You know what they say, Long Island is the greatest place in the world. We have to look at in two parts, the North Shore and the South Shore. Maybe the South Shore beaches are better, but the North Shore has the best food, the greatest places, and a lot of fun. We must learn our ABCs.
A: All American
Though technically more south, it's just a short drive and the burgers are amazing. Every drivers ed car would pull up as a testament to being able to drive on the 135.
B: Bounce
Syosset is home to one of the few locations of Bounce. This trampoline park has floors that are made of trampolines, dodge ball on trampolines, and a foam pit to jump into. It's fun for all ages, including adults. Who doesn't want to release their inner child every once and a while?
C: Cold Spring Harbor State Park
There is hiking to be done on a nice day, plus sightseeing. Grab friends to join and you'll be on your way to a nature-filled afternoon. This place is the perfect area, a quiet spot with beautiful scenery to clear your mind.
D: Dairy Barn
This drive up has everything your heart could desire at any hour of the night. From food to beer this is a North Shore and Long Island amenity like no other. There is ice cream to be had, and joy riding with friends to be done. This is the perfect stop.
E: Eisenhower Park
There's golfing, swimming, walking around, and even camps here. Whether it's a small day trip or a weekend of fun, there is stuff to do for the whole family, and for friends. There is no one that I've met who's never been here, especially for the Fourth of July firework show.
F: Friendly's
Literally how can you be sad with a Friendly's ice cream in your hand? Trick question you can't. The home for everyone after middle school concerts to debrief and catch up. Every single birthday spent listening to, "Friendly's has a birthday song" and nights spent with half price apps, and chicken finger baskets.
G: Gatsby House
Home of East Egg and West Egg, they were framed after two towns Great Neck and Port Washington. Though it is just a fictional book, many scenes and descriptions were taken from living here.
H: Haunted House (Bayville)
Voted Scariest Haunted House on Long Island, Bayville Scream Park is insane. There's different houses for different levels and experiences of scaring. Open throughout all of October, it's guaranteed to scare you at least a little bit.
I: Ice Cream
We literally have the greatest ice cream places. Whether it's Friendly's, Dairy Barn, Cold Stone, you name it, we definitely have it. Perfect for a day at home, or a summer afternoon at the beach. Ice cream is literally the greatest thing ever invented. Thank you, ice cream inventors.
J: JAPs
This is most definitely a North Shore thing. Calling your friend after a fight a JAP, being told you've been acting jappy lately. There's no denying that you haven't used this as an insult once in your life. It's a lifestyle. Even if you're not Jewish.
K: King's Park
King's Park is home to King's Park Psychiatric Center, or at least what's left of it. Said to be haunted, people make their journey over to see what they can find. Though it's always being patrolled, people still try to figure out all the mystery this place holds.
L: Little Vincent's
Cheese slice, please! Make that two. It may not be the greatest pizza I have ever tasted in my life, but it is one of the only places I've gone that I can get a slice with cold shredded cheese on top. Literally for all the cheese obsessors like myself out there, you must try this at least once.
M: Mario's Pizza
I might be sounding a little pizza crazy right now, but this college life has got me missing the best pizza around. They make all different kinds of slices, and though many people won't agree with me, this is a staple of being home, and a staple of my happiness all in one.
N: Natalie Portman
Syosset opened the doors to this actress years ago, but that doesn't mean that she's not forever a North Shore member. Her last years of high school were the start of Star Wars, and she was secretly escorted through the back to prom. She didn't lose out on this North Shore high school experience for nothing.
O: Oyster Bay
P: Planting Field's Arboretum
Q: Q-Zar
Laser tag fun for literally everyone. Though it's not the only place for laser tag, it is here, and who doesn't love getting their anger out shooting their friends?
R: Ralph's Italian Ices
A summer like no other on Long Island, with the greatest Italian ice place. There is never a time that you won't see half your high school on line with you (yes I said on line, I'm from Long Island). From the most random flavors to simple ices, there is literally something for everyone's taste buds.
S: Sound
The Long Island Sound borders all of our rocky beaches. It's not the best place to swim, but it sure is pretty, especially when you look out and can see Connecticut from wherever you're standing.
T: Traffic
Literally traffic, traffic everywhere. I have grown so patient on my trips back upstate to school because there is nothing like the traffic on Long Island (well besides the City). Bumper to bumper through rush hour and those summer weekends out to the Hamptons. Something that I don't miss. Everyone with their expensive cars feeling that they can stop traffic because they deserve it.
U: Universities
There are so many, I don't think I can name them all. Though not all from the North Shore, many North Shore students do attend Hofstra, Adelphi, Stony Brook, LIU Post, NCC, etc. There are just way too many, and so many options for everyone. Why leave the greatest place on earth?
V: Vineyards
Often I forget that the North Shore does extend to Suffolk, but how could I forget the beautiful vineyards Suffolk blesses us with. There is a high volume of vineyards on the border of the North Shore to never not have a glass of wine with dinner.
W: Welwyn Perserve
A greenhouse, and some of the nicest graffiti, but besides that there are hiking and trails. Though a lot of it is overgrown, it's very beautiful, and in certain parts kind of creepy.
X: Xpress-Way
Have to take the cheap way out on this one. There are so many to talk about, though. We have the LIE, the Northern State, parts of the 135. Somewhere to get you anywhere you need to go.
Y: Yelling
No such thing as quietly talking. We are always very passionate in what we say, and make sure everyone around us will hear it.
Z: Z-100
The greatest, and best music station for all the pop music needs.
Now you know your ABCs, next time won't you adventure with me.
