10 Fun-Paired Local Summer Adventures

    For those who cannot take that big summer vacation, we present a list of 10 local forays from Montauk to the Bronx (www.iloveny.com).  Look for on-line promotions and coupons before planning your visit. Bring bicycles, picnic lunch, bathing suits, sunscreen, bug spray, and let the fun begin:

    • Montauk Point Lighthouse and Montauk and Camp Hero State Parks for hiking and picnicking.  For a beautiful sunset view, dinner outdoors at Gosman’s Dock is fabulous.
    • Shelter Island’s Mashomack Preserve and Sylvester Manor Educational Farm. The Preserve is edged by 10 miles of coastline and boasts 200 bird species as well as deer, fox, turtle, butterflies.  The 8,000-acre Manor includes an arts and educational center and organic farm.
    • Splish Splash Waterpark and Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead. Keep cool at the Waterpark.  The Aquarium hosts the Lost Temple of Atlantis and Poseidon’s Treasure Room exhibits. Check www.longislandaquarium.com for upcoming events including moonlight cruises on the Peconic River.
    • Sweetbriar Nature Center and Vivarium (butterfly house) and Blydenburgh Park, Smithtown.   Sweetbriar is a 54-acre educational preserve home to injured fox, hawk, owls, pigs, bird, waterfowl and more. Hike the Chipmunk, Upper and Lower River trails. Blydenburgh offers hiking, freshwater fishing, rowboat rentals, bridle paths, and more. 
    • Heckscher State Park and Fire Island Lighthouse. Heckscher covers 1,657 acres on the Great South Bay’s shore.  There are 4 miles of paved trails for biking and walking.  The Lighthouse is accessible by foot on the east end of Robert Moses.
    • Old Westbury Gardens and Cradle of Aviation Museum. Westbury Gardens is home to an historic mansion and 200 acres of lush grounds of flora. Daily tours are available.  The Garden City Museum includes a Planetarium and Dome Theatre Shows.
    • Planting Fields Arboretum and Japanese Stroll Garden. The Oyster Bay Arboretum covers 400 acres and is home to the Coe Hall Historic House.  The Mill Neck Stroll Garden spans 4 acres and includes a Tea House. A quiet and perfect getaway for two!
    • Boardwalk and Beach, Long Beach. 2 ¼ miles long, great sunset views! Check www.longbeachny.gov for calendar of events for concerts, flea markets, movie nights, and more. 
    • Flushing Meadows Corona Park and New York Hall of Science. Walk and bike the 1964-65 World’s Fair Grounds.  Visit the Queens Museum of Art, New York Hall of Science, and Citi Field!
    • Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden.  It is the largest Metropolitan zoo and the 250-acre Garden supports over 1 million living plants.  Check www.nybg.org for exhibitions and events.

Have a Safe and Happy Summer!