All around the AntiHamptons our neighbors are putting up their outdoor christmas lights. We were wondering why and how did this holiday tradition originate? After many hours of research we realized there are as many different reasons for putting up holiday lights are there are actual well, lights!
The tradition of holiday lighting acutually originates with our ancestors. With the long cold winter nights our ancestors feared the dark days and wouyld burn large bonfires to "entice" the sun back into the sky.
Before electricity, when there would be absolutely no lights within a house after bedtime, people would place lighted candles on the windowsill for travelers. This became the tradition of placing candles out on Christmas Eve to show St. Nick which houses had children.
Cool fun fact: Once Edison invented the lightbulb his friend and partner Edward H. Johnson put the very first string of electric Christmas tree lights together in 1882. He hand-wired 80 red, white and blue light bulbs and wound them around his Christmas tree. Not only was the tree illuminated with electricity, it also revolved.
The biggest reason lights or candles are lit around the home to keep it cheery and bright. With the solstice upon us, the nights are so long and many people find the darkness dreary. Thankfully, are our neighbors in the AntiHamptons are here to brighten up the season with their dazzling displays! TOP
With so many great holiday movies out there from years past, it is hard to choose the top 20 (so we made it 21). With so many genres covering the holidays it is hard to find just one film that embodies the spirit of the holidays or escape from it! We gave it a shot. Be sure to let us know if there is one that needs to be added to next years list.
21. Home Alone
20. Bad Santa
19. Love Actually
18. Elf
17. Scrooged
16. A Christmas Carol
15. The Polar Express
14. Holiday Inn
13. Santa Clause
12. Fanny & Alexander
11. Die Hard
10. A Charlie Brown Christmas
9. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
8. The Ref
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas
6. Home for the Holidays
5. A Christmas Story
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
3. White Christmas
2. Miracle on 34th Street
1. It's a Wonderful Life
Island Cinemas —our local movie theatre located at 1708 Montauik Highway, Mastic—has re-opened and they have 'Four Christmases' on the big screen. It's about a happy San Franciscian couple (Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon) on their way to paradise. When their travel plans are delayed, they are forced to visit each of their four divorced parents, which makes for an interesting and hilarious Christmas Day.TOP
The longest nights of the year are great for watching the stars, although the cold limits the outdoor time for most of us the, crisp night air keeps the skies clear for optimal viewing. December is a busy month for star gazing. There will be a meteor shower and most of the planets will be in full view.
Most of the information below was gathered at stardate.org. Orion is in view for the month. On the 1st Venus and Jupiter are close to the crescent Moon. Venus is brighter than Jupiter and it is closer to the Moon. On the 3rd, the crescent Moon just misses the planet Neptune, which is visible through strong binoculars or a telescope. Neptune is just to the left or lower left of the Moon at nightfall. It looks like a faint star with a hint of blue. On the 13th The Geminid meteor shower peaks, but the Moon will be very bright and will drown out most of the "shooting stars." On the 16th, Regulus, in Leo, the lion, is the closest bright star to the Moon. On the 17th, Saturn is close to the Moon. It looks like a bright golden star to the lower left of the Moon as they rise together in late evening. On the 21st, the December/Winter solstice, marks the start of winter in the northern hemisphere, occurs at 5:04 a.m. EST. On the 28th and 29th, Jupiter and Mercury huddle close to the Moon, very low in the southwest after sunset. They are above the Moon on the 28th (with Mercury closest to the Moon), and to its lower right on the 29th. For New Years Eve, Venus, the "evening star," is well to the upper left of the Moon on the evening of the 30th, but quite close to the Moon's lower left on the year's last night. TOP
As fall comes to us with the first frost. We look forward to fishing our fabulous waterways. The bait fish are running south and behind them are the blues, and behind them, the bass. The air is crisp and the water is wide open. The summer crowd has docked their boats and their jet-skis. Finally, space to fish in silence. Looking back toward land from the bays. The changing leaves auburn's and ochre's dominate the landscape. The AntiHamptons is a fisherman's paradise in the fall.
Bottom fishing is really fun in the fall. Fish that are normally in deeper water will move shallower as the water cools. They will remain in the shallows for a month or two, until the water really begins to chill down. When that happens, they move back out to deeper water, and sometimes begin to migrate south.
Fall fishing weather can be really great. The sun is not as hot, the fish are active and feeding, and the cool nip in the air can make the day seem absolutely wonderful. it's just great being there, regardless of whether or not you catch anything! Check our service directory for a full list of fishing related shops in the AntiHamptons.TOP
With the days getting shorter and the leaves starting to turn it is the perfect time to break out the hiking boots and hit the trails. Curiously, there are fewer people in the woods and more wildlife. Migrating birds are all around us and your chances of spotting a flock of starlings is very good. oh and, NO MOSQUITOS — can we say hurrah for autumn!!!
The most important things to remember while hiking the area is to keep comfortable. Dress in layers. The mornings are cool, midday comes and the sun is hot, then in the afternoons the wind picks up and it's ever so chilly.
Take a friend on their first hike. The fall is the perfect time to do it! No insects, tepid temperatures, no crowds, greater chance of seeing wildlife, and clear skies all add up to a great first time experience. If you are bringing someone on his or her first trek try and keep it easy with an exciting destination at the end of the trail. Try hiking to the waterfall in South Haven, or to the bay at the Terrell River, or best of all, walk through the Wertheim National Wildlife Preserve to the lower Carmans River and be on the lookout for all sorts of woodland creatures from white-tailed deer to snapping turtles. TOP
Are you looking for a workout that is easy to learn, requires little or no equipment, and soothes your soul while toning your body? If strengthening your cardiovascular system, toning and stretching your muscles, and improving your mental fitness are on your to-do list, you should consider yoga.
Yoga is a lifestyle practice not a religion. The 3,000 year old practice was founded in India. The practice is designed to unite the mind and body through breathing to help you connect with your true self.
The physical part of the yoga lifestyle is called hatha yoga. Hatha yoga focuses on asanas, or poses. A person who practices yoga goes through a series of specific poses while controlling his or her breathing. Yoga has tons of benefits. It can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina. In addition, many people who practice yoga say that it reduces anxiety and stress, improves mental clarity, and even helps them sleep better.
There are plenty of places to take a yoga class here in the AntiHamptons. Try the adult education classes at the high schools or at the Mastic Recreation Center run by the YMCA. There are also plenty of private yoga instructors in the area. Check our service directory for listings. TOP
Surfing in the AntiHamptons is a transcendent experience. Consider the names of our local surf shops — Religion, Therapy — surfing makes a person go beyond ones sense of self. The natural wonder of the waves, the physicality, the oneness with nature, it’s a humbling experience and at the same time it’s wicked fun!
Surfing, the sport of Hawaiian Kings, is a great way to get in touch with the ocean gods. Feeling the push and pull of the surf has a way of lighting a passion for the ocean that few other sports can achieve.
The first and most important thing to consider when you plan on taking up surfing is how well you swim. If you need water wings, surfing may not be the sport for you. The one thing you should always consider even if you are a competent surfer and swimmer is that you should never be farther out than you are comfortable swimming in. Your leash may break, you may lose your board and the only way back to shore may be your stroke. Besides being physically fit, surfers have to consider safety. Never surf alone. It’s just stupid. At the very least get another surfer to keep an eye on you.
Start you surfing experience in small surf if you are a beginner. Learn how to paddle the board and learn how to pop up before you tackle the big waves. This sounds obvious but so many new surfers want to get right out into those big breaking waves. Wait till you can competently surf the little ones, please. Check our service directory for listings of surf shops in the AntiHamptons.TOP
The slang term for recreational crabbers is “chicken necker” cause the favorite bait for the recreational crabber is a chicken neck! Who knew? Oh wait, the guys at the bait shops knew.
The gear crabbers carry are a crab pot, a dip net to scoop up stray crabs. A five-gallon pail or wooden basket, thick crabbing gloves, and a culling stick usually 5 inches long so you know which crabs are big enough to keep and bait. Bait can consist of chicken necks or oily bait-fish such as alewife, eel and bull lip.
There’s a bunch of ways to “crab” the simplest way is bait tied string and a net but the most popular is with the use of the crab pot. The crabpot is a large square trap constructed out wire. The trap has two internal chambers. The bottom chamber, or "downstairs", consists of two or four entrance funnels, known as "throats", which allow the crab to easily enter but not exit. In the center of the bottom chamber is the "bait box" which is constructed of fine-mesh galvanized wire so that the crab cannot get to the bait. The top chamber is the holding area, known as the "parlor" or "upstairs". Crabs enter the parlor through oblong, funnel-shaped, holes cut into the floor of the parlor making it difficult for the crab to swim back downstairs.
The most basic of all methods, scapping involves the age-old "man against crab" ploy where a man simply takes a long-handled dip net (scap net) and wades through the water looking for crabs among the eelgrass (no bait is used). This method is practiced when hunting both hard and soft-shell crabs. An alternate method employs the use of a small boat where the crabber stands on the bow and uses the net's pole to push himself along near the shore. Crabs seek shallow water where they can hide in the eelgrass in order to molt. Once a crab molts, it is extremely weak and cannot easily swim away. Once spotted, the crabber simply scoops it aboard. Scapping hard crabs is best practiced at night with a lantern or bright light. Nocturnal crabs can be easily spotted swimming near the surface. Some claim that shining a bright light into the water will attract curious crabs. TOP
The social skills that children develop on the playground become life long skills that are carried into adulthood. How to make friends, how to take turns, how to get along with others even if you both don't see eye to eye.
Playgrounds help develop a child's physical strength, flexibility and coordination. Construction of playground in public spaces are jewels in the crown of a community. Playgrounds say to the world, "We care about our children and want them to have a safe place to be children."
A few great playgrounds in the AntiHamptons include:
• South Haven County Park in Shirley
• Kalers Pond in East Moriches
• Atlantic Avenue Park in East Moriches
• Smiths Landing (formerly Shirley Park) in Shirley
• Smith Point Beach Campground at Smith Point County Park TOP
The AntiHamptons has a rich early American history. The Signer of the Declaration of Independence lived here. Thom as Jefferson and James Madison visited. Nathaniel Woodhull whose ringing words of defiance “God save us all” lived, died and is buried in Mastic. The AntiHamptons was instrumental in the Revolutionary war and we all can be proud of our areas heritage in the pursuit of liberty.
General William Floyd Estate
245 Park Drive in Mastic Beach, New York 11951 631-399-2030
Open May 24 – October 31 9 a.m. – 6p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holiday Mon.
Originally owned by William Floyd, member of the Second Continental Congress, 41-year-old William Floyd was the first of the New York delegates to sign the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. He was an important merchant and leader who lived on Long Island. Today his home, the William Floyd Estate, is part of Fire Island National Seashore. There are wonderful hiking and biking trails at the site. These trails will take you through unspoiled wilderness teaming with wildlife. The National Parks Service conducts interpretive programs/guided tours, education programs, wildlife viewing and exhibits are available throughout the estate, Historical photographs of the William Floyd Estate and the Floyd family are all present. The house is filled with furnishings accumulated by 8 generations of Floyd family members. The 2006-07 temporary exhibit is "Scribblers and Scriveners: Floyd Family Authors." The William Floyd Estate is a newly recognized South Shore Estuary Reserve Bayway Destination.
The Manor at St. George
Neighborhood Road/William Floyd Parkway Shirley, NY (631) 281-5034
Open May-October 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wed- Sat
The Manor of St. George overlooks Bellport Bay. Granted to Col. W.E. (Tangier) Smith in 1653 for services to the crown. During the Revolutionary War, the manor was a British stronghold until a patriot victory in 1780, when the manor became Fort St. George, The estate contains colonial-era documents, furniture, and portraits. There are frequent re-enactments of revolutionary life at the manor. The estate today contains documents, furniture and portraits dating to the colonial era.
Haven House Estate
Chet Swezey & Montauk Hwy. Center Moriches, New York 11934 (631)-878-1776
The house is open by appointment
Is operated by the Moriches Bay Historical Society is located at the mouth of Tyrell's River County Park. The Estate includes a main house, built in early 1750s with 1885 additions. Also on site is the Tuthill barn. In 1971 the Havens house was moved across Main Street at Chet Swezey Road and is presently the home of the Moriches Bay Historical Society. The land on Terrell's River has recently been acquired by Suffolk County to preserve in the wild. The museum has a collection of Native American artifacts, early tools, original cabin door, telescopes and bells from several shipwrecks.
The Famous Ketcham Inn or Terry’s Hotel
Main Street in Center Moriches, P.O.Box 626 Center Moriches 631-878-8862
The inn is Currently Under Renovation Volunteers Needed
The Inn was a popular rest stop for the Brooklyn to Sag Harbor stagecoach for many years. The inn's most famous guests, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, stayed at the inn during their historic visit to Long Island in 1791. Restoration of the old inn, a portion of which dates to 1693, is under way, spearheaded by the Ketcham Inn Foundation Inc.
Other Historic Places Nearby
The Masury Estate
Longwood Estate
The Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society TOP
With the rising cost of gas, biking the AntiHamptons is perfect way to get around. We have many bike routes, which are accessible to all types of riders. We have beautifully scenic routes, on the waterfront or bordering wildlife refuges. Some routes are straight, fast and have marked bike lanes. One thing is for sure, the best way to see the AntiHamptons is by biking.
8 Mile Scenic Atlantic Avenue Park Loop
14 Mile Scenic William Floyd House to Smith Point County Beach Loop
20 Mile Scenic Smith Point County Beach to South Haven County Park Loop
When you are out there biking the beautiful AntiHamptons be safe and use a helmet. TOP
The AntiHamptons has a series of the most exquisite estuaries on Long Island. They are all teeming with sea life and blooming with water-plants. Nestled among their shores a myriad of treasures waiting to be discovered. Taking a kayak out on one of these bodies of water is a little slice of heaven, serene and majestic.
Our rivers; Carmen’s, Forge and Tyrell— Our creeks; Uncutchogue, St Johns, Pattersquash, Poospetuck, Sheeper, Lawrence, Home, Lons, Second Neck, Ely, Senix, Mud, Areskonk, Orchard Neck, Tuttle Cove and Hart Cove — are all perfect places to drop in a kayak or canoe and listen to the nature that surrounds us.
Consider the following before going on a paddle:
• Check the difficulty level of the trip.
• Check the marine forecast and tides prior to paddling.
• Assess your comfort level based on the difficulty level and the forecasted conditions.
• Kayak with a buddy
Have the following paddling equipment:
• spray skirt (optional)
• personal flotation device
• paddle float
• bilge pump
• drinking water
• food
• sunscreen
• whistle
• visual signaling device (mirror/flare)
Sunset Paddles / Night Paddles
• headlamp
• coast guard approved navigation lights 360 degree visible white light, red/green navigation light TOP
In order to assure a safe and uneventful season make sure that you go through the list below and make a note of any discrepancies that need attention. Because there are so many variables depending on the size and type of boat you have, we have categorized this list for your convenience.
GENERAL:
• Do a general cleaning of hull, deck and topsides using a mild detergent
• Make sure drains and scuppers are clear
• Put on a good coat of wax
• Clean and polish metal with a good metal polish
• Clean teak and oil
• Clean windows and hatches
• Clean canvas, bimini and dodger
• Clean interior including bilges
• Check spare parts and tools and replace as necessary
• Make sure registration is current and onboard
• Check and replace wiper blades if necessary
HULL:
• Check for hull abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. and repair
• Check and replace zincs
• Check for blisters and refinish is necessary
• Check rub rails
• Check swim platform and/or ladder
• Inspect and test trim tabs
• Check shaft, cutlass bearing, strut and prop
• Check rudder and fittings
• Touch up or replace antifouling paint
DECK, FITTINGS, SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
• Check stanchion, pulpits and lifelines for integrity
• Check ground tackle, lines, fenders, etc.
• Check chain-plates and cleats
• Check hull/deck joint
• Check deck, windows, and port lights for leaks
• Inspect anchor windlass and lubricate
• Clean and grease winches
• Check and lubricate blocks, pad eyes, etc.
• Check dinghy, and life raft
BELOW DECKS:
• Check, test and lubricate seacocks
• Check condition of hoses and clamps
• Make sure below waterline hoses are double clamped
• Check bilges pumps for automatic and manual operation
• Check for oil in bilges
• Check limber holes and make sure they are clear of debris
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS:
• Check battery water level
• Check/recharge batteries
• Check terminals for corrosion, clean and lubricate
• Check bonding system
• Inspect all wiring for wear and chafe
• Test all gauges for operability
• Check shore power and charger
• Check for spare fuses
• Check all lighting fixtures (including navigation lights) and make sure you have spare bulbs
• Check all electronics for proper operation
• Inspect antennas
REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
• Sound signaling device
• Check distress signals and expiration date
• Check personal flotation devices
• Inspect life rings and cushions
• Check fire extinguishers and recharge if necessary
• Check and adjust compass
• Check navigation lights
• Check charts and replace as necessary
• Check radar reflector
• Check and replace first aid supplies
• Check bailer and hand pump
INBOARD ENGINE(S):
• Change oil & filters - have spare onboard
• Check and change fuel filters - have spares onboard
• Check and change engine zincs
• Check cooling system change coolant as necessary - have extra onboard
• Record engine maintenance log, especially date & hours of last oil changes
• Check belts for tension
• Check transmission fluid
• Check and clean backfire flame arrestor
• Check impeller
• Check and clean water strainer
• Check bilge blower
HEAD SYSTEM:
• Checked for smooth operation - lubricate and clean as necessary
• If equipped with treatment system, have chemicals on hand
• Y-valve operation checked, valve labeled & secured
WATER SYSTEM:
• Flush water tank
• Check water system and pump for leaks and proper operation
• Check hot water tank working on both AC and engines
• Check for tank cap keys on board
• Check and clean shower sump pump screens
GALLEY:
• Fill propane tank, check electric & manual valves, check storage box vent to make sure it is clear
• Check refrigerator, clean and freshen, operate on AC and DC
• Clean stove, check that all burners and oven are working
• Check microwave, if fitted
OUTBOARD MOTOR:
• Replace spark plugs
• Check plug wires for wear
• Check prop for nicks and bends
• Change/fill gear lube
• Inspect fuel lines, primer bulb and tank for leaks
• Lubricate and spray moveable parts
TRAILER:
• Check for current registration
• Check rollers and pads
• Check and lubricate wheel bearings
• Clean and lubricate winch
• Lubricate tongue jack and wheel
• Test lights and electrical connections
• Check tire pressure and condition
• Check brakes (if equipped)
• Check safety chains
• Check tongue lock
SAILS:
• Check general condition
• Look for wear and chafing
• Check battens and batten pockets
• Check all sail attachments
• Inspect bolt rope
MAST AND RIGGING:
• Check mast and spreaders for corrosion or damage
• Inspect spreader boots and shrouds
• Inspect rivets and screw connections for corrosion
• Check reefing points and reefing gear
• Clean sail track
• Check rigging, turnbuckles and clevis pins for wear and corrosion
• Inspect stays for fraying and "fish hooks"
• Check forestay and backstay connections
• Check masthead fitting and pulleys
• Check and lubricate roller furling
• Check halyards and consider replacing or swapping end for end
• Tape turnbuckles, cotter pins, and spreaders
Check our service directory for a full list of boating related stores in the AntiHamptons. TOP
As a waterfront community, the AntiHamptons is a fisherman's heaven on earth. From the brook trout spawning in our freshwater estuaries to the blues, stripers and fluke that run our salt waterways, nothing brings a sense of peace and accomplishment like fishing. Anglers have an abundance of species in the areas ponds, rivers, bays and of course the Atlantic Ocean. Surf casting fishermen and women are some of the most fanatical anglers around. They live to see the gulls and watch for wave eddies. Rod in hand they cast and pull their dinners daily. Those of us that are fortunate enough to have a boat (or know someone who does) can spend a magical morning on the Bellport, Narrow, Moriches Bay. Thru the Moriches Inlet and out into the great ocean, anglers can pulls some of the most fantastic specimen and be back in time for drinks at sunset.
A few great fishing spots in the AntiHamptons include:
• Carmans River at Montauk Highway in Shirley
• Narrow Bay at Cranberry Dock in Mastic Beach
• Smith Point Beach near Moriches Inlet
• Tuthill Point in East Moriches
Check our service directory for a full list of fishing related shops in the AntiHamptons. TOP
Running is an action. Something people do when they are late or being chased. Being a "Runner" is a state of mind. For the "Runner" in all of us, we have compiled a nice list of short and long runs around the AntiHamptons. This is a great place to run. We have an over abundance of parks, waterfront and scenic roads which provide an excellent backdrop to an early morning or late afternoon run. Hit the trails at South Haven Park in Shirley, William Floyd Estate in Old Mastic, Terrell Park in East Moriches.
East Moriches Kalers Pond to Moriches Bay (3.2 miles):
From Kalers Pond head out east on Montauk Highway, Make a right on Bay Ave run to end, Left on Smith St, Follow Smith and make a Left on Paquatuck Ave, Run North to Montauk Hwy make left and return to start.
Old Mastic William Floyd Road and Sand Run (6.1 miles):
From the William Floyd Estate in Old Mastic head south on Park Dr, Follow water on Riviera Dr, Go around Marina on Riviera Dr, Make right on Beaver Dr, Left on Elm Rd E, Left on McKinley, Left on Jefferson, Right on Grove Rd, Left on Locust Dr, Right on Riviera Dr, Right on Grove Rd, Left on Jefferson and follow the same route and return to start.
Smith Point to Watch Hill Beach Run (14 miles):
Start at the ranger station at the Fire Island National Seashore at Smith Point. Run the beach heading west. Run to Watch Hill turn around and run back. If you do this one GO YOU! That is one kicking run.
Races in and around the AntiHamptons:
May the Road Rise to Meet Ye 5K - Patchogue, March 30, 2008
Moriches Community Center 5K - Center Moriches, June, 2008
Bellport Clipper Classic 5K - Bellport, July, 2008
The Bay Area Bridge 5K - Smith Point, September 13, 2008
The Blue Point Brewery Half Marathon Fun Run - Patchogue, December, 2008 TOP
