Skate dates, and all the fun that follows
Amanda Goldman, 24, of Smithtown, and her boyfriend, Eddie Chlanda, 29, of Central Islip, skate at The Rinx on The Harbor in Port Jefferson. (Dec. 19, 2011) Credit: Heather Walsh
Ice skating and winter go hand in hand. This year, extend your fun on the ice with activities near local skating rinks. Whether you're looking for family-friendly entertainment or a romantic night out, you can always stretch your afternoon skate date into an evening to remember.
In Port Jefferson, the outdoor rink by the water is a scenic spot to go skating.
"It's a perfect date spot," says Anna Macukas, 26, of Centereach, who was on the ice last week with her fiance, Dan Fruhauf, 24, of Port Jefferson, to celebrate the anniversary of their engagement.
The rink is cozy, with a handful of benches outside and within the adjacent village center. Public skating sessions are held daily through mid-March.
WHAT'S NEARBY Before or after a skate, couples can dine by the waterfront at Wave Seafood Kitchen inside Danfords Hotel & Marina (631-928-5200). If you just want drinks, visit Schafer's on dueling piano nights (8-11 on Fridays and Saturdays), where two pianists play while singing pop and rock tunes on an elevated stage (631-473-8300).
Situated outside, among trees and a pond, the outdoor, nearly NHL-size rink at Christopher Morley Park is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. The kiddies can sing along to festive music (think "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch") while adults look on from park benches. When it gets too cold, head into a nearby building, where there's a brick fireplace, and vending machines for snacks and hot drinks.
"As a kid, I skated here my whole life," says Lisa Gattulli, 46, formerly of Roslyn Heights, who was recently visiting from Costa Rica with her 5-year-old daughter, Milagros Rodriguez. She was drawn to the "family-friendly" atmosphere. There's a nearby playground that's a good diversion when kids get tired of skating.
When it's too cold to skate outside, the indoor rink at Cantiague Park is a good alternative. The rink is large enough to accommodate a crowd and the stadium bleachers, dome ceiling and glass enclosures give off the vibe of a hockey rink. Groove with friends to songs pumped through overhead speakers, but keep valuables with you, as there are no public lockers.
Lyndsey Sonkin, 23, of Woodbury, found it to be a good destination for a recent afternoon date with her friend Ethan Dreyfuss, 24, of Massapequa. "You have a place to sit and an area to hang out with friends," she says.
