Living the North Fork Life: Our Little Blue Cabin

23/12/2023

Oh no! 😥

When Santa is packing his sleigh for work on Christmas Eve afternoon, Ed Dart will be closing up shop for the final time at Dart’s Christmas Tree Farm in Southold. The Dart family has decided to make 2023 its final season.

“We’ve run out of energy. It’s a tremendous amount of work for my wife and I to keep up the speed on it,” says Dart, who co-owns and runs the farm with his wife, Judy. The couple is in their mid-70s. “This is going to be our retirement year. We passed our 50th year of doing it in 2021. Somehow we didn’t know how to quit and we mustered up the energy to do it again for two more years. This time we are going to have to pull the plug.”

The 17-acre farm dates back to 1753, but it has been in Dart’s family for the last 100 years.

Click the link for the full story: http://tinyurl.com/2h9668kh. (Photo credit: Randee Daddona)

22/12/2023

What's going on this weekend and winter break week? Tons! 🥰

Peep 👀 the attached flyers and our go-to family-friendly events below:

📍Magic of Lights - Jones Beach

📍Tanger Outlets, Deer Park Christmasland Experience

📍Waterdrinker Family Farm - Christmas Tree Farm & Airstream Winter Wonderland

📍Huntington Holiday Spectacular

📍”Candlelight Evenings” at Old Bethpage Village Restoration

📍CSTL: Center for Science Teaching & Learning - Dinosaur Carnival

📍The Arcade Age Exhibit Returns! at the Cradle of Aviation Museum

17/12/2023

An excerpt from the article:

Commissioner Bill Aspinall is pleased to announce that George Santos, who was recently a congressman in the House of Representatives in Washington, has been hired to be the new director of operations for Hamptons Subway.

“Santos has all the necessary qualifications to run a subway system such as ours. Born and raised in Brazil in a well-to-do family, he was given the job of commissioner of railroads for all of Brazil by his father, who owned them all. He was only 15 at the time,” Aspinall says. “Subsequently, he was accepted to Harvard University and completed his undergraduate work there, graduating with the dual major of English Literature and Railroad Operations. He can recite the entire volume of Homer’s Odyssey, although, as he says, he is too shy to do it in public. And he soon became chief comptroller and part owner of the Atchison, Topeka and Sante Fe Railway here. Among his most recent jobs before becoming a congressman was advising Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk about his proposed high-speed transit system connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco and also about Musk’s space rockets.”

Aspinall continues, “Santos has a doctorate in Spaceships from Yale University and is good friends with a number of the astronauts who have landed on the moon. Santos’ recent decision to focus on underground subway systems is a good thing for us indeed; 114 congressmen are his friends, voting side by side to keep him in Congress when they had the opportunity in recent weeks, and this is another feather in his cap. Surely his buddy-buddy up-close-and-personal relationships in Congress will bring heaps of money our way as we embark on our new plan to extend the Hamptons Subway to New England and beyond.”
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Read more here: https://www.danspapers.com/2023/12/hamptons-subway-hires-george-santos/

🌟 Absolutely love "Dan Rattiner's Stories" from Dan’s Papers! He’s truly an exceptional humorist, skillfully capturing the comedic essence of our Long Island life! I'm convinced there's a grain of truth in every one of his tales (or a hint if you do some detective work, lol).

15/12/2023

🎄✨ Embrace the holiday spirit on Long Island this weekend, Dec 16-17! 🌟

Enjoy the festive vibes with live music, holiday markets and fairs. 🎶

Join Santa for a delightful meal. 🎅

SantaCon, bingo, and more await to sprinkle joy!

Get ready to celebrate the season together! 🥳

10/12/2023

📺 Exciting news!

“Leave the World Behind" is now streaming on Netflix.

🌟 Filmed in my neck of the woods – a must-watch!

Have you seen it? Share your thoughts without spoilers!

🍿

2h 18m | R

08/12/2023

Embrace the festive spirit this weekend on Long Island with holiday markets, parades, lighting spectaculars, and Santa-filled fun! 🎄✨

03/12/2023

🦃 These snapshots from November 8 capture the wild turkeys strutting their stuff around our cabin.

We just admire the nature out East!🌳❤️

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01/12/2023

🎉 Dive into the festive spirit this weekend (December 1-4, 2023) with a dazzling array of holiday events! 🎄

From enchanting tree lightings to lively shows, bustling fairs, and charming markets, there's something for everyone.

Plus, don't miss a special tribute to Taylor Swift that promises to add a touch of magic. 🎶

🌟Join in for a joyous celebration – details on the attached flyers!

26/11/2023

Exciting news! 🎉

Yesterday was the grand opening of Peconic Ice Rinks at Veterans Memorial Park in Calverton, just a short 10-minute drive from our cabin!

Lace up your skates and glide into a weekend of fun.

Check out the weekend schedule here: https://bit.ly/3QU0Xcv

For more details, visit www.peconicicerinks.com.

Let's celebrate the opening of the Ed Westfall Arena! 🏒

Read all about it in the Riverhead Local: https://riverheadlocal.com/2023/11/26/peconic-hockey-and-riverhead-town-celebrate-the-opening-of-the-ed-westfall-arena-in-calverton/

26/11/2023

🌟 Urgent Holiday Appeal 🌟

Dear ,

Today, I'm reaching out on behalf of an incredibly brave and resilient family who, despite facing a series of heartbreaking challenges, is courageously seeking help.

In the past few months, they have weathered the storm of misfortune – from a husband's accident to their son's cerebral palsy diagnosis, and the mom’s own personal battle with intercranial pressure. These setbacks have depleted their savings and they can no longer make ends meet. The road ahead is uncertain and their financial burden is immense.

I urge you to join me in making a difference in their lives. Your support, no matter how big or small, can bring a ray of light to their darkest days. Let's come together as a community, lift them up, and show them that they are not alone.

Please consider contributing to their GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/613d5d70

If you can't contribute financially, a simple share of this post can go a long way.

Thank you for your kindness, and let's make this holiday season a little brighter for a family in need. 🥰

🙏

The day before my husbands accident we got the great news that my son's kidney refl… Doreen Farber needs your support for The Farbers with medical bills, ect

24/11/2023

Thanksgiving may be behind us, but the excitement continues! 🎉

This Saturday is “Shop Local Small Business Day” on Long Island.

Explore local treasures and dive into the festivities across our beautiful island.

Let's celebrate community and support our amazing small businesses! 🛍️🍂

23/11/2023

May your stuffing be tasty 😋
May your turkey plump,🦃
May your potatoes and gravy 🥔
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious 🍠
And your pies take the prize, 🥧🥇
And may your
Thanksgiving dinner 🥘
Stay off your thighs! 🙏

Happy Thanksgiving !!! 🥰

22/11/2023

😔Sad update:

Firefighters from multiple departments are actively tackling a blaze at the Tesla Science Center in Shoreham.

The fire was reported at 4:49 p.m..

18/11/2023

So proud of my island!

18/11/2023

Get into the holiday spirit on Long Island this weekend! 🌟

Explore the best events across Long Island this November 18 & 19, right before Thanksgiving. 🦃

18/11/2023

This Sunday!! Senior adults perform at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Arts Academy!

Don’t miss it. 🥰

We are one month away from this heartfelt and fun performance from our Melodies & Memories group! Students have spent months developing music and theatre skills in a fun, nurturing, and social environment while learning from professional, seasoned Teaching Artists. On Sunday, November 19 @ 3pm they will sing beloved classic songs using memories to create an amazing performance for family and friends on the WHBPAC stage.

Did we mention this performance is completely FREE?! Mark your calendars today!

15/11/2023

If you haven't experienced Mexicandy yet, it's time to treat your taste buds!

Discover Mexicandy in Downtown Riverhead - a vibrant haven for homemade Mexican ice cream and street food! 🌈

Owned by Christopher Aguilar, this place started as a small home-based operation, and blossomed into a storefront at Riverview Lofts.

From mangonadas to crepes, every frozen delight is homemade, inspired by his trips to Mexico. 🇲🇽

The menu also boasts distinctive choices that includes churros, elotes, chicharrón preparado, nachos, and the delightful tostilocos, made with specialty salsa verde Tostitos chips.

Mexicandy is a place that everyone can enjoy. ❤️

15/11/2023

🎶 Calling all Facebook friends!

Please help me support the incredibly talented WT Clarke Middle School band.

🌟They've been selected as one of the top acts for News 12 Long Island's Sounds of the Season series, and now they need our votes!

📅 Voting is open until Friday, Nov. 17 at 9 a.m., and you can cast your vote once every 24 hours.

✨Watch their fantastic performance videos below and help them secure a spot in the top five!

💥Your support will make a huge difference.

Go WT Clarke Middle School!!!

Vote, vote, vote! 🎺🎷🥁

Westbury

11/11/2023

Happy Veterans Day!

Thank you to all who serve and have served. 🥰

11/11/2023

🇺🇸 Honoring our veterans this November 11, 2023! 🎗️

Explore amazing Veterans Day discounts from local restaurants and businesses.

🌟Remember, not all locations participate, so contact your nearest spot.

Check out these websites for more info:
▶️ https://www.military.com/veterans-day/veterans-day-military-discounts.html
▶️ https://militarybenefits.info/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals/
▶️ https://militarybenefits.info/miscellaneous-discounts-veterans-day-deals-veterans/
▶️ https://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/

Don't miss out on our favorite offers—see the flyers for details! 🎉

09/11/2023

🇺🇸 Proud to be a veteran - having served 8 years in the Army Reserves! 🎖️

This Veteran's Day weekend (Nov 10-12, 2023), we celebrate and honor our heroes.

Let's make the most of this weekend with exciting events and discounts that pay tribute to our veterans.

Don't miss out on the fun activities – come and show your support! 🎉

Check out all the flyers posted here for details on all the fantastic events happening this weekend!

04/11/2023

🍁 Calling all Veterans on Long Island!🌟

🇺🇸 These places want to show their gratitude to you! 🙌

03/11/2023

Exciting News for Long Islanders!

🌟 Scott’s Pointe - The Ultimate Adventure Destination is finally here!

🌟Best part is this fantastic new place is practically in my backyard, less than a 10-minute drive from my cabin! Woo hoo!

🌊 Get ready to make a splash at the largest indoor surf pool in the country! 😬
🏖️ 80,000 sq. ft. of indoor excitement for all ages!
🌄 Located on a 45-acre complex with a 20-acre freshwater lake.
👨‍👦‍👦 Family-owned and operated.

🎉 Sneak a Peek!
Take advantage of Early Access Admission this weekend!

Indoor Thrills:
🧗‍♀️ Rock climbing
🪓 Interactive axe throwing
🍔 Full restaurant
🍹 Two bars with a full liquor license
🎮 Golf and driving simulators
🕶️ }_Virtual reality
🔫 Laser tag
👶 Kiddie Zone
🎤 Live stage for entertainment
🛍️ Retail
🥂 Second-floor banquet hall for events up to 500 people.

Outdoor Adventures:
🚣‍♀️ Paddleboarding, kayaking, and more on a 2,900-foot-long lake.
🏄‍♂️ Wakeboarding, flyboarding, and bumper boats!
🌿 Picnic areas and walking trails
🏃‍♂️ Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course
⚡ Electric-powered water sports

Visit them at:
📍 5835 Middle Country Road, Calverton
🌐 Website: scottspointe.com

Get ready for a year-round adventure at Scott's Pointe!

🎉🏄‍♀️🌊

03/11/2023

Although Halloween has passed, the recent rainy weather hasn't dampened our spirits on Long Island. 😊

Here's to hoping for a rain-free weekend ahead (November 4-5), as we gear up for some exciting rescheduled and new events on beautiful Long Island! 🍂🎉

01/11/2023

Is it officially Christmas Season now?!! 🤣 🙄

31/10/2023

Wishing you all a Happy Halloween from our family to yours! 🎃👻🕷️

31/10/2023

🎃👻Halloween is right around the corner, and if your plans are still up in the air, I've got some options for you! 🎃👻

First things first, make sure to follow Holiday Houses on Long Island 2023 and check out their Instagram page (holidayhousesonlongisland) for all the AMAZING Halloween Houses on Long Island. They also have a Google Map loaded with a bunch of wonderful Halloween houses on Long Island.

Link to Google Map: (https://www.google.com/maps/@/data=!3m1!4b1!4m3!11m2!2s-0mDPeTLRniJcYJVzQCgDw!3e3?entry=tts&mibextid=Zxz2cZ)

What's cool is, you can open this map on the Google Maps app, and it'll pinpoint all the haunted houses in your area, sorting them by distance. Less driving, more fun!

Plus, you'll even get a sneak peek of each house, thanks to the images provided. So, don't miss out!

Have a fantastic Halloween, everyone! 🎃👻

30/10/2023

Our cabin is pumpkin-tastic right now!

Check out our bookshelves with coffee books, travel guides, magazines, and novels for your reading pleasure.

And our family room/dining room is all set for some awesome holiday gatherings.

I just love this time of year! 🎃😊

28/10/2023

Discover the exciting transformation of Riverhead, Long Island, as a vibrant destination.

Luckily for us, our cabin is just minutes away from Riverhead - which is nestled between vineyards, beaches, and cultural attractions all on the East End of Long Island.

Don't miss this remarkable transformation - visit Riverhead today. ❤️

Riverhead is beginning to garner recognition amid a revitalization that may make it among the biggest Long Island renaissances in years.

27/10/2023

Don’t miss out this sunny weekend!! 🥰

🍁🎃👻 Embrace the magic of Fall on Long Island, NY! 🍂🌟

Get ahead of the game and see what's already scheduled for this fall. More's to come, so if you see anything not listed, please share in the comments section.

Check out these fantastic fall activities:

**Downtown Riverhead's Halloween Fest:**
- 📍 Coffin Races @ Downtown Riverhead's Halloween Fest
- 📍 Trick or Treat @ Downtown Riverhead's Halloween Fest
- 📍 Goblin Parade @ Downtown Riverhead's Halloween Fest

**Cultural Haunts:**
- 📍 RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns
- 📍 Cutchogue Old Burying Ground Tour 2023
- 📍 Oyster Bay Halloween 'Ghost Walk' & Dance Party
- 📍 The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Old Bethpage Village Restoration
- 📍 Yaphank Trail of Terror

**Family Fun:**
- 📍 Glover Farms
- 📍 Waterdrinker Family Farm Fall-O-Ween on the Farms
- 📍 Stakeys Pumpkin Farm
- 📍 Pumpkin Picking Festival everyday till Halloween at OT FARM
- 📍 Fall Harvest at Brightwaters Farms
- 📍 Haunted House & Haunted Corn Trail at at F&W Schmitt's Family Farm
- 📍 Hanks PumpkinTown
- 📍 Truck or Treat at Suffolk County Farm & Education Center
- 📍 FINK’S FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL 2023
- 📍 2023 FALL FESTIVAL AT TANNER PARK
- 📍 Long Island Fall Festival
- 📍 Town Of Islip Fall Apple Festival
- 📍 Fall Fun Fest at Sands Point Preserve
- 📍 Family Fall Festival at Farmingdale Public Library
- 📍 Family Fall Celebration at Sachem Library
- 📍 Fall Festival at Hicks Nurseries - Sept. 16-Oct. 29
- 📍 Fall Festival @ Prime Pasture Farm
- 📍 EGP Land & Sea presents A Nostalgic Nightmare
- 📍 Spooky Fest in Rockville Centre
- 📍 Halloween Costume Party
- 📍 North Fork Country Halloween Barn Dance
- 📍 Bats, Barnacles & Broomsticks Halloween Party at Long Island Aquarium
- 📍 Harbes Farm & Orchard Spooky Night Maze
- 📍 Greenport Harbor Brewing Halloween Party
- 📍 Amityville's Haunted Harvest Festival
- 📍 Whaling’s Museum Haunted BOO-seum & Festival
- 📍Halloween Parties and Events at Windows On The Lake Presented by Anthony's Live
- 📍The Great Pumpkin Palooza at Lenny Bruno’s Farm in Manorville

Enjoy all the fantastic fall activities on Long Island! 🍁🎃👻

26/10/2023

🎃👻 Are you ready for a spooktacular Halloween weekend on Long Island?

Whether you're looking for an adult or kid-friendly bash, we've got the inside scoop for you!

Check out the flyers attached to this post for some of the fantastic events happening on October 28-29.

Don't miss out – pick your favorite and get ready for a scary good time! 🕷️🦇

25/10/2023

🎃 Another Exciting Weekend Ahead on Long Island!

We have a fantastic lineup of fall and Halloween festivals on October 28-29! ☀️🍁

Don't miss out on these incredible opportunities to celebrate the season with your loved ones!

24/10/2023

Exciting news, everyone! 🌞

This Saturday, after a series of rainy weekends in September and October, we're in for a treat with sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s!

It's perfect timing for the upcoming ‘Trunk or Treat’ and ‘Trick or Treat’ festivities this weekend on October 28-29. 🎃

I'm sharing a list of event flyers for you to browse and pick your favorites to attend. Feel free to drop your ‘Trunk or Treat” in the comments too. 😊

18/10/2023

Long Island's packed with exciting events this weekend, from October 20 to 22. 📆

While the weather hasn't been our best friend lately, let's keep our fingers crossed for a glimmer of sunshine this weekend. 🤞

Check out these awesome happenings and make the most of your weekend! 🌟

17/10/2023

🍩 Calling all Donut Lovers! 🍩

Glenn Wayne Bakery deserves its own individual post! 😍

I recently discovered a donut experience like no other, and I just couldn’t keep it to myself. The sugar and glazed raspberry jelly donuts are pure bliss, and the bow tie and glazed donuts are truly a must-try! 🤤

What sets Glenn Wayne Bakery apart? It's the FRESHNESS! These donuts are baked fresh every day, making every bite just simply amazing.

If you're in the Bohemia area, don't miss the chance to satisfy your sweet tooth! Definitely go and pay a visit to Glenn Wayne Wholesale Bakery!

🌟And they have a gluten-free selection!!🌟

17/10/2023

It was an unforgettable long weekend spent with my sister and niece, who traveled all the way from sunny Florida to Long Island, NY.

Our time together was filled with laughter, love, and exploration.

Check out the highlights of the amazing places we visited:

📍Glenn Wayne Bakery in Bohemia, NY: Must-try – I highly recommend the glazed jelly donuts!
📍Our Cabin in Wading River, NY: Our cozy retreat!
📍Drifters Kitchen and Bar in Ridge, NY: A great atmosphere!
📍A Wing Away Kitchen in Calverton: One of the best chicken and rice dish I’ve ever had!
📍Glover Farms in Brookhaven, NY: A day of pumpkin picking and farm fun.
📍Friendly's Riverhead: Fun for the whole family.
📍Gin Beach Cafe in Montauk, NY: Unbeatable Lake Montauk, NY views.
📍Montauk Point Lighthouse: A historic landmark with breathtaking ocean views.

Join us on this journey through our photos and videos as we celebrate family, adventure, and the beauty of Long Island.

14/10/2023

🌟 Just discovered our new go-to spot, "A Wing Away Kitchen" in Calverton, right off Middle Country Road! 🌟

Situated in a super convenient location, this cozy spot is perfect for a quick and delicious bite to eat. 😋

We tried their signature dish – a mouthwatering chicken and rice combo, topped with the most flavorful green sauce we've ever had. 🤤 Trust me, it was so scrumptious that it’s a must-try!

And let's talk about those Sesame Thai Chili Wings - cooked to perfection! 🍗🔥 Plus, the Sweet Potato Fries were delicious. 🍟

Let's support this amazing local gem. You can order through Uber eats.

Come and experience this culinary haven for yourself. 🌟👏

It's a solid 5-star rating from me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐