For me, growing up on Long Island meant summers spent in backyard pools and endless sandlot baseball games. Autumn brought the acceptance of the inevitable (school), but also the simple joys of playing street hockey, or football on a field of brown crackling leaves. With winter there was always the possibility of snow and the sweet news that school had been cancelled (with this new found freedom, we’d grab our sled’s and head off to the biggest hill we could find — Ironically, on the playground of our school). Spring would bring the warmer weather and the promise of yet another long summer vacation…

That was the Island I grew up with, and the one I want to share with my own children. That’s what this site is about. Together, we’ll explore the real Long Island. Not the one made up of fast food chains and strip malls. But the one made up of small towns with one of a kind shops and restaurants. We’ll look for what’s great and not so great about the Island and we’ll make recommendations and help to steer you away from the not-so good stuff.

But we need your help! Tell us about your favorite family friendly outing or your favorite restaurant, write a review or simply leave a comment. It’s free to contribute and you get to do something truly American — voice your opinion. Click here to find out all the different ways you can contribute to this site. Remember, one of the greatest things about Long Island is the people.