Hear about travel to Long Island, New York as the Amateur Traveler talks to Vanessa Gordon from EastEndTasteMagazine.com about her home. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-long-island-new-york/ Why should someone go to Long Island? Vanessa says, "Long Island, there truly is so to discover, even from living out here for many years, whether part-time or full-time there's truly so much to do, whether you're in Nassau or Suffolk County, the two counties that make up Long Island. I've lived here in the Hamptons, been here for over 30 years and this New York region never ceases to amaze me. There are ocean beaches. We have Bay beaches. We have beautiful nature preserves, bountiful farmers markets, and endless amounts of summer events." Vanessa suggests visiting Long Island in September or October, mentioning the abundance of events, family activities, and cultural events during these months. She shares her favorite spots in Montauk, including the Montauk Point Lighthouse and the opportunity for seal watching and whale sightings. Moving to Shelter Island, Vanessa recommends taking the ferry and exploring the island's unique attractions, such as Rams Head Inn and Mashomack Preserve. She also suggests Sunset Beach as a hotspot for live music and sunsets. Vanessa then talks about Sag Harbor, her favorite village, and its family-friendly beaches. She highlights The Beacon restaurant and Barron's Cove Hotel for breathtaking sunset views. The discussion extends to wineries on the North Fork, with recommendations like Wolfer Estate and Channing Daughters. She covers various family-friendly activities, including museums like the Parrish Art Museum and Guildhall and theaters such as Bay Street Theater. Vanessa mentions the presence of celebrities in the fall. The itinerary continues with a move to Riverhead, described as the gateway to the North Fork and South Fork. Vanessa appreciates the town's historic charm, new businesses, and attractions like the Long Island Aquarium. She highlights the East End food market as a one-stop shop for local food purveyors. Vanessa suggests considering staying in Brookhaven instead of the Hamptons to save on your travel budget. She highlights Patchogue on the Great South Bay as a vibrant spot, particularly for nightlife, and recommends Fire Island for its popularity among the LGBTQ+ community. She emphasizes historical sites like Fire Island Lighthouse and Bellport, suggesting the Bellport Inn as a cozy stay. Moving to the "Gold Coast" on the north shore, Vanessa mentions historic mansions like Teddy Roosevelt's Sagamore Hill, the Old Westbury Gardens, and Oheka Castle, the latter featured in a Taylor Swift music video. She advises dividing mansion visits over two days. Whether you are visiting Long Island on your yacht or by train, whether you are visiting mansions or living in one, this area near New York City offers a very different world to the city with its beaches, farms, and vineyards.