Shiver Me Timbers - It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

If you love pirates and local pirate folklore, than yarrrrrrrrrr in for a real treat today! It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day - a day where folks around the globe speak only in pirate-lingo. 

Want to celebrate, but need to brush up on your pirate lingo? Then ye be in luck! We've got a great guide to learning to speak like a scurvy dog, as well as the scoop on deals at local establishments that are celebrating the holiday.

Long Island has a long history of pirate-lore - including the legend that Captain Kidd's treasure is buried somewhere right here on LI! Get this scoop on this local pirate tale, and find out how ye can become more pirate-y right here! 

You won't want to miss this one - click here!

Apple Picking Hot Spots Here on LI

 September is drawing to a close, but there's still plenty of time to head out to the orchard, and pick some apples! Apple picking has been a beloved family tradition for folks across Long Island, and thankfully, this year looks like it's a good one for apples. Whether you like granny smith, gala, golden delicious, or mackintosh, there are plenty of apples to be picked, and varieties to suit every palate. 

Grab a basket, and round up your friends and family - it's time to go get some apples, and get into the spirit of the fall season!

Be sure to check out this year's Guide to Great Orchards, and get ready for a day of family fun!

Libraries Have Lots to Offer Students as the School Season Kicks Off

School is back in session, and students everywhere are beginning to buckle down, and work on ways to do their best this semester - from creating new study habits, to finding the best place to get work accomplished. Thankfully, there are dozens of local libraries right here on Long Island that can help get the job done - in addition to offering great study space, many also have education programs, study help workshops, SAT/ACT Prep Classes, and a wide variety of resources that are perfect for students who are taking their studies seriously this year. And of course, you can always borrow books, eBooks, music, movies, and DVDs from your local library!

To get the scoop on all of the great resources, and to find a library location near you, click here!

Fun the Whole Family Can Enjoy This September

Fall is finally here, and with it comes all sorts of new seasonal fun! As the weather begins to cool down, and a chill starts to set in the air, plenty of great opportunities for fun and entertainment arise. Whether you love Fall Festivals, are looking to plan a trip Out East go go Apple Picking, or you simply want to check out some of the beautiful Fall Foliage that will be heading our way - Long Island has it all when it comes to Fall Fun.

To get the scoop on all the hottest happenings here on Long Island this month, be sure to check out our September Guide - here you'll find a round up of the best entertainment, events, and things to do happening this month on Long Island, including all the can't-miss seasonal fun! 

Getting Ready For College: A Student's Checklist

This week, college students are gearing up to get back to school - and for many freshman, this means the first time they'll be living away from home. To make this transition easier, LongIsland.com has put together a great guide to everything you'll need to start the semester off right. This useful, printable checklist is filled with all of the important essentials you'll want as you start your life in the dorms - from vital items such as toiletries and bed sheets, to the not-so-obvious things that will help make life at college easier, and more fun.

Get all the details on how to make sure your new home away from home is great - check out LongIsland.com's 2013 Back to School Student Checklist!

Kayaking on Long Island: How to Get Started & Where to Gear Up!

 The calm waters of Long Island's rivers are an ideal location to enjoy easy paddling amidst beautiful scenery. Anyone can rent a kayak and begin to paddle, most people don't take a lesson to learn the essentials of kayaking - it's a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, and you don't need to be a pro to have a day of fun kayaking. To help you on your way, we've put together a guide to the beginning skills you'll need to understand before getting into and paddling a kayak, and where you can get everything you'll need to hit the water once you've learned!

To Check Out the Guide and Get Ready to Hit the Water, Click Here! 

Long Island's Ultimate Summer 2013 Guide: Free Family Fun, Things to Do, & More!

 No matter what your favorite summer past time is, we've got you covered - from great concerts, to festivals and fairs, and all sorts of FREE family fun, we've got just what you're looking for this summer, Long Island - all in our 2013 Ultimate Summer Guide, which features over 100 of the hottest happenings and things to do this summer.

Whether you've got the kids in tow who are looking to be entertained, or you're trying to find some fun things to do with your friends this summer - you won't want to miss this guide. We've got fun for all ages, and can help you get through the doldrums of summer, and get the most out of Long Island this season - check it out! 

To check out the full guide and make the most out of Summer 2013, click here!

Staying Safe During the 4th of July: Fireworks Safety Information & Startling Stats

 Every 4th of July, millions of Americans enjoy the countless fireworks displays that light up the night skies across the country. Unfortunately, there are also thousands of people who end up getting hospitalized each July due to firework-related injuries, ranging from minor burns to dismemberment, and even death. Here in New York, it is illegal to shoot off fireworks without a permit - in major part due to the serious safety issues involved with properly lighting fireworks. With dozens of professional displays happening across Long Island on Independence Day, it simply isn't worth the risk if you're not a professional. 

We've got the scoop on some of the startling statistics about fireworks, and info on how you can stay safe this summer, and enjoy some great, professional displays right here on Long Island.

To find out more, click here!

Long Island's 2013 4th of July Guide: The Best Ways to Celebrate Independence Day on LI!

Looking for something fun to do on the 4th this year? Not to worry, Long Island! We've got you covered with a comprehensive guide to the best fireworks, events, and things to do this year to celebrate Independence Day right here on Long Island. Whether you're looking to spend quality time with family and friends, start a new tradition, or experience something new this year, we've got what you're looking for - the scoop on all the best things to do in Nassau and Suffolk! 

To check out the full guide and get ahead on planning your 4th of July Festivities, head over to LongIsland.com!

Summer Fun While School Is Out

 Summer is right around the corner - this Friday, June 21st, is its official start. Students everywhere are rejoicing, because this can only mean one thing - school's out, and it's time for Summer Vacation! Right here on Long Island, there are plenty of great warm weather activities that the whole family can enjoy - from visiting our local beaches and parks, to playing sports and games, and visiting local attractions - there are plenty of things to do for kids of all ages this summer on Long Island. Whether you're looking to indulge your sweet tooth, cool off on a hot day, or simply enjoy the company of your friends and family, Long Island has something for everyone.

To get the scoop about some of the hottest summer activities for the family, head over to LongIsland.com and read the story in full!

Last Minute Father's Day Gift Ideas that Dad is Guaranteed to Love!

 Father's Day is right around the corner - have you picked out the perfect gift for Dad this year? If not, then not to worry - we've got you covered with some great gift ideas that Dad is sure to love. Father's Day is about letting your Dad know how important he is to you, which is why we've put together this guide filled with ideas ranging from unique experiences you can both enjoy together, to heart-felt gifts that he'll love, and will let him know how much you care. No matter what your Dad is passionate about, we've got something great in store for him this year - be sure to check out the Full Guide on LongIsland.com for the scoop on the best gifts for Father's Day this year, and make this year's celebration truly special!

Locals Turn to Social Media to Dethrone the Long Island Princesses

This past Sunday, Princesses: Long Island made its debut on Bravo, and locals across the Island have quite a lot to say about the polarizing show. Many feel that it is not only a poor representation of LI, but that some of the comments made by the so-called Princesses are derogatory, and racist. Since the show's premiere, there have been countless Tweets, YouTube & Facebook Posts, and even a Facebook Group calling for a boycott of the show - a shockingly large negative response, considering the show only brought in a paltry 1.2 million views during its initial airing. One of the Princesses, Ashlee White, even issued an apology for some of the statements made on the show. 

To see some of the social media highlights, and find out more about Ashlee's apology, check on the full story on LongIsland.com! 

"Bad Year" For Ticks & Mosquitoes on Long Island This Year, Thanks to Sandy

 Long Islanders enjoying fun in the sun this summer will have one more thing to worry about - according to experts, this year is gearing up to be a bad one for both ticks and mosquitoes, that may carry lethal diseases such as Lyme Disease, and the West Nile Virus, respectively. Both bugs are native to the area, and in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, they've been left with even more ideal conditions to breed and thrive - something locals need to be aware of before heading out into wooded areas, or to the local parks. Although both Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus are treatable, both can have long-term effects, so it's best to be prepared with bug spray, and to check for ticks and bug bites after you've been outdoors.

For the full scoop on the invasion of Mosquitoes & Ticks, and to find out how you can protect yourself, check out the full article on LongIsland.com!

Getting Your Body Beach-Ready for the Summer

 After a long winter, many Long Islanders are looking for ways to get back in shape before hitting the beach - a feat that is not easy! Much of the fun in the sun happening this summer on LI will of course be at one of the dozens of public beaches that line our North and South Shore, which is why it's important to get ready. There's also plenty of pools and water parks to hang out in, so before it gets too warm, it's time to shape up! Don't miss out on all of the fun this season just because you're trying to get rid of that winter flab - you can fight the fat before it's too late, and get out there to enjoy all that Long Island has to offer this summer - and look good doing it!

From tips for fixing your diet to tricks for getting the most out of your work out, we've got the scoop on how to get your body beach ready for this summer - head over to LongIsland.com for the scoop!

Springing into the 2013 Prom Season

Prom Season is right around the corner, but for many High Schoolers, there is still a ton to do before

the big night! From picking out the perfect outfit, make up, and hairstyle, to organizing a limousine ride to the Prom with friends - there's plenty of last minute planning to be done. If you're still planning the perfect Prom night, not to worry, LongIsland.com has you covered with all you'll need to make sure that your Prom is everything you dreamed it would be, and ensure you make memories that will last a lifetime. 

From tying up loose ends pre-Prom, to finding the perfect place to keep the celebration going with friends post-Prom, we've got the scoop on how to say goodbye to your High School Years while having a blast, and celebrating in style! 

To get all the tips & tricks for the 2013 Prom Season, click here!

Winter Storm Saturn: What's In Store for Long Island

Although Long Island will be avoiding the brunt of the Winter Storm dubbed Saturn, it is beginning to look more likely that the Island will be getting at least a few inches of snowfall – something that many locals are dreading, as the snows from Winter Storm Nemo have just melted. As of Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service has issued numerous warnings for Long Island, and the New York Metro Area, including a Winter Weather Advisory, Coastal Flood Advisory, Coastal Flood Watch, Wind Advisory, and a Hazardous Weather Outlook Alert.

For the full story, check out LongIsland.com's Winter Storm Saturn Coverage, and for the most up to date weather, visit the LongIsland.com Weather Center.

Brookhaven Animal Shelter Hosts "Hot Chocolate & Fun Day" to Spur Adoptions

The Brookhaven Animal Shelter will be hosting a special event this upcoming Saturday, January 26th - "Hot Chocolate & Fun Day", in an effort to encourage more Long Islanders to visit their shelter, and take home a new furry friend. The shelter is home to dozens of cats and dogs, all of which are looking for a "forever home", and this event is a great opportunity for anyone that is looking for a pet to get to meet some of the wonderful animals that are up for adoption at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. The Shelter will also be accepting donations of food and supplies at this event - even if you're not looking for a four legged addition to your family, you can still help the Shelter continue to do thier good works.

For more information on this event, and the scoop on the Brookhaven Animal Shelter, click here!

Local Nightlife Update: The Queen Extravaganza - Live in Huntington

 The Queen Extravaganza came to Long Island this past weekend and put on a terrific show at Huntington Village’s recently renovated theater. From the energetic performance of drummer Tyler Warren to the soaring vocals of lead singers Marc Martel and Jennifer Espinoza this concert was more than just an ordinary tribute put together by a few fans. The band managed to walk the line of playing respectful renditions of some of Queen’s biggest songs while adding a hint of freshness to their take on the classics. No wonder they have been officially endorsed and produced by Queen’s own drummer, Roger Taylor!

For the whole scoop on this great act, and more pics from the show, click here!

Fire and Safety Tips for Christmas Trees

 It’s something we’d prefer not to think about during the holiday season as boxes of ornaments are dusted off and long strings of lights are untangled, but as your family gathers this year it is important to consider the safety of your Christmas tree.

Christmas tree fires are not common, but when they occur they tend to be serious. One in every 66 reported Christmas tree fires resulted in death. 

 Between 2006 and 2010, fire departments in the United States responded to an average of 230 home fires that started with Christmas trees each year.  An average of four deaths per year, 21 injuries and $17.3 million in property damage resulted from these fires. 

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has offered a series of fire and safety tips for Christmas trees on behalf of the Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services to help keep Long Islanders safe and secure this holiday season.

For the tips & tricks from LongIsland.com on keeping your home safe this holiday season, click here!

Ten Long Island Landmarks to Visit with the Kids

Long Island is famous for many things, including many unique landmarks and places to visit,  and plenty of them are kid friendly. From the massive "Big Duck" National Landmark in Flanders, to the Montauk Lighthouse that's been guiding sailors on their journey home for generations, to the Old Bethpage Restoration Village that brings us back to another there are plenty of fun filled places to explore with the family - many of which can be as educational as they are enjoyable! Whether you're looking to plan a stay-cation day trip, or you're simply looking for something new to do, you won't want to miss out on visiting these Long Island Landmarks this summer.

To find out more about these iconic Long Island Landmarks, read the full article on LongIsland.com!