Travel

Exploring Long Island

I recently moved to Long Island New York about 10 months ago and so far these are my highlights…

As you all know, Kelly and I grew up in Westchester New York. It’s a smaller suburban town about an hour away from the New York City (metro north rail road) not to be mistaken with “up state” New York. So to be clear, we did not grow up with cows and farm land, haha! As we grew up though, we moved out of our hometown and have found ourselves in new places. Kelly is now in Stamford CT and I am in Nesconset NY, the north shore of Long Island New York.

I have been  saying I wanted to move to Long Island for a while now. When I was younger I used to go down for long boating weekends every summer. Also majority of my family is spread out on the south and north shore and I remember wishing I was closer to them, the water and never having to sit in Friday traffic. So this move was a happy one for me.

With that said, I was always more familiar with the south shore and thought I would be there. However, I am so happy I met my fiancé and that he was from the north shore. Why though? The north shore reminds me more of Westchester. More land between houses, more hills and scenic spots and great restaurants. So there wasn’t a huge adjustment other than the traffic.

If you are not from Long Island and are planning on visiting, give yourself extra time during the day to get to places. There are so many traffic lights and it can take 30+ mins, stop and go, to get to the closest places. I really get why people don’t travel outside their town as much now.

That’s okay though, because on the days I am okay with driving through the traffic, I have ventured and found some amazing spots:

  1. Cabo Fresh (Stony Brook, Smithtown, Centerreach and Commack). This healthier Mexican on the go or to stay spot has become my go to! Staff is so friendly, it’s always super clean and all the food is delicious! I usually make a bowl with chicken or shrimp and ahi tuna! Yup those are options!! It’s a must try for sure!

2. The Walt Whitman Mall (Huntington). This is one of the main malls on Long Island and has everything! It’s a-little bit of a drive for me but well worth it since they have a Bloomingdales and Nordstrom! 

3. Insignia (Smithtown). This is one of our favorite date night spots. It’s on the pricier side but always a great experience and we always leave feeling so full. Also they have a loyalty program so it’s worth it when you go 2 times for the 3rd visit. 

4. Cedar Point Camping (East Hampton). I want a couple of years ago and you can either choose a glamping stay, camper stay or even build your own tent type of stay! There’s a local beach and there is something about disconnecting and just enjoying time with friends and family. 

5. Lavender By The Bay (Calverton). This is one of my favorite spots on the North Fork. Greta photo spot and their lavender to buy is divine!

6. Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium (Centerport). This was a hidden gem we found while house hunting. There’s so much history and the views and garden are amazing!

Check out past post: Home Reno Part 1

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