Long Island summer venues open for winter fun
The Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead offers a Shark Dive where daring participants can go in a cage submerged in a tank with sharks.
It’s Friday night at 6 and folks are gathering in T-shirts and shorts to play volleyball. No one is wearing shoes — the court is covered in sand — and music plays in the background. The only thing missing is the sun and the sound of the waves because the month is February and the scene takes place at an indoor volleyball court in Oceanside.
Outside the weather might be chilly, but that doesn’t mean Long Islanders can’t hang out like it's warmer. Some of summer's go-to spots stick around through winter.
Here are waterfront places where you can lodge and activities that will help you dodge those winter blues.
Bump, set and spike at Endless Summer Indoor Volleyball
3580 Oceanside Rd., Oceanside
Jaime Gaffga, 24, of Long Beach, plays volleyball alongside Dean Villella, 25, of Long Beach, at Endless Summer Volleyball in Oceanside. Credit: Howard Simmons
Put your bare feet in the sand and play on Friday and Saturday nights when drop-ins and open play are welcome on two courts ($15 per person). “There are some serious players that offer good competition. But for the most part, it’s a social environment,” says owner Rob Phillips. “It’s a nice place to meet people. Some couples utilize it as a date night.”
More info 516-764-1555, endlesssummervb.com
Spend the night at Sound View Greenport
58775 County Rd. 48, Greenport
Sound View hotel rooms are steps from the beach in Greenport. Credit: Sound View
This hotel features 60 rooms and 1,400 feet of private beach with views of Long Island Sound. “It feels like an old ship with modern luxuries,” says Kara Hoblin, director of guest culture. “At high tide, the water is right underneath you. It’s very relaxing.” Take advantage of the hotel’s Uncommon Artists residency where classes offered include a succulent terrarium workshop on Feb. 25. Grab a fresh seafood dinner at the Halyard or drop by the Piano Bar for a craft cocktail such as Oaxaca Nights made with mezcal, sweet vermouth, Aperol, ancho chili liquor and finished with guajillo chili chocolate shavings. While you're in Greenport, go for a spin on the century-old carousel at Mitchell Park ($2.50 per ride) on Friday evenings from 3 to 8 p.m. as well as Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Karunā Hot Yoga in Greenport offers morning and afternoon classes.
To warm up, head down the road to Karunā Hot Yoga, located at 9 Sterlington Commons in Greenport, to start the day with some stretching and a workout ($25). “We keep the room at 104 degrees and 55 percent humidity. It’s like classical yoga with a little bit more pace and athleticism,” says owner Arthur Blenk. “The focus is on detoxification, motion, strength, balance and stretching.”
Room rates Starting at $166 per night
More info 631-477-1910, soundviewgreenport.com
Swim with sharks at the Long Island Aquarium
431 E. Main St., Riverhead
The Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead offers a Shark Dive where daring participants can go in a cage submerged in a tank with sharks.
The aquarium offers a Shark Dive excursion ($215 per person plus $47.60 general admission) for those brave enough to accept the challenge. Thrill seekers can go in a cage submerged in a tank containing both sand tiger sharks and nurse sharks. “The sharks will circle around and go under the cage,” says marketing director Darlene Puntillo. “Inside the cage you can see them from all different angles.”
More info 631-572-8582 ext. 426, longislandaquarium.com
Sip tropical cocktails at the Allegria Hotel
80 W. Broadway, Long Beach
For a summertime experience in winter, the bartenders at the Alegria Hotel’s L'Onda Bar, in Long Beach, can mix up up summery drinks. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
Chill out at this oceanfront hotel located on the boardwalk in Long Beach, where the L’Onda Bar, open to non-guests, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Craft cocktails ($16) include the lemongrass cosmo (Hula Hut lemongrass, ginger vodka, cranberry juice, lime), the cucumber martini (Hanson organic cucumber vodka, simple syrup, cucumber) or the mai tai (Ron Barcelo dark rum, pineapple, grenadine). “You can sip cocktails while enjoying the ambience of the waves and watch the surfers, which ride year-round here,” says director of sales Geraldine Schmidt.
Room rates Starting at $209 per night
More info 516-889-1300, allegriahotelny.com
See a 'dive-in' movie at Seawater Spa in Gurney’s Montauk Resort
290 Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk
Gurney’s Resort in Montauk offers "Dive-In Movies" on Saturday nights where a family-friendly movie plays at the heated indoor pool. Credit: Gurney's Resort
Pamper yourself at this luxury resort featuring a large caldarium, vitality hot tub, cool bath, cold plunge and seawater pool. There are also rooms for chromotherapy, hydrotherapy and full-body treatments plus evening activities like Dive-In Movies and Igloos By the Sea. “Every Saturday, Gurney’s Montauk offers a unique take on the ‘drive-in movie,’ welcoming families and guests of all ages to grab a float and experience a classic, family-friendly movie in the heated indoor pool,” says director of marketing Stacey Spielman. “Our Igloos By the Sea provide a beautiful seaside setting for friends and family to enjoy, complete with cozy décor, activities and entertainment. The menu features local dishes along with seasonally inspired cocktails.” Dive-In Movies are free for guests. Non-guests can pay for a $150 day pass for the spa. Igloos are $150 for up to six people and there’s a minimum of $100 (drinks and food).
Room rates Starting at $382 per night
More info 631-668-2345, gurneysresorts.com
Have a brew and hang at Montauk Brewing Company
62 S. Erie Ave., Montauk
Looking for a local craft brew? Visit the tasting room where fresh pints ($8) like of Wave Chaser IPA, Summer Ale, Watermelon Session Ale and Easy Rider Belgian White are on tap and will remind you of summer.
More info 631-668-8471, montaukbrewingco.com
Attend a concert at Stephen Talkhouse
161 Main St., Amagansett
Catch a live concert ($10-$50) at this summer staple where concertgoers can see internationally renowned performers and local artists. Upcoming events and shows include Cabin Fever Party with The Realm and Project Vibe at 7 p.m. Feb. 24 and Trivia Night at 7 p.m. March 8.
More info 631-267-3117, stephentalkhouse.com
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
