One month left of 2020! I know everyone says this, but this year has flown and time really has just disappeared. So much has happened this year, but there’s so much more that you can fit into the last few weeks! With the holiday madness all around, there’s no better time for a break than right now. Take an hour out of your weekend or finish work early one day to do something new! There’s one month left in 2020, go on an adventure today instead of waiting until 2021!

There’s tons to do on Long Island at any time or day. If you are looking for a new adventure on Long Island before the new year, I hope this list can help!

Visit Avalon Gardens in Stony Brook

Avalon Gardens and Nature Preserve is a privately run sanctuary located in Stony Brook ( or Head of the Harbor, if we are being technical ). The property is filled with trails and paths that lead to statues and even a maze. You are bound to see plenty of animals. It is a great stop to visit for families or if you are looking for a solo escape. You can walk on the main paths and not go too far from the entrance. If you are looking to really get lost in the wilderness, you can head deep into the reserve on the less traveled paths. Avalon Gardens is really a hidden gem on the North Shore!

Find the Ruins of Knollwood Estate

The gold coast of Long Island is filled with houses larger than you can dream and properties with landscaping to match. Just driving through the area is sight-seeing in itself. Deep in the Muttontown Preserve, lies the remains of a once lavish estate owned by a royal from Albania, Knollwood Estate. There is not much left of the home, but there are two large staircases that lead from the gardens to the foundation where the mansion once stood. You can also find various structures leading up to the staircases that were once apart of this compound. The can get the ruins by accessing the preserve from southbound 106 through the equestrian center. You can also find the closed gates that hide the once lively driveway. Adventure seekers this is for you!

Grab a Coffee From Rise & Grind in Patchogue

Calling all Instagram models, this coffee shop on the south shore of Long Island was made for you! Rise & Grind just open this summer and has made a big splash since then. Grab a cup of coffee or some amazing food. All you need to do is check out their Instagram for pictures of the incredible breakfast menu. But it gets better, they just launched their lunch menu this week! The kitchen is now serving lunch until 3pm, Monday through Friday. Located at 240 E Main Street in Patchogue, this can be a quick stop on any South Shore trip!

Walk the Boardwalk in Long Beach

Enjoy the ocean views in Long Beach! Parking may be tough, but it will be worth it. Spending time in this city is like no other on Long Island. Bring the family or your friends to walk the 2.25 mile boardwalk. In the summer you’ll see the packed beach and tons of volleyball games, but in the winter you’ll see beautiful views and will enjoy the brisk weather. After walking the boardwalk, head to the west end for some amazing food at one of the many restaurants. It’s incredibly easy to make a full day out of a trip to Long Beach!

Visit the Christmas Village at the Milleridge Inn

Looking for a family outing on Long Island? Look no further than the Milleridge Inn in Jericho, New York. Known for its themed displays in their village and fun seasonal activities for children of all ages, the Christmas Village is no exception. The ornate decorations really feel like you are visiting the North Pole. Located a short distance from the Long Island Expressway, it really is an easy spot to get to if you are coming from closer to the city or from out east. Don’t forget you can grab a great meal from the restaurant after exploring the village and all the activities.

Grab a Glass of Wine at Del Vino in Northport

Looking for a more relaxed adventure that ends with a glass of wine? Del Vino is the spot for you. There’s no need to drive all the way to the end of Long Island to enjoy the vineyards. Head to Northport and visit this gem tucked away on the North Shore. Located at 29 Norwood Road, in Northport, you’ll have to do a bit of driving off the beaten path but it is worth it! You really get all the charm and luxury from a North Fork vineyard, but half the drive (literally).

Visit the ‘Magic of Lights’ at Jones Beach

The drive-through holiday light display is back! Pack up your car and head to Jones Beach for all the holiday cheer. Not only is this totally social-distance friendly, but it is a tried and true Long Island favorite. This display has been around for years and continues to draw impressive crowds again and again. The 2.5 miles drive includes tunnels of lights and themed displays like the 12-days of Christmas. The only downside is the lines, pick a peak time and you may be waiting for an hour or so before you even enter. It costs $30 per car Monday through Thursday and $35 per car on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Grab some hot chocolates and get to Jones Beach!

Do you have any adventures you want to go on before 2021 starts? Let me know in the comments!