Christmas Tree Cutting

(Long Island, N.Y.) The popular Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony takes place in New York City on Tuesday November 30, 2010. With that in mind it is time for you to begin looking for the perfect tree. If you are looking for a tree you have two options, pick and cut your own or pick out a pre-cut tree. I prefer to pick and cut my own because nothing beats the smell of fresh pine during the Holiday season.

Each year my family and I take a ride upstate and visit Battenfeld Farm, where you can cut down our own tree, drink hot cocoa, visit Santa and enjoy the Christmas themed light displays. Battenfeld Farm is located in Red Hook, New York which is approximately 2½ hours away from Nassau County, Long Island. On selected dates Santa comes to visit and the children can have their pictures taken with Santa and his old fashioned sled. Christmas trees are a fixed price of $55, but if you check out their website you can sign up for a $5 off coupon. Aside from Christmas trees they offer handmade wreaths to decorate your home for the season. Battenfeld Farm is open daily from 8am-4pm, but don’t forget to check out the website for special events.

Located only 90 minutes from Manhattan in the mid Hudson Valley, Evergreen Farm makes a very pleasant day trip and offers you an old fashioned experience. Evergreen Farm is open Friday thru Sunday from 9:30am-4:30pm starting after Thanksgiving. While visiting enjoy complimentary hot cider and check out their beautiful hand crafted Holiday wreaths.

Bilmar Nursery located in Pleasant Valley, New York offers pre cut or cut your own Christmas trees as well as Holiday wreaths. They are open 7 days a week and on the weekends they offer hayrides and fire truck rides to and from the fields. They also have a cozy Christmas shop that sells wreaths, poinsettias, ribbon, and other holiday gifts. On December 4th Santa will be visiting Bilmar Nursery in his 1965 Ford Mustang and will be available to take photos with the children.

Solvang Tree Farm is family owned and operated and a great place to begin a family tradition. They open the Friday after Thanksgiving and have trees that you can cut yourself that are up to 8ft tall, as well as pre cut trees that range from 6ft-15ft. They also have a mini petting zoo for the children to visit while picking or cutting down your tree. Last but not least they have wreaths, roping, centerpieces and kissing balls, all made fresh on their farm.

Hahn Farm is open the day after Thanksgiving and every day after until Christmas. They offer 6 different types of trees to either cut yourself or pre-cut. In addition to cutting your own tree, they offer Angus beef, chicken or pork fresh from their farm that is range free. They raise healthy drug free animals and their motto is “Know the people who put food on your table.”

If you have not begun this tradition with your family, it is never too late! The pick your own tree farms are close enough to make a day trip with the whole family, as well as escape and take in the beautiful sights and scents of Mother Nature.

Seasonal Craft Fairs On Long Island

(Long Island, N.Y.) The Rockville Centre Fall Festival is hosted Halloween weekend October 30th and 31st at the Rockville Centre train station. The Rockville Centre show, located on the corner of Sunrise Highway and N. Long Beach Road, features an array of arts & crafts, gift items, antiques, food and more. This event is rain or shine and pet friendly.

Explore vintage items and arts and crafts at The Junior League of Long Island’s Fall Market. Sale proceeds benefit The Junior League’s many community projects. The Junior League of Long Island strives to be the organization of choice for volunteering and community partnerships to help improve the health and well being of women and children on Long Island.

It is never too soon to start shopping for the Holidays, visit and take pictures with Santa on November 6th. There will be a Holiday Craft & Gift Fair in Hauppauge for all of your holiday needs. There is still time to be a vendor at this event, simply fill out the application and submit it by the deadline.

The Saint Anthony’s Annual Craft Fair is held on November 6th at St. Anthony’s High School located in South Huntington. Sponsored by members of the Mother’s Guild, come for a fun-filled day with plenty of shopping, raffles and prizes, baked goods, and all of your holiday needs!

Is scrap booking your forte or hobby? If so the 10th annual Greater New York Art Stamp Show is held in Smithtown on November 6th. At this event there will be demonstrations, raffles, and scrap booking ideas. In addition to scrap booking ideas, teachers are welcome for stamps and other various teaching supplies! Come join other scrap bookers as well as vendors selling all of your craft needs!

The 15th Annual Autumn Art and Craft Festival is held on November 13th and 14th in Stony Brook at Stony Brook University Sport Center located on Nicholls Road. At this indoor fair choose from the vast selection of art, pottery, gourmet foods, stained glass, table linens, clothing, Christmas ornaments, holiday decor, unique gifts and more.

Beginning November 20th and every week after that through December 31st, vendors will be in the middle of Westfield’s Sunrise Mall located in Massapequa. Vendors will be selling holiday gifts for everyone on your list, from personalized gifts to holiday ornaments, purse’s, perfume, and other various holiday presents! If you are interested in becoming a vendor please contact Westfield’s Sunrise Mall.

Deepwell Holiday Boutique runs two consecutive weekends in December. Thirty craft vendors feature hand-crafted gifts, stained glass, jewelry, handmade marionettes, dolls, painted Santas, pottery, floral arrangements, candles, organic soaps, Christmas ornaments, fiber arts, holiday items and more. Enjoy complementary hot cocoa and cookies in the beautifully decorated mansion, there is a $5 admission fee that supports The Deepwells Farm Historical Society.

Winery Tours On Long Island

(Long Island, N.Y.) With the brisk weather and the season change approaching, it is the perfect time to head out east to the Long Island Wineries. Between the festivals, wine tasting, and enjoying the beautiful autumn foliage there is something for everyone to do.

Personally what I recommend is taking a bus or limousine and taking a tour. Most of the tours have a prix fixe price, some including lunch. It is a great opportunity to kick back with some family, friends or both and enjoy this time of year. Wine tours are also great ways to celebrate birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties and weddings. With over 40 vineyards, where do you begin? If you have your heart set on a specific vineyard, go there first because after a few hours of wine tasting you are not able to experience the full body taste. The first step is to decide if you prefer to visit the South Shore or North Fork. The North Fork is known for their extended row of one winery after the other. Each winery has something different to offer, make sure to do your research prior to heading out East to see what each Vineyard is most commonly known for!

A personal favorite of mine is Martha Clara Vineyards; this vineyard combines a beautiful ambiance as well as great wine. Located on Sound Avenue this location allows plentiful parking, a variety of events each weekend, in addition to delicious wine. Martha Clara Vineyard was originally owned by Robert Entenmann (just like the baked goods) and was later named after his mother Martha Clara. Each weekend they offer live music, book signings, tours, and have a fabulous little shop located in front of the vineyard for the wine lovers. This month stop by for karaoke, dress up your pet, or their annual chili cook off. Check out their site for more upcoming events as well. While there make sure to purchase a bottle of their Five-O red blend, it is fantastic! Martha Clara is also pet friendly so bring the dog too!

Bella Vita Winery is also a personal favorite, but more intimate as well. At this vineyard they offer a wine education class that teaches you about the North Fork Wineries, as well as wine and food pairing. This class is offered to groups of 8 and even sends you home with a packet. Bella Vita also offers wine tasting and ballroom lessons, after trying out a few different types of wine, let loose and take a lesson with a certified dance instructor. My favorite part about this winery is that if you have an anniversary approaching you can let Bella Vita Vineyard cater to you. They offer a Bed & Breakfast, accommodating only one reservation at a time.

Are you interested in fabulous wine as well as beautiful art? Check out the Castello Di Borghese winery, where they host various art events as well as a Winemaker’s walk, where you are taken on a personal tour to see how the grapes are picked, plus how the wine is made. My personal favorite bottles of their wines are the 2005 Merlot and their 2008 Riesling. Castello Di Borghese also offers gourmet olives and olive oil imported from their family estate in Calabria, Italy which is absolutely to die for.

Aside from wine tasting, most of the vineyards offer to host your private events and weddings. It is a great idea to have a country themed wedding at this time of year, and most of the vineyards only host one event at a time to ensure all of your needs are taken care of for a memorable day.

Long Island Autumn Farm Activities

(Long Island, N.Y.) Autumn is the season of apple and pumpkin picking. One of my favorite places to go is Lewin Farms. Lewin Farms is a family owned & operated farm that is open seasonally to pick apples, pumpkins, enjoy roasted corn, and cut your own Christmas tree. The farm offers a variety of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables depending on the season. As an alternative, or if you are craving fresh fruits and vegetables you can check out their farm stand that offers a delicious and vibrant variety of fresh grown goods. Lewin Farms is located on eastern Long Island; log onto the website to plug in your address to calculate directions. Lewin Farms is open daily from 9-5pm except Tuesdays.

In addition to Lewin Farms, another personal favorite is Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm. Stakey’s is located in Aquebogue (Exit 73 on the LIE) and offers 26 acres of pick your own pumpkins. While visiting Stakey’s farm, they offer a 25 minute hay ride around the farm to take in the sights of the spacious farm and relax. For the kids they offer bounce houses, face painting, and pony rides. You may also want to visit the country store and flower house. At these shops you can purchase items to bring the country feeling home. They offer an immense variety of home goods, Halloween and harvest decorations and beautiful flowers to embellish the fall feeling at your own home.

After working up an appetite, check out the snack shack where they serve all sorts of treats. While you’re at Stakey’s don’t forget to take a family photo, Stakey’s allows you to add your photo to their website photo album, as well as enter their yearly photo contest. For parents and teachers, Stakey’s also offers group discounts for field trips and Birthday parties at an economical price.

If your looking for a fun day trip Harbes Family Farm is definitely worth the trip to the east end of Long Island. There are 3 different Harbes farm locations, each specializing in a specific attraction. Mattituck Farm and Vineyard is set in the heart of the north fork offering pumpkin picking, country café, farm market, pick your own berries, corn mazes, and of course wine tasting. Riverhead Farm is known for its beautiful orchards, and corn maze. Although all of the Harbes location offers a corn maze, this location offers an interactive corn maze with actors, game pieces, pedal carts, hayrides, and more! Check Harbes online and check out special events offered at each farm and additional activities. In addition to the fall festivities, Harbes offers educational field trips, hosts children’s parties and weddings.

For other spooktacular Halloween events on Long Island visit: https://www.longislandexchange.com/longisland/halloween.html

October Fun-Filled Activities

(Long Island, N.Y.) October is packed with fun filled activities for everyone! A personal favorite of mine is haunted houses and haunted corn mazes; here on Long Island we have quite a variety of places to choose from to please all ages.

Begin the day with taking a drive to Scmitt’s Farm located in Melville. Every weekend throughout the month of October Scmitt’s presents hay rides, corn mazes, farm stands, and other various attractions for the whole family to enjoy. For teens and adults Scmitt’s offers nighttime horror as well. While waiting online enjoy snacks and beverages served on the premises. Arrive early to avoid lines and check out the website for coupons that are available for day and night festivities.

There is fun brewing at Deer Park community center! Every weekend in October Zombie World Attack of the Killer Clowns invades the community center and attracts a younger crowd. Tattoos, pumpkin decorating, food and snacks are available for the tots, as well as the haunted house for the teens and adults. Specified dates offer special events that are free as well. The fee is minimal and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Nassau/Suffolk Chapter of the Autism Society. Enjoy and have fun while supporting Autism.

Enjoy apple picking, pumpkin picking and haunted festivities at Hank’s Pumpkin town! Hanks Farm is geared towards family fun, relaxation, and enjoyment! Enjoy candy apples, corn mazes, wagon rides and other various activities. After an exhausting day stop by the fresh corn stand to enjoy roasted corn and fresh homemade apple cider. Before you leave don’t forget to stop and purchase beautiful fall decorations. Hanks has a lovely variety of mums, gourds, and lawn decorations. Hanks Farm is open weather permitting, however you can log onto their site if the weather is questionable for daily updates.

Each year White Post Farms works hard to produce its annual Fall Farm Festival. Admission is economical, which allows you to begin or continue a great family tradition. White Post Farms offers a beautiful animal farm, a gourmet market, and pony rides along with a variety of events going on each weekend. Are you at a loss for where to have your child’s Birthday party? In addition to the Fall Festival, the farm also hosts children’s Birthday parties. You can choose a package of your choice, with a great variety to choose from to keep your entire group of guests excited and happy.

For other spooktacular Halloween events on Long Island visit: https://www.longislandexchange.com/longisland/halloween.html

Halloween Events On Long Island

(Long Island, N.Y.) If you are feeling spirited and looking for a great scare, Bayville Scream Park is the place to go. Bayville Scream Park is voted one of the scariest parks in the country and the scariest park on Long Island. Bayville Scream Park is fun filled with activities for children and adults of all ages.

During the month of October thru the first week of November you can enjoy all the activities offered at the park. At Bayville enjoy five attractions as well as great food and snacks. If you are in the mood for a glass of wine or beer or a bar snack, stop by Skully’s Pub located next to the miniature golf course. There are five attractions at Bayville’s park, and they allow you to have the option of purchasing each attraction separately or allowing you to purchase a combo ticket. The park recommends going during weeknights to avoid long waits, but also recommend arriving early if you plan on going during the weekend.

Considering the immense crowd Bayville attracts they offer V.I.P treatment, which allows you to purchase speed passes. Speed passes allow you to by-pass the regular line and wait on the “speed pass” line. Don’t be fooled, the speed pass will save you time, however is overrated and is almost double the price of general admission. If you are pressed for time Bloodworth’s Haunted Mansion and Uncle Needle’s Fun House of Fear are a must! Uncle Needle’s Fun House of Fear is in 3D; however if you suffer from Clownaphobia, BEWARE! I also suggest possibly splitting your trip to Bayville’s Scream Park into two visits, because of the extravagant attractions and displays.

If you are looking for something fun to do with the kids, Bayville offers a Kids “Not So Scary” Days on the weekends from 11am- 6pm. There are two “not so scary” haunted houses, a pumpkin bounce, pumpkin patch, and the spooky Halloween express train and hay ride. After exploring the haunted attractions and grabbing a snack at the Creepy Café, play a game of spooky pirate miniature golf that is decorated for Halloween.

Does your child have a birthday during the month of October? Allow Bayville Scream Park to host your child’s Birthday party. The parties are affordable, different, exciting and most of all FUN! You can either choose an evening scare party, or if you prefer a “not so scary” day.

For other spooktacular Halloween events on Long Island visit: https://www.longislandexchange.com/longisland/halloween.html

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

(Long Island, N.Y.) October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and with that in mind it is time to think pink. Breast Cancer Awareness month primarily serves to emphasize early detection in addition to raising money to aid in finding a cure. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month numerous companies make donations, market pink limited edition products, and host events to raise awareness. Everyone can make a difference and offer their support and donations by taking part in local community events.

Are you free Sunday October 3rd? Drop by The Oyster where the owners of the restaurant are hosting the 5th Annual Band Together to Beat Breast Cancer Charity Fundraiser. Go alone or go with a group for a full day of live music, events, raffles & give-aways, great food, and more! Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door and include all food. All proceeds are donated to Breast Cancer Help.

On October 9, 2010 Good Times Tattoo studio will be having a special promotion titled, Ink for Pink. Those who choose a design will get their tattoo done for free, with all of the sales proceeds of the design going to Breast Cancer Help. There will also be limited-edition T-shirts and paintings on sale, with proceeds also going to benefit Breast Cancer Help. For more information, contact Frank at Good Times Tattoo Studio at (631) 277-8177.

Lace up your walking shoes, and dress in pink to show your support for Breast Cancer! The annual Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk is held at Jones Beach Boardwalk with thousands of supporters and breast cancer survivors. The walk will be held at Jones Beach, field 5 (Zach’s Bay) on Sunday October 17, 2010. You can either register early that morning or may register online at Making Strides for Breast Cancer.

You are never too young to start showing support for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Aside from wearing pink, young teens and adults are sporting bracelets with a coined phrase saying, “I love boobies: Keep a Breast.” Friend or Foe of the bracelets, kids, teens, and adults are wearing them prideful. A percentage of the proceeds are used to educate young women about the leading causes of breast cancer in women under the age of 40. You may purchase these bracelets individually at Spencer’s, Zumiez or online. Not a fan of the bracelets? You can always show your support by wearing the signature pink ribbon in various different styles.