As a born and bred Long Islander, Long Island’s East End holds many fond memories like ice cream eating, swimming, berry picking, pumpkin picking, animal-petting and soaking up the fresh air and sunshine. When I received an invitation to enjoy a girlfriend’s getaway including visits to the East End’s most popular attractions, I quickly secured my spot. Long Island’s East End is a great summer (or fall) escape for couples, families and girlfriend getaways and this trip did not disappoint.
Escape to Long Island’s East End
Travel Tips
Driving to Long Island’s East End can be brutal so try not to go during peak times (especially Friday afternoon) if you can. Break up the drive with a stop at the Long Island Welcome Center (exit 51-52) where you’ll find super clean bathrooms, local snacks and beverages, plus outdoor space for kids (and dogs) to run around.
The Long Island Welcome Center is en route to Long Island’s East End
Where to Stay
Hotel Indigo is an ideal pick for a getaway to Long Island’s East End.
We stayed at Hotel Indigo Long Island – East End in Riverhead which is right off the Long Island Expressway and centrally located to all of Long Island’s East End attractions. I loved the modern decor and chic lobby vibe reminiscent of a boutique hotel, a rare find in Suffolk County.
My room was spacious and comfortable with earthy tones, plush bedding and contemporary furnishings. It had all the in-room conveniences I love (spacious bathroom with Aveda bath products and make-up wipes, Keurig coffee maker, free wifi) plus some other perks that are great for families like a dorm-sized fridge and microwaves (just ask at reception). The hotel is also pet-friendly so the whole family can enjoy an east end getaway.
Additional amenities include an outdoor saltwater swimming pool, furnished deck area, fitness center, and spa.
There is a complimentary shuttle to drive guests around and bikes can be borrowed from the lobby. The hotel is a hotspot with locals and visitors with special events throughout the summer and fall so check the schedule before you book your stay.
For dining, the Bistro 57 restaurant is one of the best in the area offering farm fresh dining and locally brewed beverages with innovative presentations (weekends book up, so make reservations in advance).
Shopping
The Riverhead Tanger Outlet Mall has something for everyone with shops ranging from Disney and Crocs to Kate Spade and Off-Saks Fifth Avenue, etc. If you’ve got a new home (or maybe a beach house) to decorate, you will definitely want to hit the Pottery Barn, William-Sonoma, Restoration Hardware and West Elm outlets. Stop by the information center to pick up a coupon book (free for AAA members).
Eating and Drinking
Long Island’s famed wineries are spread throughout the North Fork so plan to visit one or more depending on your crew. Most wineries offer large areas for picnics and kids are always welcome so pack some sandwiches and outdoor games if you’re taking the family.
Be sure to stop at a winery or two when you visit Long Island’s East End.
We stopped at Osprey Dominion Vineyards where we were treated to a delicious wine tasting and informative vineyard tour. We sampled Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Rose, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, as well as a warmed Spice Wine.
Their award-winning wines are proudly displayed inside and gifts and snacks are also available for purchase.
We really enjoyed hanging out on the scenic grounds, sipping wine and listening to live music. Such a perfect girlfriend getaway moment.
If you do bring kids here, a food truck serves kid-friendly fare like hot dogs and corn.
Another fun spot is The Riverhead Ciderhouse. Check out the outdoor garden area or lounge on vintage sofas by the fire.
Come hungry to The Riverhead Ciderhouse on Long Island’s East End.
If you love cider, you’ll have a hard time deciding what to order but the $10 cider tasting is the perfect solution. I tried the Apple Annie, Cherry, Strawberry and Spring Fling and they were all deliciously smooth and refreshing.
This is a great place to drop by any time of day but I recommend coming hungry so you can sample their tasty culinary offerings like giant pretzels, table-made guacamole and innovative pizzas.
The large apple orchards can be seen from the parking lot so you know everything is super fresh.
If you love pies, make a quick visit Briermere Farms. They only sell whole pies to go (fresh or frozen) but if you’re looking for a small snack, I highly recommend the Raspberry Walnut Squares.
For the Kiddos
Garden of Eve Organic Farm & Market – Long Island’s East End was originally all farmland and there are plenty of farms and gardens left to explore. If you’re coming with kids, Garden of Eve is a nice option due to its manageable size, affordable attractions (just $5) and fun offerings like a bouncy castle, climbing tower, pedal cars, slides, hay rides and petting zoo.
Pick up some fresh produce at the Garden of Eve Organic Farm & Market on Long Island’s East End.
We enjoyed a hay ride around the farm where we learned about the organic produce grown each season and finished our visit feeding the cutest animals including baby lambs.
Long Island Aquarium – Located on Main Street in Riverhead, Long Island Aquarium is a full-scale aquarium with a theme around the “Lost City of Atlantis.”
Kids of all ages will enjoy visiting the Long Island Aquarium on Long Island’s East End.
One of Long Island’s best family attractions, the indoor and outdoor Aquarium features tropical fish, butterflies, bugs and birds as well as a gargantuan shark tank, interactive ray bay, penguins, a touch tank, an adorable sea lion show and so much more.
Have some ice cream and stroll the outdoor waterfront area if the weather is nice.
For a family-friendly day trip, stop by the East End’s famed water park. I’ve been here with my daughter several times it never grows old.
Splish Splash is a great family outing on Long Island’s East End.
From wave pools and lazy rivers to log fumes and thrill rides, you will be laughing and splashing the entire day. There are toddler and baby areas so even the youngest babes can enjoy a day here.
Have you visited Long Island’s East End? Tell me your favorite memory in the comments below.
Special thanks to Hotel Indigo – Long Island East End for accommodations and some meals during my stay and to Osprey Dominion Vineyards, The Riverhead Ciderhouse, Garden of Eve Organic Farm and Market and Long Island Aquarium for hosting my visits. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!
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