Long Island is one of the greatest places on this beautiful Earth. It took me an entire year of going away for school to realize how much this gorgeous place meant to me. I have missed all of these things dearly, and I’m sure all of my fellow Long Islanders did, too.
1. Pizza
The most obvious things to miss. Long Island and New York City have the greatest pizza in the country. Do not be mistaken in thinking that upstate New York has glorious pizza as well, because you would be wrong. They say that it’s the water that makes it so wonderful, but it’s still a delicious mystery up for debate.
2. Bagels
Some of you may have bagel chains on your campus, as do I, but let me tell you: that’s not a real bagel. Those are what we called “flagels” on the island; a flagel is a bagel that has been hollowed out and thus appears flat. A real, Long Island bagel is huge, round, and fluffy, filled with enough calories to keep you full for a week. And don’t even get me started on the bacon, egg and cheeses.
3. Beaches
I think the only place that is comparable to a Long Island beach would be somewhere tropical; everywhere else is just water and sand. But on Long Island, beaches are beautiful. You don’t need an excuse to go to the beach because there’s one within a 20-30 minute radius from wherever you’re standing on the island. The beaches here are not only breathtaking, but they’re perfect for any occasion: day trips, sunset and sunrise viewings, first dates, and hanging out. There’s no place like it.
4. Jones Beach Theater
This is arguably one of the best places to see a concert. The whole theater is outdoors, with the stage in the water while the seats are on land, making for the perfect summer experience. They host artists from all genres so everyone can find a reason to attend one of their shows. Seeing a concert somewhere else (unless it’s at Madison Square Garden or the Barclay’s Center) just isn’t the same.
5. New York City
Ahh, the greatest city in the world. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been to the city, you’ll always find something new there. There are plenty of things to do; you can never get bored of it! Being so close to this amazing place is something I took for granted while away at school, and I know that I’ll never be so far from it again after I graduate.
6. Splish Splash
Yeah, you might have been to this water park every summer since you were six, but it really never gets old. I go every summer and always have the time of my life. With the new rollercoaster-style ride that just opened, it makes the place even more exciting. I always make sure to hop on as many rides as possible while I’m there, for even an entire day at the park sometimes isn’t enough to ride every ride, nonetheless your favorites twice. No other water park compares to Splish Splash.
7. Montauk
The furthest most point on Long Island is one of the most beautiful. Montauk is known for being a cute little beach town with lots of amenities for kids and adults alike. Even though it’s one of a few locations on Long Island with a lighthouse, the Montauk Lighthouse seems to be just as exhilarating every time you decide to take the journey to the top. Being able to drive the few hours down to it’s amazing beaches is something I never thought I would miss so much. THE END.
