD & DRINK BLOGGERS

t’s a no-brainer that social media has taken precedence in our everyday lives, providing us with entertaining content right at our fingertips. Diversified into your algorithm you may find just about anything you can possibly think of such as trending memes, adorable animals, the most random lifestyle hacks, nation-wide breaking news, movie synopses and so much more. Included in this versatile selection is food blogging, which if you don’t know, is the art of posting mouth-watering menu options, inspiring viewers to visit a specific restaurant to try their food or drinks for themselves. On Long Island alone, you can find a great selection of dining options, all with their own unique ambiance and delicious selections. Some of which might be popular amongst locals and others that are hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Regardless of what the case may be, food and drink bloggers are readily available to capture menu items that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

@FABFOODLI

FOUNDER: SHEENA COLON

FabFoodLI is ran by Sheena Colon, a wife, mother, certified growth coach and social media content creator who loves sharing fabulous culinary experiences. From fine dining, brunch spots to mom-and-pop restaurants, she has been on an exploration of the Long Island food scene, and her mission is to share as many fabulous food-finds and the hidden gems on Long Island to her followers.

She grew up in Huntington and eventually landed a job as a teenager in Huntington Village. During her time there, she lived for her lunch breaks, making each one an adventure– visiting restaurants like Little Vincent’s, Oaxaca, and places like Meehan’s. Through the years she found herself trying different restaurants and snapping pictures of what she ate along the way.

Her husband would ultimately pivot her decision to make something out of her compilation of photographs that have sat in her camera roll, undiscovered. “When I was dating my husband, he noticed my habit of taking pictures of my food at dinner,” said Sheena. “He suggested that if I was going to insist my phone or camera eat first, that at the very least I should do something with all these food pictures.”

With a newfound revelation, she made the decision to start FabFoodLI on Instagram in 2020, although she had no idea about the foodie community yet or what being an influencer was at the time. Her page has seen much success and she feels the best part of what she does is the connections she’s made with business owners. “I truly love when someone tells me that they came to my page for a date night idea or where to get brunch next,” Sheena said. “Running FabFoodLI has opened doors to so many other opportunities and connections that I could not have ever imagined. I want everyone I have a chance to connect with to be Favored And Blessed and enjoy the food experience!”

BE SURE TO FOLLOW & KEEP UP WITH FABFOODLI!

Sheena Colon

Northport Hotel

THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

@DRINKLONGISLANDNY FOUNDERS: STEVEN AND LINDSEY SURICO

Steven and Lindsey Surico are the faces behind DrinkLongIslandNY. Steven was born and raised on Long Island, and Lindsey not too far away in New Jersey. Both currently Long Island Locals now, the two met in California, where they both lived at the time. Lindsey was amazed by all that Long Island had to offer, the beautiful waterfront bars, unique restaurants, and countless vineyards sprawling up and down the North Fork. “We found ourselves traveling all over the island each weekend visiting as many places as we could,” said Steven. “After a visit to Del Vino Vineyard in Northport, we came up with the idea to create an Instagram account to show all our fellow Long Islander's the best spots to enjoy a drink, along with any places we truly enjoy…and just like that, @drinklongislandny was born.”

“Giving back to the community was always important to us,” they said. “Many of our posts inform our followers of specials that restaurants and bars are running, whether it be happy hours, weekly specials, holiday deals, or events. Our goal is to help save Long Islander's a buck while they still have a great experience.” Additionally, the page frequently runs contests, where followers can win gift cards, tickets to events, and merchandise! Steven and Lindsey are truly very thankful for all the local business owners that have collaborated with them along the way to make it all possible!

“It has truly been a joy for us to create this page together and showcase all of what Long Island has to offer in the drinking community,” said Lindsey. “We value building relationships with business owners and employees, as well as getting to work together with event coordinators to showcase various local events. As we continue to grow, we want to express our deepest appreciation to everyone who has supported us on this journey so far!”

This is only the beginning for these two, so don’t forget to follow their page to join in on all the fun to come!

Katch Venetian Shores

My husband often asks me what's for dinner, and sometimes my response is relatively simple, "Reservations!" And with this cheeky exchange we find ourselves searching our messages for one of those restaurants we promised eachother we would try one day. Accounts such as FabFoodLI and DrinkLongIslandNY are here for moments like these, providing easy access to the dining and entertainment scene, especially when you need a little inspiration for the age old question, "Where do you want to eat?" By a few swipes and taps you can come to an agreement, avoiding the "I don't know's", "I don't care's", and "you pick's". Whether it's a date night out, catching up with loved ones, or just because, I hope you feel inspired to try something new. Be sure to give them a follow and stay up to date with these local content creators to see where they visit next!

Steven & Lindsey Surico

Discover Wine Country

Explore the vast farmlands and winding country roads of Long Island Wine Country, rated by Wine Enthusiast as one of the ‘Top 10 Wine Regions’ in the world. Long Island Wine Country is an industry association dedicated to achieving recognition for Long Island as a premium wine producing region and as a desirable travel and tourism destination.

So what are you waiting for? Travel around the island and sample wines in unmatched settings from waterfront vineyards, to barns, to glamorous chandelier-adorned tasting rooms. Here are a few destinations for starters:

The Lenz Winery Peconic

Peter & Deborah Carroll bought this winery in 1988, ten years after its founding, and when the Long Island wine community comprised fewer than ten established wineries. Today, Lenz is regarded as the maker of some of the best varietal wines around…and this applies more-than-just locally or regionally. Their wines have compared superbly when blind-tasted against many wines from France and California.

Sparkling Pointe Vineyard Southold

Earning coveted 90+ point scores from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator, Sparkling Pointe wines are consistently acknowledged as some of the best in the region. Sparkling Pointe is one of the few wineries where you can sit, relax, and enjoy table service inside the elegant Tasting House, VIP Bubble Lounge, or outside on the Terrace and great lawn overlooking exquisite views of the vineyard.

Rose Hill Vineyards & Inn Mattituck

With a nod to the past and a vision for the future, Rose Hill Vineyards is a comprehensive experience of winery and inn that incorporates great wine and unforgettable hospitality on the North Fork. Come relax outside on their patio and enjoy a tasting overlooking the beautiful vineyards.

Photos courtesy of Discover Long Island

Editorial Content Courtesy Of Discover Long Island & Long Island Media Group

The Lenz Winery

Sparkling Pointe Vineyard

Rose Hill Vineyards & Inn

Despite their diminutive size, blueberries pack quite a powerful, healthy punch. Blueberries contain a compound known as anthocyanin, which gives them their blue hue but also contributes to their nutritious properties. For example, the Mayo Clinic notes that studies have found consumption of foods that are high in anthocyanins can help individuals lower their risk of developing coronary heart disease. In addition, blueberries are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, making them worthy of addition to anyone's diet.

Horseback Riding & Polo

Long Island has a long recreational horseback riding culture, which dates back to the gilded Gold Coast era, when residents were free to ride through most public and private property on the back of their well bred horses.

There are still hundreds of miles of public trails and parkland available for horseback riding, and plenty of stables to secure a ride or lessons.

Horseback riding along the beaches is permitted in certain areas, including in Montauk at the country’s oldest cattle ranch at Deep Hollow.

The horseback riding culture of days past is still carried on through the polo matches at Bethpage Park Polo Fields and the elite riding competitions in the Hamptons every year.

Neighborhood News: Come See Some Of The Top Dogs From Westminster 2024

It’sa real “dog day afternoon”! The Long Island Kennel Club welcomes families and their fur children to the Long Island Island Kennel Club Show on Sunday, May 19, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the beautiful Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay. This year’s show follows the world-famous Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show earlier in the week.

The show will celebrate everything canine, from impeccable show dogs and trick-dog demonstrations to doggie dock diving and an agility obstacle course. Plus, fun-filled events and attractions make this event a treat for everyone who attends! Read on for a list of happenings at this year's show!

• K-9 Police Dog Demonstration: On Sunday at 11 a.m., members of the NYPD Transit Bureau Canine Unit will show how their dogs take down perpetrators and respond to their handlers’ commands.

• AKC’s "My Dog Can Do That!": A professional instructor will help your dog navigate tunnels and jumps, just like those high-powered agility dogs on television.

• Canine Good Citizen & Trick Dog Tests: Does your dog have what it takes to be a good canine citizen? Can your hound give a high five? Testers will be on hand to see if your dog makes the grade.

• Dock Diving: It’s the latest water sport for dogs! Watch water-obsessed pupsters compete for longest and highest distance. A professional will be on hand to teach your pooch how to make a splash.

• Dog Shows: From toys and terriers to herders and hounds, watch these professional pooches strut their stuff.

• Ask a Breeder: This is your chance to meet local purebred breeders and ask them anything you’ve always wanted to know about your specific breed.

• Chow: Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

• Vendors: Take some pooch-centric goodies back to your dog house.

Admission of $20 per car load includes all-day access to the Planting Fields Arboretum (1395 Planting Fields Rd, Oyster Bay, NY), a beautifully preserved Gold Coast mansion and gardens that hearken back Long Island’s gilded age glamour.

Dogs must be leashed at all times. No prong collars, retractable leashes or head halters.

For general information about the show, contact 516-776-0923 or visit www.longislanddogshows.com.

Educational Destinations For Children

Looking for something different, yet exciting to do with your children? Check out one of these four local destinations, here exhibits and amazing hands-on displays help our little ones learn while having fun!

Center For Science

Teaching & Learning

Rockville Centre

Long Island Maritime Museum West Sayville

Kids, families, and school groups enjoy this 17 acre preserve. The preserve serves as headquarters for the Center for Science Teaching and Learning which features a 3,000 sq/ft live animal exhibit called Amazing Animals. Exotic and native reptiles, birds, mammals, and amphibians are presented in realistic indoor and outdoor environments. The exhibit has an area for kids to try hands-on activities such as the puppet theater, animal matching game, footprint stamping, and fossil hunting. The preserve and nature center also has nature trails, ponds, and a gift shop to enjoy.

Long Island Children’s Museum

Garden City

Artfully housed in a former airplane hangar, the awardwinning Long Island Children’s Museum is a creative, innovative and inspiring destination for children and their grown-ups. With 44,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space (12 galleries, a sensory garden and 2 art exhibit spaces) and a state of the art theater, families have ample opportunities to play and learn together in a nurturing environment. Their professional performances include music, dance and theater.

This museum is committed to the research, preservation and interpretation of our region’s rich nautical heritage and the role of Long Island in our national maritime story. Whether it’s boat building, shipwrecks, shellfish harvesting or recreational boating that captures your imagination, they have mastered it! Young and old alike can discover the links between the Island's maritime and natural histories and will encounter some of the amazing creatures living in our local waters. Plan your visit to experience this wonderful south shore gem.

Old Bethpage

Village Restoration

Old Bethpage

This destination provides its visitors with a unique and wonderful opportunity to experience life in a recreated mid-19th-century American village. The 209-acre Village includes an assortment of homes, farms and businesses. Old Bethpage Village Restoration (OBVR) came into existence in 1963 when Nassau County acquired the Powell property, a 165-acre farm located on the Nassau-Suffolk border. The acquisition of the land and the plan to develop a historic restoration were timely, as rapid post-World War II development on our island had taken a toll on the area's landmarks.

Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island

Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island

Cheers To Our Local Breweries

Long Island has become home to many brewing companies, who have proudly produced and distributed their own beer throughout the years. Plan a day to visit one of our local beloved breweries and see for yourself what they’re all about.

Here are a few of our recommendations:

Great South Bay Brewery

Rockville Centre

Great South Bay Brewery was established in 2010, providing craft brewed beer on the south shore. With over 20 taps, there are ones that stay all year long and others that are changed out over time. Some of their house classics include: Blonde Ambition Blonde Ale, Blood Orange Pale Ale, Jetty Cream Ale and the Massive IPA. They even have three full swing golf simulators, along with their very own pizza kitchen!

Blue Point Brewing Company

Patchogue

This brewing company began in 1998 and they have since continued to distribute Blue Point Beers along the East Coast. They have a wide selection to choose from including yearround beers, seasonal beers, innovative beers, hard tea seltzers and canned cocktails. Attached to their brewery is their Blue Point Brew Pub, which features their brewed beer, live music and food menu.

Greenport Harbor Brewing Company

Greenport & Peconic

Greenport Harbor Brewing Company opened in 2009 with the simple and honest goal of making good beer. They now have two locations tasting room locations, as well as a restaurant at their Peconic establishment. Ask about their Greenport Harbor Brewery Tours, which allow you to get a behind the scenes guided tour of their brewing facility and much more.

Jamesport Farm Brewery

Riverhead

Jamesport Farm Brewery has a pet friendly tasting room and brewery in Riverhead. They specialize in bringing farm to pint with each beer recipe having local hops, wheat and barley– grown right on site. They are also home to the annual Long Island Fresh Hop Festival, which features some of the finest breweries on Long Island.

Montauk Brewing Company Montauk

Montauk Brewing Company opened in 2012 and has become one of the largest breweries on our island. They are both dog and family-friendly, with an outdoor patio and tap room! Beers are available in pints and flights or crowlers and growlers. Their Tap Room is a great place for all ages; they even have ramp access for strollers and wheelchairs! They currently distribute around the island, as well as Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Rockland and Putnam Counties.

Oyster Bay Brewing Company

Oyster Bay

Visit Long Island's Gold Coast Brewery! Yes, all of Oyster Bay Brewing Company's beers are actually brewed in Oyster Bay! They are open for flights, pints and growler fills, however there is not a food menu besides their delicious hot pretzels, but outside food is welcome if you would like to bring your own!

• Straight, Curved & Narrow Staircases

• Folds Up Against Wall

• Factory Trained Technicians (No Subcontractors)

• New, Reconditioned & Rentals

• Over 20 Years Serving The New York Tristate Area

What Families Can Do To Honor Fallen Veterans

Thefreedoms people living in the United States are afforded would not have been possible to provide if not for the brave efforts and undying commitment of the many individuals who have served in the nation’s armed forces. American military personnel have played vital roles in securing freedoms for their fellow citizens as well as individuals overseas. Each year on the final Monday in May, the United States commemorates military personnel who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. Those individuals made the ultimate sacrifice, and Memorial Day is a way to honor them and thank their families for their selfless acts. This Memorial Day, families can embrace various measures to honor fallen veterans.

• Visit a local veterans cemetery. The United Service Organization (USO) notes that most states have national veterans cemeteries. Though some veterans cemeteries are open only to family members of service personnel, others are open to the general public. Visiting a veterans cemetery is a great way to honor fallen military members and ensure the memory of their service and sacrifice is not forgotten on Memorial Day.

• Celebrate veterans over Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day weekend is now synonymous with getaways and backyard barbecues. By taking time out during the weekend to honor fallen veterans, families can ensure

the meaning behind the holiday is not lost in the midst of celebrations with family and friends. Take time out during a family barbecue to discuss a family member who served or, if traveling, make an effort to visit a veterans memorial along your travel route.

• Help raise funds for veterans organizations. Fun runs or community Memorial Day walks may benefit local veterans organizations that help service members in need. Many service members may need help dealing with the deaths of friends or family members who died while serving in the armed forces, and veterans organizations may provide such help or direct funds to groups that do. That makes participation in events that benefit veterans organizations a great way to honor current military personnel and those who have served in the past, including those who died in service of their country.

• Teach youngsters about the role of the armed forces. There’s a lot competing for the attention of today’s young people, and that can make it easy to overlook the very freedoms that make the United States such a unique country throughout world history. Parents and guardians can emphasize the role the armed forces play in procuring and protecting freedoms in the United States and emphasize the significance of the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to ensure a higher quality of life for all U.S. residents. Memorial Day commemorates military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. There is much families can do to ensure those sacrifices are never forgotten or taken for granted.

Explore Shelter Island

Nestled between the North and South Forks is Shelter Island, a tiny island accessed only by ferry, from either Greenport or North Haven. The island, approximately 27 square miles, is known for its natural beauty. However, there is plenty to do once you're there and there are hotels to accomate you!

The island's central location between the forks provides guests the opportunity to easily jump on a ferry to the South Fork to explore the Hamptons region, or to the North Fork to explore Wine Country. Both ferries on either side of the island accommodate walk-on traffic, as well as cars, and operate 365 days a year.

When planning your trip, don’t forget to allot time to kayak, rent a bicycle and hike at Mashomack Preserve, a 2,029 acre preserve filled with creeks, wetlands, forests, miles of coastline and more.

Greenport’s Beloved Waterfront Landmark

Claudio’s has a rich history and is a household name for us on Long Island. Manuel Claudio fell in love with Greenport in 1854, when the ship he was working on docked in its beautiful harbor. Sixteen years later, in 1870, he permanently set foot ashore, never to sail again. With the money he saved through his years at sea, he opened Claudio’s Tavern. Throughout the years, the tavern underwent numerous changes and in 1886 he oversaw the installation of a magnificent Victorian bar, which is still there today.

The establishment was the oldest same family-owned restaurant in the country, but was sold in 2018.

Whether a first time guest or a loyal repeat customer, your time at Claudio’s will be memorable. They focus on quality fresh ingredients, generous portions, local wines and warm hospitality. Their parking lots are open for public parking and their marina, which can accommodate boats up to 120 feet, is also open (weather dependent), for docking!

Editorial Content Courtesy Of Discover Long Island & Long Island Media Group

Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island