Winter is here and not only is it a time that makes you want to snuggle at home with a blanket and the newest show on Netflix, Covid has added some concerns about being around people.
But of course, staying at home can get boring after a while. Here are some things you can do to add variety to these cold, Covid days right here in town.
1. Take a hike:
I know, I know. We already established that it’s cold. But just because it’s cold, doesn’t mean that you can’t get outside. On a sunny day, hiking in the winter can be bearable just by gearing up with a warm sweater, a thick pair of jeans, a warm jacket, some boots and, of course, hat, gloves and boots.
Here’s some local parks that are absolutely worth the hike:
-Sans Souci County Park, 301-333 Broadway Ave., Sayville
-Avalon Nature Preserve, 200 Harbor Road, Stony Brook
-Lake Ronkonkoma County Park, 600 Lake Shore Road
-Smith Point County Park, 1 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley
-Southhaven County Park, 761 Victory Ave., Yaphank
-Brookhaven State Park, 2500 William Floyd Parkway, Ridge
2. Visit The Shabby Tabby Cat Cafe
With an hour of unlimited coffee, tea or hot chocolate, as well as warm cuddles with a plethora of feline residents at The Shabby Tabby Cat Cafe, what better way is there to spend a winter day?
The Shabby Tabby Cat Cafe, located at 249 W Main Street, also holds events ranging in Drag Bingo, movie nights and yoga with cats.
An hour at the cat cafe, which includes the warm beverages, costs $16.33, money well spent as the cafe doubles as an adoption center.
To learn more, visit their website.
3. See a show
Can you think of a better way of spending a winter evening than treating yourself to some local comedy, theater or music?
Theater Three in Port Jefferson, The Gateway Playhouse in Bellport and the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts are your local performing art centers if you live in the Town of Brookhaven.
Upcoming shows (call venue to confirm status of show amid rise of Covid-19 infections):
Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts: “Jokes on Main Comedy Series”
Friday, Jan.14
Tickets: $30 plus fees
Theater Three in Port Jefferson: “Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery”
Jan.8 to Feb.5
Tickets: $35
4. Get brunch
Did someone say mimosas? Grab your friends or family, call an Uber and get right on over to your local brunch spot. There’s something about not worrying about anything and feeling buzzed while enjoying the afternoon with your favorite people over some pancakes, mimosas and coffee.
Local brunch spots to check out:
-Brownstones Coffee, 1759 Middle Country Road, Centereach
-Crazy Beans, 97 Main St., Stony Brook
-Joey Z’s, 217 Main St., Port Jefferson
-Buttermilk’s Kitchen, 76 West Main St., Patchogue
-Flying Pig Cafe, 825 Route 25A, Miller Place
5. Catch a winter sunset on the beach
If you are bored one night, I would absolutely suggest grabbing a coffee or hot chocolate and heading to your local beach for a sunset. The beach is often quiet, and there’s no reason you can’t catch a beach sunset in the winter.
Here are some places to catch beautiful sunsets:
-West Meadow Beach, Trustees Road, Port Jefferson
-Harborfront Park, 101A East Broadway, Port Jefferson
-Cedar Beach, 244 Harbor Beach Road, Mount Sinai
Told By Jennifer 