Experiences to give as gifts this holiday season on Long Island
Camryn Marcus, Angela Bukofski and Jade Hartcorn hold the dessert candles they made at Fire and Wixx in Patchogue. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
An experience gift can open a new passion or lead to a fun memory for the recipient. Some excursions can take them on adventures through crafts, tours or lessons.
One such opportunity this season brings novices to Long Island Glass in Holtsville, where giftable lessons will teach anyone how to make pendants and sculptures out of glass. "There is something really satisfying about learning a new artistic skill set and creating art with your own hands," says Long Island Glass co-owner Brian Gonzalez. Describing the experience as "very relaxing and almost meditative," he adds, "between the light and warmth of the flame from the torch, you will notice how the outside world and its problems disappear."
For those looking to gift an experience they can do with friends and family, crafting studios across Long Island offer workshops where attendees can get creative.
"Giving the gift of an experience is more meaningful because it gives us the chance to create lasting memories with those we love," says Christine Chanowsky, owner of Fire and Wixx Candle Bar in Patchogue where families can visit together for "Vintage Teacup" candle-making sessions.
Here are memorable experiences to gift:
Glassblowing lessons at Long Island Glass
194 Morris Ave. No. 24, Holtsville
Tracy and Brian Plona, of Rocky Point, make pendants during a glass blowing class taught by Joe Pecoraro, co-founder and owner of Long Island Glass in Holtsville. Credit: Thomas A. Ferrara
Open to guests of all experience levels, beginners will receive instruction on the tools they will use and safety tips for working with a flame. After learning how to prep the required materials, participants will learn how to create a glass pendant. Those who choose to return for more classes will learn how to make more advanced sculptures like holiday ornaments and animal statues.
Cost Classes are $165 per person during group classes, $200 for one-on-one instruction, $350 for a couple's class; gift cards are available; for ages 13 and older.
More info 631-730-7074, longislandglass.net
Golf lessons with Golf Channel Academy
99 Quaker Meeting House Rd., Farmingdale; 50 S. Fairview Ave., Montauk; 2550 Clubhouse Rd., Merrick; 255 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach
Rick Matteo, of Farmingdale, takes a golf lesson with Kelley Brooke, of Golf Channel Academy at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale. Credit: Joseph Sperber/Joseph Sperber
Sports fanatics or anyone wanting to learn a new skill can take lessons with Golf Channel Academy. Golf balls and clubs are included in the lesson and participants will learn the ins and outs of the game with certified Ladies Professional Golf Association professional Kelley Brooke and her team. Single introductory private and group lessons are available for adults and kids 3 and older. Instruction is offered at Bethpage State Park, Montauk Downs Golf Course, The 9 at Merrick Golf Course and Lido Golf Club.
Cost Private sessions start at $100; gift cards can be purchased online.
More info 516-249-4040, golfchannelacademykelleybrooke.com
Swing dance lessons with Long Island Swing Syndicate
375 Westbury Ave., Carle Place
The Long Island Swing Syndicate offers dance lessons and hosts dances for all skill levels. Credit: Long Island Swing Syndicate/Jesse Piazza
LISS offers lessons at 375 Dance Studio and at various Long Island bars. Novices should look for more beginner-friendly classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while monthly Sunday workshops are for more experienced swing dancers. Beginners will learn the fundamentals of swing dancing including steps, dancing with a partner and proper arm movements.
Cost 30-minute drop-in lessons at local bars start at $10, monthly workshops in Carle Place start at $50; Gift certificates can be used for private lessons, workshops and monthly lessons hosted at bars.
More info 516-778-5299, liswingsyndicate.com
Make a talisman at The Studio
426 Main St., Center Moriches
Local artisan Rebecca Dolber not only sells handcrafted jewelry at her studio, she also teaches classes in design and holds jewelry-making workshops. Guests can make a talisman necklace, which is intended to bring good luck and protection to the person wearing it. Open to beginners starting at age 12, classes begin with an introduction to stones and the symbolism of specific charms. Participants will then choose birthstones, crystals and spacers to add to the chain and will learn how to create a talisman using wire and beading tools. Everyone receives a workbook and cloth pouch to store what they've created. Workshop sessions can be booked online with a minimum of four participants. Additional workshops include earring and friendship bracelet making.
Cost Talisman making classes (scheduled by appointment) run from 90 minutes to two hours starting at $50 per person at The Studio, off-premises for $75 per person (with a $100 flat travel fee); gift cards are available to purchase
More info 631-513-7768, rebeccadolber.com
Create a candle at Fire and Wixx in Patchogue
8 W. Main St., Suite 7, Patchogue
Angela Bukofski, 25, of Mt. Sinai, and Kayla McPherson, 27, of Port Jefferson, hold dessert candles they made at Fire and Wixx in Patchogue. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
Crafters can select a color and a fragrance including lavender, strawberry pound cake, honeysuckle jasmine, barrel-aged maple bourbon and vanilla caramel for their candle. Participants will then whip the wax as instructed before placing creations in vessels like jars, dessert glasses or teacups. The shop hosts workshops throughout the month like dessert candles and vintage teacup workshop.
Cost Each class runs 90 minutes to two hours starting at $50, $35 ages 7 and 17; gift certificates are available.
More info 631-209-7997, fireandwixx.com
Vineyard tour at Wölffer Estate
139 Sagg Rd., Sagaponack
Stephanie, left, and Cassandra Pantelidis, both of Middle Village, Queens, in the tasting room at Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack. Credit: Randee Daddona
Beyond its selection of wines, this South Fork vineyard will have visitors feeling like they're in the European countryside. Guests ages 21 and older can book a sommelier-guided 75-minute tour and tasting experience exploring the grounds above and the cellar below. Tour members will sample four wines that are in season accompanied by charcuterie and cheese. Groups can be as large as 10 people. Tours are offered year-round.
Cost $125 per person; call to schedule a tour; gift certificates are available.
More info 631-537-5106, wolffer.com
Take a behind-the-scenes tour at Vanderbilt Museum
180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport
Eagle's Nest mansion clocktower at the Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport. Credit: Morgan Campbell / Marisol Díaz
This regal Gold Coast mansion and estate known as the Eagle’s Nest was once the summer home of William K. Vanderbilt II, but now serves as a historic landmark. Some of its splendor can be viewed on public tours, but much of the mansion is off-limits unless guided during a private tour. Participants can book a behind-the-scenes experience that gives access to the living quarters of the former residents, providing a deeper look at their luxurious lifestyle. Reservations can be made at 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily for private tours and general tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Cost $150 for up to four guests, $200 for groups up to eight, then $20 per additional patron; Gift certificates can be purchased in any amount and used in the Gift Shop or to purchase tours or planetarium show tickets or contact: carol@vanderbiltmuseum.org for more information.
More info 631- 854-5579, vanderbiltmuseum.org