Fig.1, Montauk Lighthouse, Wikipedia
The Montauk Lighthouse is staple for for those who visit Long Island or even already live there. The lighthouse is located in Montauk which is in Suffolk county and is known for it’s amazing view of this island. The lighthouse may be closed in winter but during the summer tons of people will flock to the location to enjoy the views on a sunny bright day.
The lighthouse is not just for show as it holds an abundance of history, which is described on the lighthouse website. According to the website, it was built in 1792 which makes the lighthouse over 200 years old! The craziest part is that it was ordered to be built under George Washington, how crazy is that! It was even the first lighthouse to be ever built in the state of New York. Many people (including myself) have no idea about the incredible history and honestly it is a shame. Due to its incredible history, the Montauk Point lighthouse is a certified national landmark. It is hard to believe the structure is that old but it is clear that renovations have been done to protect the lighthouse so future generations can continue to enjoy it.
After you are done visiting the lighthouse there is plenty more to do in Montauk. I know my grandpa loved to go fishing here and because it is a hotspot for fishing, there is an amazing reputation for seafood. I have heard amazing things about the restaurant Lobster Roll. For those who are of age there is even a really cool brewing company to check out. My friend who goes there every year has mentioned to me that you have to get the ice cream there as it is delicious.There are plenty of high end hotels for you to at, so why not spend the weekend? Montauk, for many Long Islanders is the perfect place to get away and relieve some stress as well as spend time with your family. No wonder why it is so popular!
I have something to admit. I have not yet visited this landmark (oops!). However, this summer I am planning a day trip with friends so I can be an official Long Islander. I just have not got around to going and I am the only one out of my friends who hasn’t! I can not wait to visit the Montauk Lighthouse and I will be sure to update you when I finally do!
Fig.2, MTK Lighthouse, MTK website
Every kid has those memories of going to some small theme park with camp or their family, well for me that place is Adventureland! Adventureland is exactly what you would think it is, a theme park! Adventureland is located in Farmingdale, Long Island. Nearly all true Long Islanders have had the experience of going at least once, but if you are like me you probably forced your parents to take you every year. Im not going to lie the park is fairly small and probably best for those under 12, but still quite the experience!
Fig. 1 , Adventureland, Trip
I would consider Adventureland an extremely mini Six Flags as it has every type of ride just much smaller. There is even a haunted house which seems to be re-done every summer for no specific reason. You could easily walk through the entire park in about 5-10 minuets, so it is tiny!
It is funny to think back to the times where I was terrified to go on the “big” rollercoaster called The Hurricane. At the time, it just seemed so much bigger than it truly is and just displays the differences in a child’s mine. Unfortunately, that particular rollercoaster has been torn down since but has been recently replaced by a new one called Turbulence. I have not been on this one because it was built after I grew out of that Adventureland phase. However, I often think back to my times on the creaky old rollercoasters and haunted houses. Fun fact, I used to cry on the haunted house ride because I was so terrified of ghosts!
Most importantly, Adventureland is a place for families. I have such fond memories of smiling with my brother as well as my parents while forcing my parents to go onto every single ride with me even though they did not want to go on the spinning rides. We would eat all that unhealthy fair food like cotton candy and fries. It brings me a smile to my face whenever I think about it, and I am sure that I am not the only one who feels this way.
I used to go with my camp as an end of summer trip and I remember that I was terrified to go on the seemingly huge rollercoaster. My counselors encouraged me to go on, I was shaking all the way up the track, When we started to go down the hill I find our out that I loved rollercoasters. This is one of the first times that I can really remember facing one of my fears and I think that it is pretty hilarious it was at Adventureland of all places.
Any young kids will have the most amazing day spent at Adventureland because when you are so young, it feels so huge. One day in the very far future, I will surely be bringing my kids to Adventureland so they have the chance to experience the joy it has brought so many, including me.
Fig 2, Adventureland, Facebook