Cinema Arts Centre

Move over Angelika, here comes Cinema Arts! 

Located in Huntington, Long Island, Cinema Arts Centre is the place on Long Island to see independent films. If you don't believe us, just take a look at this A-list of upcoming special events including an evening with David Lynch and a visit from animator, Bill Plympton. 

For those of you who may need an education, that would be the David Lynch who created the films, Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive, Lost Highway, Blue Velvet, Eraserhead. Do we need to go on? Then there's Bill Plympton, the two-time Academy Award nominated animator who premiered his film Idiots and Angels at this year's Tribeca Film Festival (you may have heard of it), on April 26th. 

When you go to watch your favorite flick, also check out the Sky Room Café  for a quick snack and the outdoor garden area to see the interesting sculptures. 

Visit the Cinema Arts Centre website for further information about other great happenings at this cool venue. Oh, and show some support if you can! There are many ways to do this, including becoming a member, volunteering your time or donating to the organization. Giving always feels so good!

THEATRE INFORMATION:

423 Park Avenue

Huntington, NY 11743

631-423-FILM

cinemaartscentre.org

Spawning Bunker

The bunker fish are out in droves in the waters of Long Island! Hundreds, maybe thousands of bunker fish could be seen today in and around the Great Peconic Bay.

At times it seemed like you could walk on water there were so many fish. We're no fishing experts, but apparently, when the bunker are out, striped bass and bluefish are usually not far behind (or should we say below). Bass and bluefish may travel below the bunker and feed when they get hungry.  So, if you think something fishy is going on, think again. The bunker are just having a little fun.

Sunset Beach on Shelter Island

In case you hadn't noticed, it's the end of April. Memorial Day is coming and soon the summer will be here. What should you be doing? Well, of course, planning your summer getaways! We've got one for you. Head to Sunset Beach on Shelter Island. You'll be glad you did. 

Open May 16th through September, you've got four months to enjoy this little slice of heaven on Long Island. That said, choose wisely. This is a hipster spot in the height of the season and the rates (and crowds) increase for holidays as well as weekends in July and August. You can take advantage of off peak times in May, June and September in order to enjoy the quiet beauty of the island. You can also check out Sunset Beach for the day. When you do, have lunch and a drink, and enjoy the scenery.

The hotel's beach-side restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere - the kind that makes you want to enjoy another drink and keep watching the sunset. Get what we mean? There is a nice selection of food on the lunch, dinner and brunch menus. It ranges from fresh local Ceviche to New York Steak Frites for lunch and dinner to Soft Boiled Eggs, Quiche Lorraine and Buttermilk Pancakes for brunch. We know from experience that the Salade Nicoise, Seasonal Fruit Crisp du Jour and the Lillets (which you will have to ask for because Lillet isn't on the menu) are good. 

To get to Shelter Island, you'll have to take a ferry from Greenport, Long Island. The ferry lines can be long so, to avoid the crowds, try to get there early during peak season.

Well, what are you waiting for? Head to the beach and enjoy the sunset!

HOTEL INFORMATION:

35 Shore Road

Shelter Island, Long Island, NY 11965

631-749-2001

Read On at Book Revue

Let’s hear it for the locals! Today we’re giving props to our favorite independent bookstore, Book Revue. Located in Huntington, Long Island, this bookstore always has a great selection of new, used and rare books as well as a star lineup of guest speakers and authors. In addition to supporting writers from Long Island, Book Revue welcomes everyone from Bill Clinton to Gene Wilder to Morimoto. While there are too many book signings to mention here, some upcoming guests include Henry Winkler (you may know him as “Fonzie”), Butch Patrick (a.k.a. Eddie Munster) and Barbara Walters. It’s a good idea to arrive early for these events – we’ve seen lines around the block! Oh, and don't forget to say "hi" to the friendly staff from the longislandette!

What do you think of that Barnes & Noble?

STORE INFORMATION:

313 New York Avenue

Huntington, NY 11743

631-271-5890

bookrevue.com 

Strong Meatball

If asked, Michael Maroni, chef and owner of Maroni Cuisine in Northport, Long Island (or should we say "Strong Island"), would honestly be able to say "My meatball is stronger than your meatball." That's right folks! After beating Bobby Flay in a meatball showdown last year, it's official.  This meatball helps put the "Strong" in "Strong Island." 

Oh, but you say you're not a meatball fan? No problem because basically EVERYTHING is good at Maroni Cuisine. Fear not vegetarians, there's food for you too. 

We want to make this post perfectly clear. Eat at Maroni!

Be sure to get the tasting menu.  In fact, if you go on a Friday or Saturday night, you must get the tasting menu. It can run from $80 to $100 per head, but it's well worth it. You will taste all of Chef Maroni's best dishes including the kobe beef sliders, the ribs, the pasta, the eggplant parmesan, the seafood and the homemade sweets. If you want to spend slightly less (around $50.00 per head), but eat most of the same dishes, try going to Maroni for lunch instead. No matter when you go, make sure you arrive hungry because you will probably want to eat until the buttons on your pants pop open. 

But wait, don't go running out the door yet.  You'll need to make reservations at least 4 weeks in advance. The food is big, but the place is tiny. You can reserve your table by calling 631-757-4500 between the hours of 12pm and 4pm. Maroni is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. 

Just thinking about the utter deliciousness makes us salivate!

RESTAURANT INFORMATION:

18 Woodbine Avenue

Northport, N.Y.  11768

631-757-4500

maronicuisine.com

Kiteboarding Long Island

All you need is wind, water and gear and you can learn how to kiteboard. This sport is gaining popularity on Long Island and there are definitely places to test your skills. We hear that one of the best spots on Long Island for kiteboarding is Napeague Harbor, in Amagansett. Other locations include Heckscher State Park, on the Great South Bay and West Meadow Park, by Stony Brook. Lessons are also available. Check out www.w-surf.com for more information about kiteboarding in the Hamptons.  Also read Kiteboarding Magazine online and this New York Times article. Don't forget to tell us how it goes!

Sailor's Haven

Located along Fire Island's National Seashore, Sailor's Haven is a definite fav.  Unless you want to walk across the Great South Bay, or unless you have access to a private boat, the best way to get there is by taking the Fire Island Ferry from Sayville, Long Island.  

Do yourself a favor and hop on the earliest ferry so you can have the beach all to yourselves for a couple of hours.  We don't want to hear any complaining from any of you sleepy heads out there.  Trust us, you will thank us for this tip!

After you've spent some quality time on the Sailor's Haven Beach, head over to the Sunken Forest. Take the one and a half mile long boardwalk trail through the forest. Then head over to the snack bar to refuel.  If you're really feeling adventurous, head back to the beach and walk to Cherry Grove for a bite.  There are lots of places to eat there, and Cherry Grove is a fun place.

See you at the beach!

You can find schedules at www.pagelinx.com/sayvferry/sf.shtml.  

 

Seal Watching on Long Island

Did you know that you could see seals right here in New York's backyard?  You don't have to go to California! Seals migrate to Long Island from January through April each year.   If you are interested in seal watching, there are several options.

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation operates seal cruises from January until the end of April. These weekend-only tours leave from Point Lookout and go through Hempstead Harbor. Additionally, the Foundation rehabilitates sick and injured seals (among other marine mammals) and releases them back into the wild.  Seal releases are open to the public.  Visit www.RiverheadFoundation.org if you are interested in going on a cruise or wishing a rehabilitated seal well as he or she rejoins family.

Montauk Point State Park is another place where seals congregate. The park is beautiful and has many hiking/walking trails including the "Seal Haul" trail. Guided tours of this trail are available, but you can also walk the trail on your own.  Keep in mind that the seals don't know you're coming so they may not always be there. Visit www.montauktrails.com to learn more.  

This winter and spring, seals have also been seen swimming and eating near Ponquogue Bridge. For those unfamiliar with this area, it is located at the opposite end of Dune Road from Westhampton Beach, where seals also may be seen from time to time.

Oh, and remember folks, we're talking about seals here on Long Island, not sea lions.

Planting Fields

Located in Oyster Bay, on the grounds of Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, the former Coe residence is a great example of one of Long Island's Gold Coast estates.  With an amazing interior and wonderful views of the rest of the 409 acre property, it's no wonder the family chose to live here! The park is beautiful all year. In the fall, the foliage is beautiful. In spring and summer, the flowers are blooming. There are also a variety of activities happening in the park ranging from tours of the Coe Mansion to concerts in the park.  Visit the website for details and the calendar of events at www.plantingfields.org.

PARK LOCATION:

1395 Planting Fields Road

Oyster Bay, NY 11771

516-922-9200

plantingfields.org

Japanese Stroll Garden

The John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden, located in Locust Valley, is a real find. If you're looking for something to do on Long Island between April and October, this is a little gem. Peaceful and beautiful, this is a great place to meditate alone or stroll with friends. Just be sure to call in advance to make sure someone will be there to let you in.  Sometimes it seems thatthe powers-that-be at this secret garden want to keep it a little too hush hush. The number is 516-676-4486. You can also learn more at the Locust Valley website.

GARDEN LOCATION:

37 Oyster Bay Road

Locust Valley, NY 11560

516-676-4486

Our Goal

Welcome to the LongIslandette!  The goal of this blog is to give readers information about where to go, what to see and what to do on Long Island. We'll share pictures from some of the most beautiful spots on Long Island's north and south shore, and we'll give tips on great locations, events, and activities throughout Long Island.