Paella campesina, topped with chicken, chorizo sausage and artichokes, is...

Paella campesina, topped with chicken, chorizo sausage and artichokes, is a specialty at Villa Lobos Tapas Bar in Freeport. Credit: Newsday/Erica Marcus

It's that peculiar time of year when it's almost summer, but not quite — when the last days of school overlap with weekend beach days and the sunshine is warm but not yet blistering. Before you head out on vacation, why not have a local adventure at one of these places, all opened within the last year, that offer flavorful breaks from the norm.

 
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