When people hear "Long Island," they may think of a variety of stereotypes and negative associations: Amy Fisher, the horrible "Lawn Guy-land" accent, and more. On the contrary, Long Island has a lot of fabulous summer spots. It is an island, after all...
In the early 20th century, Long Island was known for its duck farming. In 1931, a duck farmer named Martin Maurer built a shop in the shape of a duck. The duck, known as "The Big Duck," stands 20 feel tall and 30 feet long. Maurer sold eggs and ducks from the shop located in its belly. Eighty years later, The Big Duck is still standing and is now listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. The store no longer sells eggs and ducks, but does indeed sell a lot of duck memoribilia and Long Island souvenirs. Location: Flanders Road in Flanders. Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., but closed from 1 p.m.-1:30 p.m. for lunch. Call 631-852-8290 for more information.
Located in the quaint village of Bellport, Gateway Playhouse is one of the only Equity theaters on Long Island. This translates to Broadway-quality theatrical productions without the hefty pricetag or long trip into Manhattan. The mornings are home to children's theater, while the evenings and some afternoons feature fantastic musicals. Since it is located right on the edge of Bellport Village, visitors can easily enjoy one of the fabulous restaurants within walking distance of Gateway. Location: 215 S. Country Road in Bellport. Call 631-286-1133 for more information.
The North Shore of Long Island, or "out east," as locals like to say, is home to a variety of famous vineyards. Martha Clara Vineyards is one of these famous vineyards. For a very small cover charge or even for free, guests ages 21 and over can do a wine tasting of the different wines grown and created right on property. There is a different event every weekend, and some with live music are free. Martha Clara Vineyards has a wine shop and boutique where guests can purchase bottles of wine, local treats, and a variety of crafts and wine accessories. Location: 6025 Sound Ave. in Riverhead. Call 631-298-0075 for hours, directions, and more information.
Are you looking for something fun to do with the family? Boomers is a mini-amusement park for families, chock-full of wholesome goodness. There are kiddie rides, mini-golf, arcade games, go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, and plenty of food to choose from. Every Tuesday through Thursday, an unlimited visit costs just $12 per person. Visit their website for even more money-saving coupons. Location: 655 Long Island Ave. in Medford. Call 631-475-1771 for more information and directions.
Atlantis Marine World is an amazing aquarium. Sure, it isn't as big as Sea World, but visitors can certainly have as much fun there. Be sure to take in the sea lion show as well as the penguin talks. If you have little ones, go into "The Dig," where they can explore some just-their-size exhibits, including an indoor mini-playground. Do not forget the bathing suits, since guests are encouraged to wade in the salt marsh with the spider crabs and snails at no additional charge. If you want to spend some extra money, you can swim with the rays or even go diving in a shark cage in the shark exhibit. Location: 431 E. Main St. in Riverhead. Call 631-208-9200 for more information and to make reservations for shark dives, swimming with rays, birthday parties, and more.
Regardless of whether you are a full-time resident of Long Island, a part-time weekender, or an out-of-towner, there is always something fun to do on Long Island. The best part is that you do not have to spend an arm and a leg to have a good time.
Candice "Candy" Cain is a lifelong resident of Brookhaven Hamlet, New York. She owns the Candy Cain Travel Company in Brookhaven and has planned travel for a large number of Long Islanders and people looking to visit Long Island. As the mother of preschool-aged twins, Candy knows the best places for families to visit without breaking the bank.
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