Newsday.com: Long Beach

Long Beach

FROM EXPLORELI.COM

As you drive down the tree-lined streets into the quaint city of Long Beach, locals walk down the main strip and day-trippers head from the train station down to the beach. Parking isn't as tough to find on weekdays as it is on weekends, and wherever you find a spot it is only a short walk down to the sand, although weekends are a little more hectic.

Up the ramp of the boardwalk there are bikers and runners getting their daily exercise and couples going for relaxing strolls. Kids bound off the beach in bright green T-shirts as their morning volleyball camp comes to a close for the day. Tanned lifeguards sit outside their headquarters and chat.

The beach is scattered with sun worshippers sprawled on blankets, kids playing in the sand and the active participating in beach sports like volleyball and catch. The on-duty lifeguards sit perched high on a mound of sand in their tall chairs watching the people in the water. The waves look calm and inviting, even though the water is a little chilly considering it is July.

Gorgeous beachfront condominium buildings line the boardwalk, with their terraces providing breathtaking views of the ocean. The actual town has a very unique assortment of homes as well.

The whole community is a diverse mix of people ranging from young to old and many different backgrounds and ethnicities. The common link seems to be their sense of pride in their city and the eagerness to maintain a fun-loving atmosphere.

HOW TO GET TO LONG BEACH

By Car: From the West--Take Belt Parkway--or Southern State to Meadowbrook Pkwy, South. Just before you approach the Jones Beach Toll Plaza, bear Right on Loop Pkwy with signs that read, "Long Beach," Point Lookout." Take Loop to the end, bear right. You are on Lido Blvd. heading West. Lido Blvd. turns into Park Avenue as you enter the City. Four miles down the road you will hit the intersection of Long Beach Road and Park Avenue. Take any of the city's boulevards, south to the boardwalk and beach.

From the LIE:--to Meadowbrook Parkway and follow directions above.

For more information contact City Hall, 516-431-1000, x207.

Public Transportation: The Long Island Railroad has a line that runs directly to Park Place and Park Avenue, 1/4 mile West of Long Beach Road. Express trains available from Penn Station: 9:45am Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. (24.6 miles to Penn Station); MTA Long Island Bus at Long Beach: N15, N33.

ON THE BEACH
Amenities:Public restrooms, boat ramp, marina, pavilion, fishing area, food stands and showers
Lifeguards on duty: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Sept. 5
Parking fee: There is free parking on the street and beachside parking lots available for various fees when weekend crowds fill the free parking spots.
Admission: $7 per person; free for children under 13; season passes available

Notes: This is a favorite spot for surfers to try to catch some waves; Surf Reports from UnSound Surf Shop: 516-214-8383
Special Events:Twilight Fete and Concert- Aug. 7, Beach Wrestling Competition- Aug. 13, Antique Car Show - Aug. 14,

WHERE TO EAT

Corbin and Reynolds
20 W. Park Ave., Long Beach, NY
516-431-4600
http://www.corbinandreynolds.com
The menu is American Contemporary, offering the freshest seafood (they recommend the Macadamia Crusted Chilean Sea Bass), pastas, poultry, Certified Black Angus center cut steaks and delectable desserts. Guests can enjoy dining in the main dining room or upstairs in the beautiful private Mayor's Trophy Room. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and our Sunday Brunch Buffet.

Montego Bay
2 Pettit Place, Island Park, NY 11558
516-897-0686
Montego Bay offers a less crowded atmosphere (at least before 10PM). Along with an extensive seafood lobster, shrimp, fish, etc. ($12.95 - $16.95), Montego Bay also offers up some cheaper fare, like burgers, sandwiches, pasta and chicken dishes ($6.95 - $13.95). The menu includes Caribbean specialties and a variety of island-style fruity blender drinks. Like its neighbors, Montego Bay turns into a singles scene at night. Montego Bay is open daily for lunch and dinner and stays open till 3AM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

WHERE TO GO FOR A DRINK

Minnesota's
959 W. Beech St.
516-432-4080
Thur-Sun. live music 10 p.m., Top 40, dance, house and rock; Sun. 4 p.m. live entertainment, Clam bake Tuesdays, Muscles sponsored by Stella Mondays. Hours: Open daily, serving lunch dinner and Sun. brunch.

The Funky Munky Lounge
3297 Long Beach Rd.
Live music Fri. and Sat. 10 p.m., all-star open jam 10:30 p.m Tue. with a complimentary barbecue at midnight, Killer Joe 10 p.m. Thur. with a complimentary pizza . Crowd ranges from 21-50.

Paddy McGee's
6 Waterview Rd. Island Park
516-431-8700
Live music and a pubby menu. Popular for Sunday nights, featuring DJs and live music.

Bridgeview Yacht Club
80 Waterfront Blvd. Island Park, NY
516-432-2400
The Bridgeview Yacht Club is on a waterfront setting on Barnum Wharf, easily accessible by car, boat or train. Known for the infamous 18 and over Tuesday night dance party, over 21 nights Friday and Saturday plus availability for special events that can handle 40-500 patrons.