<p>Port Jefferson held its 27th annual Charles Dickens Festival. NewsdayTV&#39;s Steve Langford reports.</p>


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The magic of Dickens on display in Port Jefferson

Port Jefferson

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Newsday

'There's a lot of die-hards that are here today'

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Kids can have their day at these annual spring festivals.

Spring festivals

The Beach Boys, Alanis Morissette and Third Eye Blind are among the performers coming to Wantagh this summer. 

Jones Beach concerts

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Lace up your sturdy shoes and hit local nature trails for spring's answer to the stair climber: a hike with hills.

Hiking LI's hills: Where to go and explore

Find lush gardens, woodland paths and plenty of fresh air.

Explore LI's botanical gardens, arboretums

With the onset of spring comes the opportunity to bask in scenic landscapes and plenty of sunshine.

Spring events are in full bloom at LI's arboretums

Before he died, Billy Schettino had launched an effort to lobby for a park at the empty lot that Blue Point residents called "the wastelands."

Skate park named for late teen ready to roll after yearslong wait

Here are indoor and outdoor spaces to safely observe, feed, handle and even take selfies with hundreds of creatures.

Experience animal encounters this winter at aquariums, science centers and more

Enjoy summer activities throughout this winter season.

7 summer spots open in winter for sand volleyball, tropical cocktails and more

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From New Hyde Park to Montauk, indoor pools are open to the public all winter long.

Recreation centers, gyms and sports clubs with indoor pools

Here are some Long Island hotels with pools for use by overnight guests only.

Hotels with indoor pools perfect for an overnight trip 

There's a chill in the air, but that doesn't mean you have to stay inside.

The ultimate guide to winter fun: Ice skating, wildlife spotting and more

The skating rink will be part of a warehouse complex at the site of a former Shirley aviation school, Brookhaven officials say.

Plan for public ice rink in Shirley skating ahead

Long Islanders can do all of this and more at a series of rage rooms that are popping up locally.

De-stress and destroy at two new rage rooms 

Here are ideas for winter outings for the family, from indoor rope courses to roller skating and more.

30 winter activities for kids under $60

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Luke Harmon, 8, of East Setauket, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and his father said he didn't know how to communicate. That is, until Luke learned to express himself by building Legos.

'Really cool to see and know how far I've gotten'

Newsday food writer Erica Marcus talks with Pizzeria Undici owners about the inspiration behind their Massapequa pizzeria.

What makes this pizzeria 'old school'?

Newsday food writer Scott Vogel tries omakase, the Japanese restaurant experience in which the diner leaves their meal entirely up to the chef.

Trying Sora Omakase in Stony Brook

Waterdrinker's annual Tulip Festival is now at two locations. Newsday's Rachel Weiss reports from Riverhead.

'We're almost at full bloom'

At Huntington's Project Prom, students got to pick out free dresses, suits, ties and shoes to help cut costs. Newsday family writer Beth Whitehouse reports. 

'There's so many to choose from'

Newsday food writer Andi Berlin visits Won KBBQ, a family-owned, all-you-can-eat Korean barbeque restaurant in Carle Place.

Inside Won KBBQ in Carle Place

The Friendly's on Hawkins Avenue in Ronkonkoma closed for good this week, joining a half-dozen other shuttered locations from Levittown to Middle Island.

Friendly's in Ronkonkoma serves its last sundae

One Trick Pony is a women-owned coffee cafe in Westhampton Beach.

Inside Westhampton Beach's One Trick Pony

Fans of Melissa Gorga were lined up along the street for the grand opening of Gorga's Huntington boutique. Newsday's Rachel Weiss reports.

'I always said I wanted a store on Long Island'

Sansone Market in Garden City Park is turning out some of Long Island's top pizza at the hands of Auggie Russo. Food writer Erica Marcus explores the offerings. 

'I don't just have to be awake to be thinking about pizza'

Adventureland in Farmingdale adds two new rides as part of its 2024 season. NewsdayTV's Steve Langford reports. 

'Really scary, but fun'

From guidance counselor to restaurant owner: Nelly Mourelle employs people with autism at her empanada shop in West Babylon. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Empanadas with a purpose

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