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Health & Fitness

Life Around Here Part 4: Summer Planning

What makes life around here special in the summer? Lots of stuff. What's on your list?

In case you missed it over the Memorial Day weekend--it's just plain hot.  There was that week last month when it was spring; otherwise we kind of went from winter, to something fall like, and straight into summer.  That's OK though, there's plenty to do.

Here's a question for all of you:  What's the best place to go on Cedar Beach?  I have to admit (ashamedly) I had no idea it continued to the north of the nature preserve until very recently, so I have no suggestion on this.  I can tell you though, for a north shore beach (sorry, south shore kid here) it's gorgeous there.  Over the summer, if you are up bright and early, you'll find me doing my running there--love it.  But where's the best part to just hang?

From late afternoon into the early evening, Heritage Park (us locals know it as The Wedge) is great. Lots of cross breezes and open space.  I strap on the blades with my kids--and make them keep up.  Yeah, it does cost me a Mr. Softy, but that's OK, can't beat a soft-serve Mr. Softy with cherry bonnet dip, right?

Find out what's happening in Miller Place-Rocky Pointwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

And speaking of Ice Cream, some pretty good options.  Although its tough to beat McNulty's in Miller Place, Sweets of the Spoon on 25A in Rocky Point comes close.  I'll make the occasional run for Ralphs for ices and the childhood staples Baskin Robbins (Miller Place) and Carvel (Rocky Point) are good alternatives.  For us, Friendly's is more for after diner there.  When I am home, but want some city type flavor, I will make the run to Stony Brook for a Red Mango (yeah I know there is one in Port Jeff).

One of my younger daughter's fathers does some kayaking right off the boat launch at Cedar Beach. I'm thinking it would be great to have a rental place there--there is one in Setauket.  Here's another good question for you, where is good kayaking?

Find out what's happening in Miller Place-Rocky Pointwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sunset watching is pretty easy, I head up to the the fishing pier at Cedar Beach. I discovered that the same day I discovered the the northern part of Cedar beach.  Is there a better place?

And of course, there is something to be said for firing up the grill, calling some neighbors and having a good time close to home-not everything has to be a trek out, right?

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