Long Island's Real Haunts: Local Landmarks Packed with REAL Scares

This October, as you're gearing up to check out some of the Haunted Houses around Long Island, you might be wondering - are these attractions really haunted? Although we can't confirm whether or not the fun filled Haunted Houses that are open to the public each Autumn are actually haunted, we can tell you that according to lots of local folklore and legend, that there are plenty of places here on Long Island that are believe to actually be haunted. From the notorious Kings Park Psychiatric Center, with its looming, ominous abandoned buildings, to Lake Ronkonkoma, which is said to be haunted by the souls of those that drowned there, Long Island is home to a ton of haunted history that's absolutely fascinating - if you're brave enough to read about it!

For the scoop on Long Island's REAL Haunted Places, Click Here!

Sink a Hole-In-One in Celebration of National Mini Golf Day!

 Who doesn't love a good round of Mini Golf? If putt putt is one of your favorite pastimes, then you're in luck! September 21st is National Mini Golf Day, and there are plenty of great places to play right here on Long Island! Whether you're a putting pro, or you're just looking for a fun way to get out and enjoy the day, Mini Golf offers fun for everyone. A round of mini golf is the perfect way to get to know someone on a first date, or to entertain the kids on a warm Fall afternoon - it's a ton of fun no matter what! 

For the Scoop on LI's Mini Golf Courses, click here!

Awesome Apple Picking Places & Helpful Tips

The Pick Your Own Apples Season is officially here! Get the whole family together and enjoy a beautiful day outside, basking in the fall foliage picking fresh, crisp apples at one of the local orchards. Long Island has many different varieties of apples to choose from and afterwards you can bake your pickings into a delicious pie or tart! This Fall Tradition is sure to be fun for kids of all ages, and everyone in your family - so don't miss out this year!  

To get the scoop on all of the best apple picking spots on Long Island, click here! 

LongIsland.com’s September Family Fun Guide: Getting into the Fall Spirit with Festivals, Fairs, and Live Music!

September isn't all about back-to-school and the end of summer! September marks the beginning of fall, one of the most beautiful times of year, especially here on Long Island. Enjoy the brisk weather, take part in the festive fall fairs & festivals, and go out and listen to some of the last live outdoor musical performances of the season. Be sure to make the most out of this fall extravaganza that only comes around once a year.

To check out all the fun happening on Long Island this September, click here!

Labor Day Weekend Fun: Enjoy the Holiday Weekend Rain or Shine!

Labor Day Weekend marks the end of the summer and the start of the new school year. This holiday weekend is your chance to say farewell to summer and end it with a bang! Unfortunately with rain and clouds foreseen coming in over the holiday weekend some party plans will have to be postponed or cancelled. Don't fret though! No matter the weather, there is always something to do on Long Island, rain or shine. Go to the theater and see this week's top blockbuster movie, go out to a new restaurant that you've been meaning to try, or move your outdoor affair inside!

For all the best Indoor Labor Day Weekend Fun, click here!

LongIsland.com’s 2014 Labor Day Weekend Fun Guide

Summer may be drawing to a close, but that doesn't mean the fun is stopping any time soon! Labor Day Weekend is little more than a week a way, and this year, Long Islanders are in luck, because the entire weekend is packed with tons of holiday fun! Whether you're looking for a laid back way to say goodbye to Summer with your friends, or you're looking to enjoy one last Big Hurrah with the family before the kids go back to school, we've got you covered with all of the best Labor Day Weekend Events and Things to Do. From the best festivals, fairs, concerts, nightlife and events, to fun ideas like enjoying a day at the beach, or hosting the Ultimate Goodbye Summer BBQ, we've got the scoop on all the best ways to make the most out of your three day holiday weekend! 

For All the Best Labor Day Weekend Fun, Click Here!

Shark Week on Long Island: What to Know About Sharks in Our Waters

This weekend marked the beginning of Shark Week - the Discovery Channel's annual celebration of all things shark-y! Although locals do not typically associate shark encounters with Long Island's sandy shores, there have been numerous occasions where sharks have been spotted along our coasts - a twenty six footer washed up in Babylon just last year!

To find out more about staying safe during a shark encounter, and for more local Shocking Shark Stats, click here!

LongIsland.com's August Family Fun Guide - Summer Fun, Festivals, Concerts, & More!

The end of summer is near but August is still jam packed with fun things to do. Make the most out of the rest of your summer by attending some of Long Island's fairs, festivals, car shows, and concerts. There will be plenty of food, fun, and entertainment for both children and adults. Get out there and enjoy the beautiful, warm weather while you still can. Whether you're a kid trying to squeeze the last moments of Summer fun out of the season, or you're simply a kid at heart that enjoys the warm weather, we've got you covered with the scoop on all the best local fun happening on Long Island this August. 

For LongIsland.com's August Family Fun Guide, click here!

Super Star Gazing Spots on Long Island

Nothing is more relaxing than gazing up at the stars on a warm Summer night. Luckily for Long Island, there are plenty of places where you can go stargazing locally that are nice and dark, and far away from the bright city lights. Whether you're a novice, and you simply like looking up at the sky, or Star Gazing is one of your favorite past times, you won't want to miss out on this great list of wonderful places where you can relax, and look up at the sky!

For the scoop on the best local Star Gazing Spots, click here!

Rockin' Out on the Cheap: Free Summer Concerts on Long Island 2014

This Summer, there are tons of amazing concerts happening right here on Long Island. Luckily for those of us looking to enjoy some frugal fun this season, plenty of them are also free! From special Summer Concert Series that will be held in local towns across the Island, to other great gigs happening at Main Street Days and local venues - this Summer, there are tons of great free concerts that you won't want to miss! This season, make the most out of living on Long Island, and get out there and enjoy some of the local fun - you won't regret it!

For the scoop on LI's best Free Summer Rock Concerts, Click Here!

Long Island’s 2014 4th of July Weekend Guide: Fireworks, Festivals, and Tons of Family Fun!

This year, Long Islanders will be celebrating with tons of fun across LI - from awe-inspiring firework displays, to festivals & carnivals that are sure to be a ton of fun for the whole family, to picnics, BBQs, and of course fun at the beach - there are great ways to celebrate Independence Day no matter how you’d like to spend the day. From Nassau County all the way out to the East End, there are a multitude of celebrations happening, and plenty of opportunities to get in on the fun. 

There’s no reason not to enjoy the holiday and celebrate our great country’s independence - with the 4th falling on a Friday, we’re in for an entire weekend of celebrations and fun! Our great guide has everything you’ve been searching for when it comes to celebrating this 4th of July - check it out!

For all of the best local 4th of July Fun, click here! 

LongIsland.com's 2014 June Family Fun Guide: Fairs & Festivals, Father's Day, & More Summer Fun!

Looking for the best ways to enjoy the month of June? We've got you covered! Whether you're looking to enjoy some fun in the sun at some of the great upcoming local festivals & fairs, or you're in the mood for an amazing concert experience, we've got you covered! The guide is packed with tons of great ways to enjoy the beautiful weather as we transition from Spring to Summer, as well as lots of fun that the whole family can enjoy this month. 

To check out LongIsland.com's June Family Fun Guide, click here!

Five Fabulously Fruity Frozen Cocktails

During the warmer months it's nice to take a break from all of the different beers and breweries and enjoy a nice, fruity, thirst quenching cocktail. Perfect for impressing friends with some aesthetically pleasing, colorful drinks or for simply enjoying them yourself while lying out by the pool with a good book. Get out the blender and cocktail shaker and head to your local liquor store or supermarket to start making up some of these fabulous cocktails.

For all of the great cocktail recipes, click here!

Best Bets for Beaches This Summer on Long Island

 Long Island has always been well-known for it's beaches, and whether you're a local or a tourist, catching some rays & enjoying some fun in the sun is a pastime that can't be passed up this summer! To make things simpler for you this seasons, we've put together a great guide to our favorite beaches across the Island, on both shores, and in both counties. This way, when you're packing up your beach bag, and deciding where to go, you'll be able to pick the best place for you more quickly, and dive right into the fun in the sun! So grab your suit, your flip flops, and get ready - it's time to head to the beach!

To get the scoop on LI's Best Beaches, click here!

Memorial Day Weekend 2014: Celebrate with Fireworks, Parades, BBQs & Lots of Family Fun!

For many, the three day weekend marks the unofficial start to Summer - the holiday falls on the last Monday of May, and you can really start to feel summer in the air! This year, there will be firework shows, parades, barbecues, and celebrations happening all weekend long across the Island, and if you haven’t yet set in stone how you’ll be celebrating, not to worry! We’ve got a great guide put together for you filled with all of the holiday fun that you’re looking for, from laid back ways to enjoy the weekend, to high octane summer fun.

For all of the best upcoming Memorial Day Weekend entertainment, click here! 

National Travel & Tourism Week on Long Island - Check Out The Best Local Attractions & Landmarks!

 Long Island is home to many amazing attractions - from Belmont Raceway, to the East End's iconic Montauk Lighthouse, LI is packed with noteworthy attractions from end to end. This week is National Travel & Tourism Week - why not check out some of our local landmarks in celebration? With so many great things to see, and places to go, you could spend the whole week checking out all of the great landmarks and attractions on Long Island, and still not visit them all! This is also a great opportunity to not only get out and enjoy all that Long Island has to offer, but learn a bit more about our local history while you're at it! This week, if you're stumped when it comes to planning fun things to do, then we've got you covered - we've rounded up info on some of the best local landmarks & attractions that call Long Island home - click here to find out more!

LongIsland.com's 2014 May Family Fun Guide Is Here!

We have officially entered the month of May, and needless to say, the fun has just begun! This month, there are going to be all sorts of great events and things to do here on Long Island - from special events at the local parks, to holiday celebrations the Memorial Day, May is absolutely jam packed with fun - there's really something for everyone! Want the scoop on all the hottest happenings for the month? Then you won't want to miss LongIsland.com's May Family Fun Guide - our latest monthly guide for finding the best local happenings all month long. If you're ready to make the most of May, then head over to the site, and check out the guide - you won't be disappointed! 

To check out LongIsland.com's May Family Fun Guide, click here!

Take Small Steps Toward a Greener Lifestyle This Earth Day!

 Today is Earth Day, and around the country and across the Island, folks are celebrating nature in a variety of ways - from community clean up events, to going green pledges, there are lots of ways to help protect the planet, and even small changes can have big benefits! Going Green doesn't have to be overwhelming - making little changes in your life can have a major effect. Not sure how to get started? Not to worry! In honor of Earth Day, we've put together a great guide to small steps that you can take that can help the planet. They're so simple that they'll become habit before you know it - how easy is that! 

To Find Out What Small Steps You Can Take this Earth Day, Click Here!

It's Look Up at the Sky Day - Here's What to Watch Out For!

 Today, April 14th is Look Up at the Sky Day, and this year, stargazers are in for a real treat! Late late tonight, you'll be able to see a lunar phenomena known as the Blood Moon - a lunar eclipse that makes the moon appear copper in color! In addition to tonight's excitement in the sky, the Lyrid Meteor Shower will also be viewable this week starting on the 16th, although the peak day to view will be next Tuesday, the 22nd.

Looking for somewhere nice and dark where you can Look Up at the Sky? We've got you covered! 

Click here for the scoop on where to go to view the Blood Moon and the upcoming Meteor Shower!

Spring Break Staycations: Make the Best of Spring Break on a Budget

For many local students, Spring Break will begin this upcoming weekend. For kids, this means time to kick back and relax now that midterms are finally over, and the weather is beginning to warm back up. Parents, on the other hand, don't have it so easy - they'll be tasked with coming up with all sorts of creative ways to keep the entire brood entertained for a week or more while school's not in session. For those of you who aren't going away this Spring Break, there's still plenty of fun! We've put together a great guide for parents planning a fun filled staycation this Spring. Whether you're looking for educational fun, you want to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather, or you simply are looking for a good excuse to get out of the house, we've got you covered! 

For all of the Spring Break Staycation Fun, Click Here!

Hop To It: Themed Baskets that Even the Easter Bunny Will Envy

With Easter comes the expectation of baskets filled with chocolate bunnies, marshmallow peeps, jelly beans, and of course Easter Eggs. This year, why not go for something a little different - we've got some great ideas for egg-cellent Easter Basket themes that are sure to please this holiday! No matter who you'll be gifting this holiday, we've got you covered - we've got all sorts of sweet treats for everyone - sports lovers, gardeners, artsy folks, and everyone in between! This year, you can create a basket that even the Easter Bunny himself would be envious of - so what are you waiting for? Hop to it! 

To Check Out our Egg-Citing Easter Basket Ideas, Click Here!

Enjoy Harmless Fun with April Fools' Day Pranks for Kids

April Fools' Day is almost here - how will you be celebrating the day with your family? If you're looking for ways to enjoy some harmless, good-natured fun, then you've come to the right place! We've put together some great pranks that are sure to put a smile on everyone's faces this holiday - even those who are getting pranked! Participating in some harmless fun is a great way to teach your kids that you can play a joke without hurting anyone - these simple pranks are sure to elicit big laughs from everyone involved, and are the perfect way to enjoy April Fools' Day!

For the scoop on some great harmless pranks, click here!

Preparing for the Warmer Weather: Spring into Spring Cleaning

Spring has arrived and most of you are heading outdoors to enjoy the weather but a lot are also organizing and giving your home's a fresh feel with the traditional spring cleaning! The beginning of spring is a popular time to do some deep-down cleaning on your home. This goes for the inside and outside, top to bottom! Many like to organize as well and throw old things away in order to start fresh with the new season! A great way to do this is by using the "out with the old, in with the new" process. Donate any clothes, toys or other items that you don't need anymore and give others a chance to start fresh this spring, too! 

For the scoop on Spring Cleaning, click here!

LongIsland.com Alexa Rank Climbs as More Locals Turn to Site Daily for All Things Long Island

 As LongIsland.com continues to expand its localized information, news, and resources, its Alexa.com ranking has continued to climb. As of February 26th, the site's US Ranking is 8,866, a significant jump from the previous year - in July of 2013, LongIsland.com US Ranking was 12,978. Alexa Rankings are determined by comparing how well a website is performing in comparison to all other websites on the internet over the period of the past three months. For almost two decades, Alexa has been the premier online tool for tracking the success and popularity of websites.

Since relaunching LongIsland.com in March of 2012, the Long Island Media team has continued to expand the site's content and resources, including its ever-popular Things to Do Section, thorough Resources and helpful Guides, and its extensive Business Directory, as well as countless other sections throughout the site. With the number of daily visitors continuing to grow, its no surprise that LongIsland.com's Alexa Ranking has jumped so significantly from 2013, moving up thousands of places in a matter of just a few months.

To read this Press Release in full on LongIsland.com, click here!

Break out Your Masks & Beads for Mardi Gras!

 Mardi Gras is right around the corner and celebrations full of rich eating and partying are underway. Mardi Gras, also known as "Fat Tuesday" and "Carnival season" to most Americans, is held the day before Ash Wednesday and follows unique traditions to celebrate. Although the Mardi Gras traditions differ from city to city, most include dressing up in fun costumes and decorative masks while wearing multiple strands of colorful beads around their necks as they wander through the streets during parades and parties. 

For the full scoop on this year's Mardi Gras fun, click here!

Go for the Gold: Host a Watching Party for the 2014 Winter Olympics!

Looking to host the perfect Olympics Watching Party? Impress your party guests as you enjoy the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi with patriotic decor, tasty snacks and friendly competitions and activities for adults and children. These ideas are not only fun for family and friends, but also guarantee to make your hosting experience as fun and stress free as possible! If you're ready to go for the gold when it comes to party-planning, then you won't want to miss these great tips! 

Click here for you Gold Medal Winning Party Guide!

Sweet & Simple Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

 The greatest thing about a child’s Valentines Day is the fun and innocence of it. For some, it’s the perfect holiday to spend with your significant other, however it can also a great time to show your family how much you care. This February, enjoy some bonding time with your kids by participating in these creative crafts together, and help them understand the concept of Valentine’s Day while making one-of-a-kind, heartfelt gifts for their friends and loved ones.

 

The following crafts are sure to keep everyone entertained on a chilly February day, and the kids are sure to enjoy putting their own personal touch on some of them. These innovative crafts are not too difficult to complete either, so children with basic cutting and gluing skills can easily create them with your help! 

 

For this season's best kids' craft ideas, click here!

Winter Storm Warning Goes Into Effect Wednesday, 3 to 5 More Inches of Snow Expected

Just as one winter storm has ended, Long Island needs to get ready, and brace for another. A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect tonight at midnight, and stay active until 6 PM on Wednesday evening. Long Island can expect 3 to 5 more inches of snow on top of the wet, wintery mess that was left behind after Monday's snow storm. 

Tuesday morning was filled with delays on the road, and at schools across Long Island, and it's likely that Wednesday morning will be somewhat similar to Monday and Tuesday - the additional snowfall is sure to bring along additional problems with it. 

To find out the full forecast details, click here!

Nassau County SPCA Seeking Donations to Fund Treatment of Brutalized Dog

Earlier this week, the Nassau County SPCA held a press conference about "Miss Harper", a dog that had been brutally maimed. NCSPCA is still investigating the case, and searching for the suspects that viciously removed the dog's ears, and one of her hind legs. In addition to searching for information about this case, they are also asking that local pet lovers to make a donation on behalf of Miss Harper, who will need numerous expensive surgeries, and extensive post-op care. They also announced that once she is healed, they will be looking to find her in a forever-home with a loving family here on Long Island. 

To find out more about Miss Harper and to donate, click here. 

Warning: The above link contains an image of Miss Harper, which may be unsettling for some readers.

Groundhog Day: Get the Scoop on LI's Local Groundhogs

Groundhog Day is just a few days away, and in addition to Punxsutawney, PA's infamous groundhog Phil, Long Island has some groundhogs of our own making predictions this winter! In Holtsville we've got Hal, in Malverne we've got Mel, and out on Staten Island they've got Chuck! With all these groundhogs predicting whether or not winter weather will continue on for 6 more weeks or end early this year, surely one of them is bound to be right! 

Who do you think will make the correct prediction this year? Let us know! 

Get the scoop on LI's local groundhogs & Groundhog Day Events right here!

Get Out and Play! Family Fun to Enjoy on a Snow Day

 This season, it seems like Long Island is getting pummeled by snowstorm after snowstorm, so why not make the most of the season and enjoy some winter fun? There are plenty of great ways to enjoy the snow - from building igloos and snowmen, to having a snowball fight with friends, there are plenty of great ways to enjoy the winter months. Before you get going, be sure to bundle up - staying warm is an important safety measure you don't want to forget when you're out there enjoying the snow.

To get the scoop on all the snow day fun, click here!

Warm Up This Winter With Dance Lessons!

 If you're looking for a fun way to stay active this winter, then why not try something new, and enroll to take dance lessons! Whether you can feel the beat in your feet, or you're new to dancing, taking a class is a fun way to get moving, and learn a new skill! Across Long Island, all sorts of dance classes are offered - ranging from ballet to ballroom, and dance schools are offering lessons for every skill level. This winter, keep your blood flowing by hitting the dance floor - get out there have fun! 

For the scoop on local dance lessons, click here!

Cold & Flu Season is Here: How to Fight Back!

The winter weather is here to stay - at least for a few months! One of the biggest worries of winter is the fear of catching the flu, or a nasty cold, which can put you out of commission for days if not caught early on! Although there's no cure for the common cold, there are plenty of ways to combat the symptoms, as well as ward off sickness all together. Being prepared before you've been struck with sickness will help you to avoid missing work, or having the little ones home sick from school this winter.

This season, don't get bested by the flu or a nasty cold - protect yourself ahead of time, and be sure to have the necessary supplies for dealing with the symptoms on hand.

To find out how to fight back this flu season, click here!

Staying Safe in the Bitter Cold This Winter

Winter weather has truly come out in full force this season on Long Island. Just days into 2014, we've already been hit by a blizzard, and the Island is now experiencing extreme cold temperatures with a wind chill well below 0 degrees due to an unusual weather phenomena known as a Polar Vortex. As you head outdoors and into the cold, it's important to stay bundled up, and protected from the elements, but there are many other ways to ensure that you and your family stay safe this winter, and ensure that your home is protected against the elements. 

In order to help you better cope with the winter chill, we've put together this great guide of tips & tricks for staying safe and warm all season long. Click here for the scoop!

Pictured: Snow blankets a residential neighborhood in Kings Park on Friday morning.

LongIsland.com's January Family Fun Guide

 Whether you're an indoor person or an outdoor person when it comes to enjoying the winter, we've got you covered with the scoop on tons of great fun happening right here on LI! LongIsland.com's January Family Fun Guide is jam packed with the coolest concerts, exciting entertainment, and sensational seasonal events that you won't want to miss this month, as well as a variety of awesome activities the whole family is sure to love. From guided nature walks, to the scoop on where to sled, we've got it all when it comes to Winter Fun. We've also included a variety of hot happenings and things to do that Mom & Dad are sure to enjoy as well, including wine tastings, musical performances, and much more!

Start 2014 off on the right foot, and take a step toward making this month a fun one! 

To check out January's Family Fun Guide, click here!

LI's Best Sledding Hills & Sled Safety Tips

With a big winter storm right around the corner, it's high time you get the scoop on the best hills here on Long Island for sledding! Sledding has been a favorite pastime and right of passage for local children for ages - what better way to enjoy a snow day than grabbing a sled, bundling up, and meeting up with your friends to play in the snow, and race down the big hills. 

In order to help you make the most out of tomorrow's predicted Snow Day, we've put together a great guide to parks with amazing hills for sledding, as well as some important safety tips for ensuring that you stay safe while hitting the slopes with your sled this winter. Winter Storm Hercules doesn't have to be all about shoveling and indoor fun; get out there and enjoy the snow - the best part of the winter season!

For the scoop on the best sledding hills on Long Island, click here!

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Style on LI!

We’ve made it almost halfway through December, and the majority 2013 has already come & gone, and you know what that means - it’s time to welcome 2014! If you’re still unsure of how you’ll be ringing in the New Year on December 31st, not to worry - we’ve got you covered. Our annual New Year’s Celebration Guide features dozens of great local events happening in both Nassau and Suffolk, highlights of the hottest happenings in NYC, as well as fun ways to celebrate at home, and tips & tricks for hosting your own bash.

No matter what you consider the perfect night on the town, there is somewhere great to celebrate when the clock strikes 12:00 - from black tie galas, to non-stop nightclub dancing, to laid back festivities at your favorite bar, there are all sorts of fantastic festivities to welcome 2014 with. 

For  all the best ways to welcome 2014, check out LongIsland.com's New Year's Entertainment Guide!

Christmas Cookies: Simple Recipes to Make Your Season Bright

 Nothing says Christmas quite like a freshly baked batch of homemade cookies! Not an avid baker? Not to worry! We've got some spectacular simple recipes for baking beautiful cookies this holiday that are as tasty as they are good looking! Christmas is almost here, and with only one weekend before the holiday, it's time to break out your cookie tins, get your oven ready, and get to it! You'll be glad you did when you're enjoying your cookies and cocoa this Christmas!

 

For our best Christmas Cookie Recipes, click here!

 If you are lucky enough this season to enjoy a fireplace, fire would is readily available on the island for purchase. Some people enjoy seasoning their own wood, but that can take up to two years when done properly. It is also important to remember fire safety this winter with your fireplaces. So check out our article about firewood and fireplace safety before enjoying a warm fire at home.

For all the safety tips & to find out where you can pick up firewood here on LI, click here!

Simple Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipes That Will Keep You Warm this Winter!

 Nothing gets you in the spirit quite like a mug full of homemade hot chocolate - this sweet and savory drink is perfect for melting more than just the ice outside! Hot Chocolate is one of those special seasonal treats that is best enjoyed with friends and family - why not learn how to create hot cocoa concoctions of your own this holiday season, and treat your loved ones to something special this winter? Not sure how to make your own? Not to worry! We've got you covered with a rundown of the basics of hot chocolate making, and some great ways to spice up our classic cocoa recipe that are sure to be a hit.

For this season's best Hot Chocolate Recipes, click here!

Great Gifts to Keep on Hand for Unexpected Holiday Guests

The holiday season is here, and with Christmas right around the corner, it's time to get those decorations up, get your holiday meal planned, and get ready for guests stopping by! Sometimes, an unexpected tag-along may join the festivities - what's a host to do? To help ease this situation and ensure that it's not awkward and your surprise guest feels welcome, it's always good to keep a handful of "emergency gifts" on hand. On Hand Gifts are typically fairly inexpensive, and are good choices for a variety of giftees - whether your son's new girlfriend swings by, your cousin drops in to say hello, or an old pal decides to come say hi this holiday. 

To help you plan ahead, we've put together an Emergency Gift Guide right here!

Long Island Home Owners Have Only 3 Weeks Left to Keep Their STAR Tax Exemptions

 Homeowners on Long Island as well as the rest of New York have only three weeks left to re-register for Basic School Tax Assessment Relief (STAR) exemptions. The STAR program, designed to give homeowners a break on their taxes, allows New York State residents who make less than $500,000 a year and own their primary residence to exempt the first $30,000 of their house values from school taxes.

Re-Registration must be completed by December 31st, and this tax break is something that no homeowner will want to miss out on.

For all of the need to know information about the STAR Exemptions & all the forms you'll need, click here!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Where to Meet Santa This Year on LI!

You better not pout, you better not cry - Santa Claus is coming to town! This year, the man himself will be making appearances across Long Island so that all the good little girls & boys can tell him all about their Christmas wishes. Meeting Santa has been a holiday tradition for ages, and luckily for Long Island, there will be plenty of opportunities before Christmas to sit down with Santa, and even snap a photo - he's making appearances in both Nassau & Suffolk daily! Get your Christmas List ready, and put on your holiday best - it's time to meet Santa, and make sure he knows what you REALLY want this Christmas! 

To find out where to meet Santa this Season, click here!

Get Crafty with Gifting at a Holiday Craft Fair This Season!

 Hanukkah is well under way, and Christmas is right around the corner, and with Black Friday and Cyber Monday come and gone, it's time to kick it into high gear when it comes to holiday shopping. This year, there are dozens of craft fairs and festivals happening throughout the month of December here on Long Island - perfect for finding just the right gift for everyone on your list. Holiday Craft Fairs are filled with local vendors that have lovingly created handmade items such as jewelry, candles, clothing, gourmet food, and a wide variety of unique gifts. This holiday, why not shop local, and give the gift of handmade crafts!

For the scoop on all the upcoming craft fairs, click here!

Black Friday Shopping Guide 2013: The Best Bargains of the Season!

 Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and for many, that means relaxing, and spending some extra time with friends and family. For others however, it means the official start to the holiday shopping season is here - the Friday after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, has traditionally been the busiest shopping day of the entire year, with retailers offering a wide variety of incredible discounts and sweet sales to entice shoppers to get started on their holiday shopping.

If you're not sure where to start looking when it comes to these seasonal sales, then you're in luck - we've got the scoop on all the Best Black Friday Sales happening right here on Long Island, and we've put together a handy guide featuring the scoop on what stores open when, and highlights of the Steals & Deals you'll find this Black Friday. 

If you're ready ready to get out there and get saving, then you won't want to miss LongIsland.com's Annual Black Friday Shopping Guide - click here for details!

Tasty Turkey Tips: How to Prepare a Perfect Bird this Holiday!

Let's face it - preparing and carving the perfect turkey on Thanksgiving is a task that many of us find daunting - the turkey is the centerpiece of one of the biggest meals you and your family will enjoy the entire year! This year, to help you enjoy a more stress-free holiday, we've put together some great tips and tricks for selecting, preparing, and serving your Thanksgiving Turkey, including insights from industry pros who know how best to prepare the bird.

Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving at your home for the first time this year, or you're simply looking to refine your cooking and carving skills, we've got some great tips that are sure to make this holiday's meal mouthwatering, and simpler than ever before! 

For all of our great Turkey Tips, Click Here!

Black Thursday: Should The Shopping Frenzy Trample Thanksgiving Dinner?

 For years now, retailers have been opening their doors earlier and earlier for Black Friday Sales. This year, numerous big box chains across the country have made the decision to open up during dinnertime on Thanksgiving - a move that has proven to be controversial with consumers and retail employees alike. In this Black Friday exclusive, we've spoken with local retail employees, small business owners, and consumers - find out what Long Island has to say about this new shopping trend that many feel has begun to trample Thanksgiving.

To read the full story and share your opinion on the new "Black Thursday" Trend, click here!

Give Thanks by Giving Back to Long Island Food Pantries this Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and as we enter the holiday season, it is important to remember that across Long Island, there are locals who may not be as fortunate this year, and could use a helping hand from their neighbors. Thankfully, there are numerous food pantries in Nassau and Suffolk that are here to support Long Islanders in their time of need, and this holiday season, they're asking for your help when it comes to collecting food and supplies. With the recent cut in SNAP benefits for many Long Islanders, it's more important than ever before to give what you can, and help out those in need.

For the scoop on how you can get involved with one of these local food pantries, and to find out how you can make someone's holiday season a bit more bright, check out Today's Top Ten - we've got the scoop on the local organizations you'll want to work with this holiday season, as well as the scoop on what they're in need of in terms of donations.

For the full Giving Back Guide, click here!

Honoring Long Island Vets with Local Veterans Day Events Across LI

This upcoming Monday, November 11th, is Veterans Day, and across Long Island, there are numerous events happening this upcoming weekend, as well as on the holiday itself honoring local veterans for their service in the United States Armed Forces, and protect our country, and way of life. Whether a member of your family has served, or you're simply looking to honor local heroes, you'll have plenty of opportunities not only to honor Long Island Veterans this weekend, but to give back, and support numerous Veterans Causes, ranging from assisting retired veterans, and active military.

To find out more about this year's Veteran's Day Events happening on LI, click here.

Turkey Trot 2013: Get in a Jog Before You Get Gobblin'

 Across Long Island, a new Thanksgiving tradition has taken hold - Turkey Trots! Before it's time to chow down on turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, and all of your holiday favorites, why not join locals across Long Island for one of the many Turkey Trots happening early Thanksgiving morning this year. Many of the trots raise money for a good cause, or registration fees go to keep the local parts and towns clean and looking great! 

Before you dive into that big meal this year, think about heading out for a trot, and make room for that extra slice of pie you've been eying! 

For the scoop on Long Island's 2013 Turkey Trots, click here!