Plan your spring break on Long Island: Explore spots in Nassau, Suffolk and the East End
Plan a fun-filled day or weekend on Long Island this spring break. Credit: Pinot's Palette
Spring break is a time for students to cut loose while winter flips to slightly warmer temperatures. Due to the pandemic and travel restrictions, many college students are staying home this year, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of fun to be had right here on Long Island.
Here are some spots in Nassau, Suffolk and on the East End to explore this season.
NASSAU & SUFFOLK The Adventure Park, cooking classes and ax throwing
NASSAU & SUFFOLK The Adventure Park, cooking classes and ax throwing
THINGS TO DO
Guests attending The Adventure Park in Wheatley Heights navigate above-ground trails via platforms, ropes and ziplines. Credit: The Adventure Parks of Outdoor Ventures
The Adventure Park (75 Colonial Springs Rd., Wheatley Heights; 631-983-3844, myadventurepark.com) is reopening just in time for spring break 2021 (March 26). The season will include three new trails, giving the park a total of 14 trails and 26 zip lines. Saturday evenings will feature "Glow in the Park" events, which occur after dark and feature both LED lighting and music. General admission is $64, but college students can use code "STUDENT2020" to get a 15% discount. "Last Call" tickets, for the final hours of the day, are $48, Glow in the Park is $54.
At Modern Terrarium Bar, you can drop in to craft your own terrarium or choose one that has already been created. Credit: Barry Sloan
If you're looking to do something fun and creative this break, head to the Modern Terrarium Bar By ReCreateU (19 S. Village Ave., Rockville Centre; 516-678-8886, modernterrariumbar.com). This spot uses organic and plant-based products for its terrarium-constructing workshops, which includes a "DIY Terrarium" option (starts at $35) that allows visitors to tailor their very own. Pick a container, use colored sand to build layers then pick out a succulent. Guests can also add healing crystals, colored rocks and colored moss to their projects. Mask-wearing is required.
Emerge Yoga and Wellness in Massapequa offers fitness classes and private sessions, the latter of which can be customized with a variety of yoga and holistic disciplines. Credit: Joe Longo
Emerge Yoga and Wellness, (623 Broadway, Massapequa; 516-252-3526, emergeyogawellness.com) a yoga studio and holistic center, is holding special group sessions for those looking to work out during their time off. During March, the studio is offering a "New Student" special which includes five classes for $35 (with a one-month expiration to use). Private classes are customizable, and options include Land Yoga, AntiGravity Yoga, Meditation and Sound Bath. The intensity of the services can be modified to be more upbeat or zen, depending on preference. Rooms are cleaned between each gathering, masks are required and limited capacity in classes.
Nighttime golfing on the par 3 course at Heartland Golf Park in Edgewood. Credit: Newsday/Jeffrey Basinger
Join in on some friendly competition at the Heartland Golf Park (1 Executive Dr., Edgewood; 631-667-7400, heartlandgolfpark.com). The golf park features a driving range, mini-golf course and an executive par-3 nine-hole golf course. Stalls are 6 feet apart and the venue is equipped with an automatic tee system, where golf balls are disinfected before returning for further use and all 92 hitting stalls are wiped down between uses; masks are required for entry.
Stephanie Levine and Shobna Tomescu frost cupcakes during a class on the essentials of baking carrot and red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting at the Baking Coach in Huntington. Credit: Linda Rosier
Why not try a cooking class with your free time? The Baking Coach (320 Broadway Greenlawn, Huntington; 631-543-8608, bakingcoach.com) is holding in-person lessons in March and April. Classes include making sprinkle cookies and black-and-white cookies (March 27), cake pops (March 31) and homemade ravioli with classic tomato sauce (April 3). In-person workshops start at $85 per person and are paid for in advance.
Brittany Larkin throws an ax at Molly Hatchets Urban Axe Throwing venue in Ronkonkama. Credit: Morgan Campbell/Morgan Campbell
A fun group activity to try is axe throwing at Molly Hatchets Urban Axe Throwing (860 S. Second St., Ronkonkoma; 631-648-9622, axethrowinglongislandny.com), where you can hoist and hurl actual axes at targets. The spot is at a half-capacity limit for guests and the general rate is $29.99 per person for 90 minutes. Customers must fill out COVID-related health forms and temperature checks are taken; masks are required and axes are sterilized between sessions.
Paint a masterpiece at Pinot's Palette in Bay Shore and East Meadow. Credit: Raychel Brightman
Join a painting class at Pinot's Palette studios this break in Bay Shore (61 W. Main St., Bay Shore; 631-446-4777; pinotspalette.com) and East Meadow (2557 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow; 516-390-8740). Classes at the East Meadow location are $40 per class, while Bay Shore is having $35 classes during the day ($39 evenings) and both use disposable aprons, social distancing is in effect; classes must be reserved and paid for in advance.
People jog and walk on the trail at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve. Credit: Danielle Silverman
Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve (1600 Merrick Rd., Merrick; 516-804-2000, hempsteadny.gov) is equipped with the possibilities for fishing and kayaking, a hike here can take you 115 feet high, which provides views of the Manhattan skyline and Jones Beach tower, as well as all the area that surrounds. Keep an eye out for lots of birds that flit by, and the occasional fox that shoots out across the hiking trail, but for a unique animal encounter, a herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats also live on the park premises.
DINING
Guests of Coach Meeting House in Oyster Bay can now dine in an igloo at the restaurant's "Winter Village," located behind the building. Credit: Coach Meeting House
Coach Meeting House (160 Mill River Rd., Oyster Bay; 516-588-9288, coachgrillandtavernoysterbay.com) is serving brunch seven days a week (noon to 2 p.m.). The brunch is $30 per person weekdays ($40 Saturdays and Sundays) and guests can enjoy their meal in the outdoor igloos that come equipped with outdoor fire pits. The menu includes unlimited champagne for two hours plus orange juice, peach bellini and Aperol spritz mixes. Menu items include French toast, pancakes and bacon-egg-cheese sliders. Dogs are welcome outside, a DJ spins background beats weekends.
Chirashi is one of the sushi dishes on the menu at Sasa in Farmingdale, Jan. 2, 2017. Credit: Newsday/Erica Marcus
Sasa (2119 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale; 631-465-0346, sasahibachi.com) features Hibachi, Hawaiian poke bowls, sushi and Asian fusion food; it also serves Soju, an alcoholic beverage that is available in flavors like strawberry, yogurt, green apple and peach. Reservations are required.
Guests hang out and sip on flights of beer in the tasting room at Oyster Bay Brewing Co. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Oyster Bay Brewing Co. (6 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay; 516-802-5546, oysterbaybrewing.com) is a good choice for groups to enjoy some pints or flavored seltzers. The brewery allows leashed, friendly dogs inside (and there are heaters outside for outdoor seating). These brew crafters are well known for their "Barn Rocker" Islanders team tribute ale — but come April visitors can look for a "Summer Peach" beverage and a fresh seltzer-based craft cocktail.
NORTH FORK Nature walks, bowling and brunch spots
NORTH FORK Nature walks, bowling and brunch spots
THINGS TO DO
Orient Beach State Park in Orient. Credit: Randee Daddona
Wildlife is abundant at Orient Beach State Park, from the crabs that visibly scuttle along the river to the osprey and other birds that fly overhead — seals can be spotted on occasion. Parking fees aren’t collected until the spring. (40000 Main Rd.; 631-323-2440, parks.ny.gov)
Danny Rubin of Oceanside spends time with his dog Jet at the Greenport Harbor Brewing Company in Peconic. Credit: Randee Daddona
The North Fork may be famously known for its vino, but Greenport Harbor Brewing Company (42155 Main Rd.; 631-477-1100, greenportharborbrewing.com) continues to be a popular stop — and with a beer garden and large field space, it’s able to provide lots of outdoor space for visitors. Heat lamps, fireplaces and fire pits are on site and leashed dogs are also allowed inside the tasting room and outside as well.
A table in the tasting room of RG | NY winery in Riverhead. Credit: RG|NY
RG | NY (6025 Sound Ave., Riverhead; 631-298-0075, rgnywine.com) tasting room is open without reservations required for weekdays. Customers visiting during the last week of March and first week of April can look forward to trying $65 "Blending Sessions" that allow attendees to create and modify a red wine to take home, or try the $38 "RG Experience," a private wine and food pairing opportunity; wine flights ($17-$22) are also available.
One of the bowling lanes at The All Star in Riverhead, where several changes have been made to make sure the experience there is safe and COVID compliant. Credit: Chris Keller
Grab some friends and go bowling at The All Star in Riverhead. Advance reservations are recommended to secure a lane, and once you are in your designated space, your party will be separated from the next by dividers. Rental shoes and bowling balls are sanitized between uses. Your temperature will be checked upon arrival. (96 Main Rd.; 631-998-3565, theallstar.com)
DINING
Patrons grabbing a bite to eat at the Love Lane Kitchen on Love Lane in Mattituck. Credit: Randee Daddona
Spring breakers will find no shortage of brunch spots on the North Fork and over in Mattituck, Love Lane Kitchen (240 Love Ln., Mattituck, 631-298-8989, lovelanekitchen.com) has put together a variety of brunch options. Brunchers can come here for unique edibles like its lemon ricotta pancakes and French toast that comes stuffed with cheesecake filling, topped with a berry compote. Prosecco cocktails available include the "Pom it Up" (with pomegranate and fresh lemon) and the "French 75" (with gin, lemon, simple syrup), while "The Rally" espresso martini is served with coffee ice cubes.
Mattituck is also home to East on Main (10560 Main Rd.; 631-298-7208, nofoeastonmain.com) with a menu that includes in-house butchered steaks that are cooked to order and a meatloaf entree that comes wrapped in bacon and then topped with brie before getting a drizzle of house red wine sauce. The eatery is also known for its shrimp and grits — but diners can also look for its "backwards wings" that are fried then tossed in blue cheese before being crusted in gorgonzola cheese and served with buffalo sauce.
OVERNIGHT STAY
The neon sign that hangs over the office of the Silver Sands Motel in Greenport. Credit: Kevin Ferris
Boutique hotels are easily found in Greenport but Silver Sands (1400 Silvermere Rd., Greenport; 631-477-0011, silversands-motel.com), located on Peconic Bay, is open in the winter and early spring for groups of friends staying overnight on the North Fork. More than 60 years old, the motel has retained a classic look, which has also turned it into a oft-used place for commercials, music videos and fashion photography. A winter deal at the hotel includes $150 plus tax for two people, $50 for each extra person a night.
SOUTH FORK Painting classes, golfing and dining spots
SOUTH FORK Painting classes, golfing and dining spots
THINGS TO DO
Dewey poses for the camera during a painting session at Pawcasso Art Studio in Westhampton Beach. Credit: Ian J. Stark
Pawcasso Art Studio and Pet Boutique (8 Moniebogue Ln., Westhampton Beach; 631-887-6705, pawcassowhb.com) allows guests to paint in the company of pups or plan a creative night out with friends. Groups from two to 10 people can request a paint-and-sip session ($55 each) which includes food, drinks, materials and instruction. College students with school ID can get 20% off during March and April.
A sampler of four beers at Westhampton Beach Brewing Co. Credit: Newsday/Corin Hirsch
Westhampton Beach Brewing Co. (220 Roger’s Way, Westhampton Beach; 631-998-0800, westhamptonbeachbrewingco.com) has a tasting room and outdoor seating (with heat lamps) as well. It’s also offering events like Trivia Night Wednesdays and Bingo Thursdays (reservations are recommended) and come late March it’ll be serving a new double IPA titled "Riptide" (inspired by New York’s pro lacrosse team). Once April arrives, the brewers are releasing Maibock, a traditional beer based on brews that date to the 16th century.
Guests sip wine on the terrace at Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack. Credit: Randee Daddona
As for wine, you’ll find at Wölffer Estate Vineyard (139 Sagg Rd., Sagaponack; 631-537-5106, wolffer.com) that parties of six or fewer are able to visit the tasting room. Temperature checks will be enforced, and those visiting at the end of March can look forward to a "Taste of Spring" sommelier-led tasting experience.
Montauk Downs State Golf Course in Montauk. Credit: Gordon M. Grant
Head to Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course (50 Fairview Ave. Montauk; 631-668-5000, parks.ny.gov), where the public can play here year-round (weather-permitting) on this par 72 course; NYS residents pay $43 (18 holes) on weekdays, $48 weekends while twilight rates are $26, $29 weekends. Clubs can be rented for $40 (18 holes), $20 for nine holes and twilight. Standard COVID protocols are in effect; capacity is limited in the pro-shop.
A herd of seals sun themselves while beached on a rock in Moriches Bay off Cupsogue Beach County Park in Westhampton Beach. Credit: Ian J. Stark
Check out the wildlife at Cupsogue Beach County Park (975 Dune Rd., Westhampton; 631-852-8111, suffolkcountyny.gov), where seals have been spotted. Even at that distance, a herd can be a striking sight, and it’s not too hard to spot them as they swim around in Moriches Bay. Head to Montauk Point State Park (2000 Montauk Hwy.; 631-668-5000, parks.ny.gov) where $4 guided seal hikes are being offered throughout February, March and April; advance registration is required.
DINING
Guests can head to the Hamptons for a "Bottomless Bubbles" deal offered at Calissa Hamptons (1020 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill; 631-500-9292, calissahamptons.com), which provides up to two hours of unlimited prosecco ($30) or Veuve Clicquot champagne ($45) — and those main beverages can be had by the glass or mixed into cocktails like mimosas and bellinis. The food is created from Mediterranean inspiration, and brunch items include the $26 Lamb Saganaki Burger (comes with fries) and the $25 Souvlaki Platters (with choice of herb salad, tzatziki, chicken or pork and pita).
The prime cowboy ribeye steak with a loaded baked potato at Cowfish in Hampton Bays. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Cowfish (258 E. Montauk Hwy., Hampton Bays; 631-594-3868, cowfishrestaurant.com) provides guests water views of the canal — and both it and its sibling restaurant Rumba (43 Canoe Place Rd., Hampton Bays; 631-594-3544, rumbahamptonbays.com) offer brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and both serve dishes like filet Tournedos (with Black Angus filet medallions) and "brunch burger" (with eggs), as well as drinks like rum punch, bellinis and bloody marys.
A masked bartender mixes a cocktail at Main St. Tavern in Amagansett, which opened its doors mid-pandemic in July of 2020. Credit: Or Harpaz Photography
Gators (6 West Montauk Hwy., Hampton Bays; 631-728-4100, gatorshb.com) is a pub and restaurant that has been an area standard for more than three decades. Menu items include wings, salads, sandwiches and tacos. Main Street Tavern (177 Main St., Amagansett; 631-267-0400, mainstreettavern.com) is another restaurant to try while on the South Fork. Located in the space that formerly housed Indian Wells Tavern, this spot has already established itself with dishes like fish-and-chips, brisket tacos and chicken Parmigiana (sandwich or entree) — as well as wings and burgers — all under $25 or less; there’s a cocktail, wine and beer selection as well.
OVERNIGHT STAY
A view of the pool scene at the Montauk Manor resort in Montauk. Credit: Montauk Manor
Montauk Manor (236 Edgemere St., Montauk; 631-668-4400, montaukmanor.com) looks over Montauk like a medieval castle; you’ll see it on its hilltop location from much of Montauk. It’s also relatively close to both the downtown village and LIRR station—and for late March and early April, guests can stay for four nights but pay for only three. Its new Hilltop restaurant is serving breakfast and dinner, but all rooms are suites that come with full kitchens; room rates start at $190 a night on weekends, $130 mid-week.
