Robke's Country Inn

Ok people, we all know times are tough and everyone is looking for a deal, right?  Well, we found a place that will satisfy your hunger and your wallet. Robke's Country Inn, located in Fort Salonga, has $10.00 lunches (and, we might add, these are lunches that seem like dinners)! 

We went recently for lunch on a Saturday afternoon and were quite excited about our discovery. The portions are HUGE and TASTY. Most of the food is Italian and has been ever since the place was sold by a German to an Italian from the Bronx in 1978.

We'd suggest the Egglplant Rollatini or one of the pasta dishes, but everything looked delish. 

Happy eating!

Robke's Country Inn

427 Fort Salonga Road

Northport, NY 11768 

www.robkescountryinn.com

Happy Halloween!

Pickle Festival

Every year there is a pickle festival at Smith-Gardner Farm in Greenlawn.  We finally got the chance to go! It's a great festival for kids because they enjoy seeing the old farmhouse, riding on the hay truck and participating in the face and body painting. And, of course, the pickles are delicious. We bought a container of dill pickles and a container of spicy ones. We recommend both.  

Don't despair if you missed the festival this year. You can still purchase the pickles at the Huntington Farmer's Market, which takes place on Sunday mornings from 7 - 10 am until Thanksgiving. 

If you're more into historic places than pickles, visit Smith Gardiner Farm, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and maintained by the Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association. For hours and tour information contact the Association at 631-754-1180.

FARM LOCATION:

Located on the corner of Little Plains Road and 

Park Avenue in Greenlawn

Praying Mantis

We just thought it was cool when a praying mantis decided to rest for a while in the yard.

Jericho Cider Mil, Inc.

Fall is here and that means it's time for apples, pumpkins and pie! We know just the place to get all these goodies too. Head over to Jericho Cider Mill in Jericho, Long Island. Be sure to bring home the cider, pumpkin pie and fruit spread. Oh, and while you're there, don't forget to order a frozen apple drink. We're not exactly sure if this drink is called a "slushy," but it has that consistency. We promise you this drink is nothing like a 7-Eleven slushy, it's way more delicious! Drinking one of these babies is like slurping a cold, crisp apple - what's better than that on the perfect fall day? 

CIDER STAND LOCATION:

213 Route 106

Jericho, NY  11753

516-433-3360

West Neck Beach

After a day of rain and wind on Saturday, we were itching to get out of the house. Luckily, Sunday was gorgeous and we headed to Caumsett State Park, and then to West Neck Beach.

Like most North Shore beaches, West Neck has its share of rocks and shells along the shoreline, but we like this beach for swimming, paddle surfing and kayaking. West Neck beach is not as protected as some other North Shore beaches because it opens directly into the sound. This makes for a few more waves (definitely not like the South Shore but perfect for getting some exercise). 

The surrounding area is also great for walking, biking or running. Directly outside of West Neck Beach there is a walking path that goes along the causway that leads to Caumsett. The walk provides great views of beautiful birds on both sides (like Egrets and Osprey) as well as nice views of the water. On sunny days folks are almost always fishing on the rocks. 

A walk on the causway, along the beach or in Caumsett State Park is a great activity for any time of the year but, at least for now, we're holding on to summer as long as we can. 

WEST NECK BEACH LOCATION:

off West Neck Road

Lloyd Harbor, NY 11724

631-261-7574

Blue Point Brewing Company

We celebrated the end of the summer with a little brew ha ha at Long Island's only microbrewery in Patchogue. The ten year old Blue Point Brewing Company, owned by Mark Buford and Peter Cotter, has a great selection of good brews available for tasting and purchasing. After spending some time in the tasting room, we left with a jug of Toasted Lager and a jug of Oatmeal Stout (and we'd highly recommend both).  Copper in color with hints of caramel, malts and hops, the Toasted Lager is a World Beer Cup Winner and Blue Point's signature beer. 

Don't take our word for it though, taste the microbrews for yourselves. Blue Point's free tasting room is open Thursdays and Fridays from 3pm to 7pm and Saturdays from 12pm to 7pm.  Tours are also available.

BREWERY LOCATION:

161 River Avenue

Patchogue, NY  11772

631-475-6944

bluepointbrewing.com