The definition of the word
“lunatics”.
A trip to Long Island in the summer is as frequent an event for us as the appearance of the Blue Moon. Out on the southern shore is a bed and breakfast (lunch & dinner also) that we love to frequent. A weekend jaunt to smell the salt air, frolic in the sea breezes and hob nob with the Hamptons crowd was in order.
George Washington Bridge – so close yet so far!
Southern Parkway – still crowded.
Wantagh Parkway -A little better.
We arrive at our destination in need of refreshment and the comforts that can only be found at our favorite respite.
The beacons welcoming us ashore and signaling that comfort can be found here.
Did I mention that our favorite B & B is the Petronella home? My sister and brother-in-law, Dawn & Darren, have a full apartment in the downstairs of their Jones Beach area house. While my sister was lighting the lanterns for us, my brother-in-law was complaining that the air conditioning wasn’t set at his preferred temperature of 64 degrees. (In fact, when we entered we had to turn off one of the downstairs air conditioners and set the one in our bedroom to 73 degrees. Later that evening Darren thought the air conditioning had broken when he came downstairs and proclaimed it “a balmy 86 degrees down here, are you people insane?”)
Our fully stocked wine bar.
Our full kitchen.
Our Laura Ashley bedroom.
Damian is special.
The only one of us allowed on the hand-woven rug they imported from their visit to Turkey. We are standing in the corner on a placemat.
Just kidding about not being allowed on the Turkish rug. Although, it’s a miracle she lets us stay in her house at all as one New Year’s Eve Don dropped a Bloody Mary on the white carpet in her media room. Darren & Don ran out to the store to rent a carpet cleaner and cordoned off the downstairs, which resembled a crime scene, until they could get the carpet cleaned and dry without her seeing it.
No, really. Don’t go downstairs.
The late afternoon acquired a ceiling fan type of breeze and we decided to take a leisurely stroll along the promenade at the local park which is a stones throw from Jones Beach.
The Old Man and the Sea.
Soundside selfie.
Our appetites were whetted by the salt air and we chowed down to the seasonally delightful dinner Don & Dawn prepared for us. Grilled salmon topped with an avocado dip, grilled corn salsa and greek salad washed down with a local favorite dessert of gelato sandwiches made with Tate’s cookies a la Ina Garten. (My sister is a HUGE fan and once stalked Ina’s Hamptons home.)
Saturday’s forecast was for a hot and sunny day. Perfect for our foray out to Riverhead and the Long Island Aquarium. Aunt Dawn & Uncle Darren had a special treat in store for Damian.
A kind passer-by offered to take this photo outside the aquarium.
The aquarium is located along the Peconic River and has loads of interactive exhibits. There is a shark tank & you can don scuba gear, get in a cage and go feed them.
The “interactive” shark tank.
They have a trained sea lion show.
The Sea Lions performing a high jump.
There is a ‘touch tank’ of sting rays and mantas.
Petting the rays.
You can trod barefoot through the salt marsh and touch the whelks, crabs and various other inhabitants.
Nana at the salt marsh.
At the aviary you can feed the exotic birds.
Feed the birds.
You must be careful where you step in the butterfly garden because they land everywhere.
Butterflies are not free.
It’s great when your Aunt & Uncle shell out for you to feed the turtles!
Feeding the turtles.
Aunt Dawn & Uncle Darren also put out the big bucks for a “penguin experience” that gave Damian total access to the penguin’s habitat and some one on one penguin time. (Cute & cuddly, boys.)
I have a wonderful Aunt & Uncle.
These African penguins were confiscated at JFK Airport while attempting to be smuggled into the country. The airport donated them to the aquarium.
Just hanging out with my friend, Angela. You want some sardines?
It’s riverside location and numerous air conditioned exhibit halls made the heat and humidity of the day less oppressive. The knowledgeable staff and moderate crowds allowed for ample opportunity to really enjoy the hands on aspect of this facility. We also saw the otter’s habitat, Japanese Snow Monkeys and the reptile house. They even have a ‘sleep with the fishes’ opportunity where you spend the night in the aquarium. (A nod to the Long Island organized crime families – no pictures, please.) When we finally dragged Damian away we decided to head a little further out in search of a vineyard. After all, we were in Long Island wine country and we were anxious to explore their viticulture. (Who are we kidding, we just wanted some wine.) I am happy to report that Long Island also produces some fine wine. (Fauquier County it ain’t.)
Among the vines.
Serenity now.
Enjoying local oysters.
More wine?
Yes, please.
We ended the day by putting flowers on the graves of our parents. August 2 was our Mom’s birthday and I know Dawn & I both miss her every day. It was funny explaining this custom to Damian. “Wait, where are we going?” was his question when he discovered our final destination.
The evening finished with “a wee dram” of some super smooth Scotch Whiskey that found it’s way home from Dawn & Darren’s most recent adventure. They regaled us with tales from their cruise of England, France, Scotland and Ireland. The next morning we indulged again in an enormous breakfast and then said our good-byes to Long Island. If you’re ever near Jones Beach see if there’s a vacancy at the Petronella’s B&B. You won’t be disappointed.
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