Articles Tagged "Local attractions"
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5 Tips to Ensure Your Home's Showing Is a Success
The purpose of showing your home is to hook a buyer. You want the buyers to come through your house and be impressed - so impressed in fact, that they're ready to make an offer! You'll have one chance to make a great first impression on the potential buyers, so make sure to follow these five helpful tips to really make it count!
- Focus on the outside. Make sure that you don't neglect the outside of your home. Curb appeal can make or break the odds of someone even bothering to get out of the car to come in. If they pull up and see a home with a lawn that obviously needs edging and has an unkempt flower bed, they're going to wonder what else hasn't been cared for properly. You want the outside of your home to be spotless. Clean the siding, the windows, and the doors. Make sure there are no dirt smudges, no cobwebs and that anything that needs painting has been spiffed up.
- Take yourself out of the house. That means that you want to take out all the personal stuff. Remove the family photos from the wall or tables. You want the home to look neutral so that the potential buyers can look at your house and picture it as themselves living there. Everything should be as neutral as possible in terms of personal items.
- Remove all the extra clutter you see at first glance. If you look around, it'll amaze you at how much stuff you've accumulated over the years. Some of it might very well be important, but that doesn't mean that your potential buyers should see it. When you have a lot of clutter, it shrinks the living space of the house. It makes it look and feel cramped and smaller. Many homeowners get something called house blindness. They've lived in the home for so long with the same clutter that they don't even really see it anymore. But a stranger will always notice. So clean out your house and make the space as big as possible.
- If you have a pet, no one that walks through your house should be able to notice it exists. That means no cat litter box, no dog to jump on anyone, no food sitting around in a dish. Your home should not have any pet odors. Having a clean house that's odor free is a big selling point. You don't want to lose a possible deal just because they can smell your pet's presence or your pet makes a bad impression.
- Stage your home! You can hire a professional or you can do it yourself. Stage your living areas in a way that shows off your home. You can rent furniture to make your home furnishings look good if you don't use a stager. Someone who knows how to stage a house knows how to play up the best features of your home and knows what to bring in or get rid of to make the entire house appeal to a buyer.
First impressions are HUGE when showing you home to potential buyers, but by following the simple tips above you will be well on your way to making a great impression and, hopefully, receiving multiple offers! (And if you are at all anxious about this important step, just reach out to a trusted real estate agent in your area who can help guide you through this process!)
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Where to Appreciate Watercolor Art on Long Island
Oil paintings may be impressive, but there are so many other artistic mediums out there that are just as beautiful. July is World Watercolor Month, so now is a great time to get better acquainted with this exquisite art form. According to our real estate agents, these five locations around Long Island are good places to begin.
- Nassau County Museum of Art - 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor, NY 11576
Since its opening in 1969, the Nassau County Museum of Art has worked to showcase some of the finest works of American and European art. This includes many works from Barbara Prey, one of the most prominent American watercolor artists alive today. The museum also features rotating exhibits that often include at least a few pieces in watercolor.
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Where to Go Biking Around Long Island
Bike riding is one of the best ways to spend time outdoors and keep your physical activity levels high. Our real estate agents swear by it, especially in the right setting. Whether you're bringing family members or going it alone, these stellar bike trails are some of the best places to enjoy a ride on Long Island.
- The Bethpage Bikeway – Woodbury, NY 11797
The Bethpage Bikeway is one of the most well-known bike paths in the Long Island area. The path offers a full 13.4 miles of asphalt-paved track that travels across several parks in Nassau County: Trail View State Park, Bethpage State Park, and Massapequa Preserve.
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A Look at Long Island Through a Tourist's Eyes
If you're a resident of Long Island, looking at your community through the eyes of a tourist can help you rediscover or make a first trip to many interesting local destinations. You won't need to worry about traveling far or spending a lot of money, and if you'd like to make a return trip, they're within an easy drive.
Our real estate agents suggest exploring the following destinations to take a look at Long Island through a tourist's eyes:
- Old Westbury Gardens – 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury, NY 11568
Old Westbury Gardens and the estate of the same name, located near Old Westbury homes for sale, make you feel as though you've stepped into the pages of The Great Gatsby. The gorgeous grounds consist of 160 acres of lawns, wooded paths, beautiful gardens, water fountains, ponds, and lakes, and you'll frequently find events such as festivals hosted in the gardens. The estate, a 44-room English manor house, was built by financier John Phipps in 1906 and is also available to tour.
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Visit the Past at These Long Island Destinations
Long Island is rich with history, with several sites that make ideal destinations for trips that are fun and educational. Theodore Roosevelt, as well as the Guggenheim and Vanderbilt families are part of the area's history, so you'll be able to visit their former homes as well as other interesting locations.
Our real estate agents suggest making a trip to visit the past at these historic Long Island destinations and making sure of any restricted hours due to COVID-19 before your visit:
- Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium – 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, NY 11721
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium is located near Centerport homes for sale and is on a 43-acre estate, the centerpiece of which is a spectacular Spanish-Revival mansion of William Vanderbilt II. Take a tour of the mansion's living quarters and then visit its Marine Museum to see wild-animal habitat, dioramas, and more. Then head to the planetarium to watch a show, complete with a full-dome view and surround sound. Finally, finish your visit at the observatory, where you can look at the evening sky through telescopes that provide amazingly detailed views.
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Visit These Walk-Worthy Parks Around Long Island
With a unique blend of natural scenery, history, art, and recreation, the parks of Long Island offer endless entertainment for local residents. The many walk-worthy parks of Long Island are ideal for enjoying some natural beauty as winter turns to spring and learning about the history of local communities in the process. From inspiring one of the most popular novels in history to hosting major golf tournaments, Long Island's parks have done it all. Our real estate agents have the exciting details on five of the best walk-worthy parks to explore around Long Island.
Where to Go for a Walk Around Long Island
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Sands Point Preserve Conservancy – 127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point, NY 11050
Ever wonder what it would be like to live in the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel The Great Gatsby? Then a walk at Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, located on Long Island's Gold Coast near Sands Point homes for sale, is sure to get the imagination flowing. Experience a walk on any of six marked hiking trails that stretch over 200 acres, amble through a rose garden that features more than 1,500 roses, and stick around to enjoy a sunset with stunning waterfront views.
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Take a Virtual Tour of These Long Island Museums
Long Island is home to several museums that offer a wide array of fine art, history, education, and community programs. Our real estate agents love exploring the rich culture and history of this beautiful area. Here they share some of their faves that feature virtual exhibitions and information you can check out online.
- Nassau County Museum Of Art, One Museum Drive, Roslyn, NY
Located on the former Frick Clayton Estate in the heart of Long Island's Gold Coast, the Nassau County Museum of Art, located near Roslyn homes for sale, features a range of rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection of more than 600 pieces that includes works by Roy Lichtenstein, Auguste Rodin, and other 19th- and 20th-century artists. Take a sneak peek online at the museum's current exhibit called Blue, which features works by Picasso, Matisse, Klee, and others, as well as the impressive sculpture garden.
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Best Places for Fall Hiking Around Long Island
Fall is officially here on Long Island. For some, that means a welcome return of pumpkin spice lattes and hot apple cider. For our real estate agents, it means perfect weather to head outdoors and do some exploring.
Long Island is blessed with some of the most splendid hiking trails in the Northeast, with quiet forests and peaceful gardens that give hikers throughout the region ample opportunity to explore. Be sure to check out some of these favorite fall hiking spots around Long Island this season.
- Trail View State Park - 8101 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY
This 400-acre, 7.4-mile linear park is a fantastic hiking destination that creates a link between Cold Spring Harbor State Park on the north shore to Bethpage State Park on the south shore. Trail View State Park offers rolling terrain and serene views, with opportunities for hiking, jogging, and cycling. The southern section is open to pets as well, and the park's location under the Atlantic Flyway makes it a favorite spot for bird watching. You can access the park at several points, including along the Jericho Turnpike near these Woodbury homes for sale.
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Don't Miss These Spooktacular Events Around Long Island
Long Island celebrates Halloween like no other area of New York. Our real estate agents invite you to join us at one of these great spooktacular events around Long Island.
- Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns — 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568 | Oct 4-6, 11-13, 17-20, 24-28
We guarantee you've never seen many pumpkins as are on display at the Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns event. Over 30,000 carved pumpkins will be on display at this family-friendly fall fathering. One of the coolest and most iconic events in the country, Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns cannot be missed! Be sure to buy tickets and plan a visit when you come to check out Old Westbury homes for sale.
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5 Memorial Day Weekend Events for Long Islanders
With so many current military members and veterans living on Long Island, it's no surprise that Memorial Day holds a special place in the hearts of our residents. Our real estate agents are humbled by the sacrifices the brave women and men of our armed forces have made and plan on honoring their bravery throughout the weekend. You and your family can celebrate this important annual holiday as well by attending one of these Memorial Day events.
- Memorial Day Flag Placement at Long Island National Cemetery – Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735
What better way to honor those who have died for our country than at the Memorial Day Flag Placement Ceremony at Long Island National Cemetery? Beginning at 6:00 am on May 26th, volunteers will place flags at the headstones of our beloved veterans who have defended our freedom. At 2:00 pm, a ceremony will take place at the Memorial Garden. If you would like to show your respect and appreciation for our fallen soldiers, donate your time and make sure each headstone is not without a proud American flag. Just down the road from Farmingdale homes for sale, the ceremonial events at the Long Island National Cemetery offer an admirable way to spend your Memorial Day Weekend.
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Cheers to Long Island Wineries on National Wine Day
National Wine Day is May 25. Our real estate agents are here with seven wineries throughout Long Island that we think that you will love.
- Vinizzo - 343 Sea Cliff Ave., Sea Cliff, NY11579
The Izzo family combines modern science with old-world knowledge at Vinizzo to produce some of the finest wines found in the Long Island area. Each wine is aged to perfection and tells its own unique story as you uncork for a quiet dinner at home or a celebration with friends. While you're searching for the perfect Sea Cliff homes for sale, visit Vinizzo, and taste what makes this winery an essential part of the Sea Cliff community.
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5 Favorite Places for Lunch on Long Island
Spend National Make Lunch Count Day at a Long Island Restaurant Near You
Our real estate agents want to remind you to stop for lunch!
Much has been said about breakfast being the most important meal of the day. Still, it's just as important not to overlook lunch – and a quick lunch crammed in at the desk doesn't count.
Here on Long Island, a good lunch is one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. In any Long Island community, you'll find plenty of places dedicated to giving you a good meal.
New England is known for seafood like lobster and clam chowder, but you'll also find a wide range of selections with flavor influences from throughout America.
With National Make Lunch Count Day coming up on April 13, it's high time you treat yourself to a bite at some of the best Long Island lunch spots.
Let's visit five of our favorites right now:
- Rustic Root - 7927 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797
Rustic Root is where to be for lunch after a fun morning looking at Woodbury homes for sale. Focused on a chef-driven menu of local, simple, honest cuisine, it serves up an array of craft foods and signature cocktails. Brunch features everything from lemon ricotta pancakes to the famous mushroom tacos or flatbread and an assortment of juicy burgers.
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Oyster Bay Celebrate Arbor Day at Coe Hall Historic House Museum
Our REALTORS® want to invite you to celebrate the beauty of the natural world in Oyster Bay. Arbor Day is coming, and it's the perfect time to appreciate the outdoors.
Oyster Bay homes for sale are situated within a beautiful landscape that incorporates green spaces making full use of gorgeous its surrounding Long Island real estate. Although Oyster Bay is home to more than 294,000 people, its many trees give it a relaxed air.
Not surprisingly, the Oyster By community recognizes and protects its natural heritage. When Arbor Day arrives on April 27, people come out to celebrate and to plant trees for the next generation.
It's the Arbor Day Family Festival, and it's an event you won't want to miss.
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6 Long Island Area Parks to Celebrate National Take a Walk in the Park Day
There's nothing like a walk in the park to clear your mind and enjoy the beauty of nature. Our real estate agents along with many clients want to live near the outdoor spaces Long Island real estate offers.
Although Long Island is renowned for its breathtaking shoreline, there are many different types of parks. You'll see them situated around hilly plains, forested areas, and, yes, seaside cliffs from one end of the Island to the other. There's always something to see and do.
National Take a Walk in the Park Day is celebrated on Saturday, March 30 this year. There has never been a better time to get outside and appreciate all that makes Long Island unique.
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4 Places in Long Island to See the Nutcracker
The holiday season is an enchanting time of year for kids of all ages and enjoying a performance of The Nutcracker is a cherished tradition for many families. Whether The Nutcracker is a well-loved annual family outing or you want to start a new family tradition, there's no shortage of opportunities to take in this magical theatrical performance on Long Island. Our real estate agents are here with four performances for you and your family to experience.
- Seiskaya Ballet's The Nutcracker 2018
Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook
Often considered Long Island's premiere production of The Nutcracker, this classical ballet rendition featuring the Seiskaya Ballet Company captures the childlike magic of the holiday season. It's scheduled for six performances from December 20-23.
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Long Island Holiday Events for the Entire Family
The holiday season is right around the corner, and before long, the sights and sounds of Christmas will be everywhere. During this time of year, there are always plenty of great activities in the Long Island area. Our real estate agents picked out a few of our favorites we're certain your family will enjoy.
- Hearthside Cheer - Rogers Mansion, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton, NY
Add some unique holiday fun to your schedule this year by joining the festivities at Hearthside Cheer. From beautiful decorations to tempting treats to sample, Rogers Mansion going all out to deck the halls for this special event. The Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest promises to be loads of fun, so get ready for an evening to remember.
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Rockville Centre: Spooky Fest A Halloween Family Adventure
Long Island's Rockville Centre is a close-knit, family-friendly community sure to top your list of possible new hometowns when you're searching for homes for sale in Rockville Centre.
As our real estate agents will attest, there are plenty of things going on in this community for everyone from seniors to young families with children. One of the most popular of these is happening soon: Rockville Centre's Spooky Fest.
About Spooky Fest: An Annual Rockville Centre Halloween Celebration
Spooky Fest is an annual tradition in Rockville Centre, presented each October by the Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL), a non-profit organization based in the community. The event takes place for seven days in October, during which the Tanglewood Preserve becomes 16 acres of family-friendly, spooky Halloween fun – complete with wooded paths, special effects, eerie lighting and plenty of characters and creatures.
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Rise of the Jack O Lanterns in Old Westbury
For those seeking affluent, exclusive, and gorgeous places to reside in New York and Nassau County, Old Westbury homes for sale sit at the absolute pinnacle. With accolades like New York's most expensive suburb, awarded by Business Week, and having one of the three best public gardens in the world according to Four Seasons Magazine, Old Westbury earns its place as one of the most iconic and luxurious places to live in the nation.
At Laffey Real Estate our real estate agents put a focus on helping locals and prospective homebuyers to stay up to date with all of the great reasons to buy a home in Old Westbury and the surrounding areas. With art, excellent dining, and events on the regular, there's a lot to love! In keeping with the upcoming season, our spotlight now turns to RISE of the Jack O' Lanterns—an iconic staple among local Nassau County fall event lovers.
RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns - 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY
RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns has been entertaining visitors for seven years running now, offering an exciting range of attractions that has evolved and grown exponentially throughout the years. The event's mainstay includes an impressive array of multi-pumpkin structures—literally dozens upon dozens of jack o'lanterns configured into sculptures of fire trucks, spooky beasts, and the ever-impressive 40-foot jack o'lantern dragon. And new and exclusive to this year, you'll be able to enjoy moving, talking lantern sculptures along the path!
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6 Favorite Places to See Fall Colors in Long Island
One of the best parts of autumn is the opportunity to see beautiful fall foliage. It's just one of the many reasons our real estate agents and clients love to live here on Long Island.
The brilliant yellows, reds, and oranges of fall are a wonderful sign of the turning of the seasons. It might surprise you just how many opportunities Long Island offers to see colors up close.
Of course, many communities maintain a rich assortment of beautiful trees that you can visit any time of year. Public parks are especially precious here on Long Island.
However, there are fall sights to see far beyond your local picnic ground.
Let's look at six of our favorite places to see Long Island's fall colors:
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Long Island Landmark Locations: The Paramount in Huntington
When you start your search for Huntington homes for sale, you'll soon understand why Money Magazine named our town to its 50 Best Places to Live in America list.
Our real estate agents work hard to share information with clients about everything that makes buying a home in Huntington great from our art, culture, recreation, and plenty of spots for fun, relaxation, and entertainment. We recommend that you make time in your schedule for an exciting evening at The Paramount. It's one of the city's landmark locations, and it's a great place to let your hair down.
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Glen's Dinette in Babylon - A Local Long Island Landmark
If you're making a move to Long Island, spend some time in Babylon Village. It's a culturally rich community with a strong sense of history and warm family friendly feel. Fall is a great time to tour Babylon homes for sale. While you're here, our real estate agents suggest you try breakfast at Glen's Dinette. It's a local institution that's always crowded and a great place to meet your new neighbors when you move to the community.
