Greater Babylon coverage is funded in part by The Argyle Theatre, where Broadway comes to Babylon. Click here for tickets to ‘A Christmas Carol,’ Nov. 7 – Jan. 5.
Are you having a burning desire to enjoy the fringe benefits of Long Island’s recent marijuana legalization but need some ideas on what to do? Grab your best bud, and check out these spots on the South Shore. We’ll have you enjoying nature, curing munchies, and taking trips down memory lane.
Babylon Bean
Babylon Village
Let’s start your day with a stimulant.
Babylon Bean Coffee House is located in the heart of beautiful Babylon Village, just south of Main Street on Fire Island Avenue. The Bean distinguishes itself by collecting beans from all over the world and blending them locally. Then you get to sip and drink in those aromas in a cozy, vintage decor. The walls are lined with eclectic local art sold at reasonable prices. The bakery cases are always stacked, too.
Buttermilk’s Kitchen
Patchogue Village
In the mood for a bigger breakfast, but you only really hit up diners in the wee hours of the morning?
Head to the farmhouse-themed Buttermilk’s Kitchen in Patchogue.
Marshmallow fluff and chocolate sauce are at the heart of the Buttermilk’s S’mores French Toast, all sandwiched between two slices of oversized bread, drizzled with crushed graham crackers and topped with chocolate whipped cream and a toasted marshmallow.
Somehow, if you can believe us, this dish is not overly sweet. Stoners tip: Dip some crispy bacon in the warm chocolatey marshmallow for a taste bud-stimulating sweet and savory combo.
Sans Souci County Park
Sayville
Time to walk it off. Sans Souci County Park, located just south of Sunrise Highway in Sayville, is an inconspicuous 316-acre nature preserve perfect for a quick nature hike.
The multiple trails cross bogs, estuary systems and bridges, with enough greenery paving the way to get just the right amount of lost. Although traffic can be heard at times and the little parking lot off Broadway Avenue near Target fills up quickly, it will not hinder Mother Nature’s beauty. You, like nature, will find a way.
Sans Souci in French means without worry, or free of care.
So, bring your dogs, your friends or your beau and some walking shoes and sans souci.
Looney Tunes Record Store
West Babylon
Looney Tunes first opened in 1971 as a family-owned and operated record store. And it’s still just that 40 years later, during which time there’s been several new modes of consuming music. Within this locally treasured time capsule, you can purchase rare records, compact discs, posters and retro apparel. Be sure to enjoy the ripping of the plastic, the opening of the case and the exploration of the album’s liner notes. Lets just hope your car can still play CD’s for your ride home.
Blast from the Past
Bay Shore
Blast from the Past holds true to its name. This place specializes in 80s and 90s vintage video games, systems, toys, music, movies and comics. Play your favorite classic video game system on display while listening to some rad, mint or fly music. Oh, next time you’re looking for that perfect, thoughtful gift, we’re telling you this is the spot.
North Fork Doughnut Company
Bay Shore
Skip the North Fork traffic and head to the easily accessible craft donut shop in the heart of Bay Shore. With unique flavors that are made to order, each bite will tickle you more than the last. While it might be temping to whip out your iPhone for a photo, remember to relish the moment!
High Score Pinball Arcade
Bay Shore
Remember when malls had arcades? Guess what, the Westfield South Shore Mall does. The High Score Pinball Arcade is a super fun joint with all your old school gaming machines. But you wont need a pocket full of quarters to enjoy these games with pricing starting at $7 for 15 minutes. Time will fly, because you’ll be having fun.
Paper Doll Vintage Boutique
Sayville
Paperdoll Vintage Boutique has cute, sexy, funky, vintage and retro clothing and a lot more.
A favorite among Hollywood costume designers, their ensembles have been featured in shows like the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. If you are going to a themed party, Paperdoll Vintage will customize a Mystery Box to impress your friends. For the fans, Michael Kors is known to stop to shop often while heading to Fire Island.
