Long Island

Are You Living?

Are You Living?

As a professional photographer, it is my responsibility to capture the moments my clients will cherish for a lifetime. To do this, I need to make sure they are filled with the energy it takes to create those special moments. This past summer, I was honored as the featured photographer for KDHamptons, and I was asked about how I get children to photograph well. Now of course, there’s a secret recipe I use to help my subjects #getlucilled, but the truth is...

7 Historical Destinations on Long Island

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If you're a Long Island native, you know that Long Island has much more to offer than solely it's scenic, sandy beaches. There are many beautiful and interesting historical destinations on the island, especially out east. If you're in the mood to explore your surroundings, head to any of these places listed below and discover the array of different adventures Long Island has to offer. Bring the whole family for a fun and educational new experience together while staying local! You may be pleasantly surprised at what you discover!

  1. The Pollack Krasner House and Study Center – Located in East Hampton, the Pollack-Krasner House was once the home of abstract-expressionist Jackson Pollock and his wife Lee Krasner, who was also an artist. Built in 1879, the house still maintains the same appearance as it did at the time of Pollack's death, including the original furnishings, his favorite possessions, and his personal library. The property is considered a national landmark and attracts people from all over the world. You can even schedule a tour of the house and outdoor studio, where Pollack created some of his most famous artworks in his signature style.
  2. The East Hampton Windmill – The 'Hook Windmill', located at Old Hook Mill in East Hampton, was constructed in 1806 and operated until 1908. The well-known landmark, found on North Main street, is included in the National Register of Historical Places. This location is open daily for visitors.
  3. Fairview Farm – Located in Bridgehampton, Fairview Farm is a family-run business. The farm features a vast array of fresh meats, vegetables, fruits, herbs, fresh-cut flowers, and honey. Visitors from all over Long Island flock to Fairview for its delicious produce and historical nature.
  4. Gosman's Dock – Founded in 1943 by Robert and Mary Gosman, the Montauk location started as a small chowder stand specializing in lobster rolls. The restaurant now serves a variety of delicious dishes that attract tourists from across the state. Gosman's Dock features a beautiful beach-front atmosphere coupled with clothing and gourmet food shops.
  5. Deep Hollow Ranch – Run by Patrick and Cate Keogh, Deep Hollow Ranch is known as the 'birthplace of the American cowboy' and the oldest working ranch in the United States. The location includes preserved areas of coastal land and welcomes travelers from all over the world to learn more about America's rich history while enjoying trail rides through the beautiful Montauk landscape.
  6. Camp Hero State Park – Consisting of 415 acres of gorgeous beachfront terrain in Montauk, Camp Hero State Park offers winding trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding through the beautiful forest and freshwater wetlands.
  7. Montauk Lighthouse – 'Montauk Point Light' is the lighthouse located near Montauk Point State Park and marks the easternmost part of Long Island. Montauk Lighthouse stands as the first lighthouse to be constructed in New York and is the fourth oldest lighthouse in the United States. This location features a museum, areas for fishing, picnicking and surfing. For only 10$ per adult and $4 per child, you can enter the lighthouse and climb its spiral staircase – truly a walk through history.

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Fall Activities for the Family

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Though summer has come to an end and long days at the beach may now be behind us, there are still many opportunities for festive family fun on Long Island. The changing of the seasons brings us colorful leaves to play in, pumpkins to pick, cider to drink and hay bales to climb, evoking a sense of wonder and excitement in children and adults alike. The cool autumn weather and approaching holidays always seems to bring families even closer together. Make this season special by participating in some of the family-friendly fall activities listed below! Each activity is simple, stress-free and great for creating new memories together – perfect for the kids and kids-at-heart!

Go Apple Picking Together: The chilly weather marks the beginning of the fall harvest, meaning the apples are ripe and ready to be picked off the trees! There are many local, family-owned orchards on Long Island to choose from, such as 7 Ponds Orchard in Watermill and Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck. Engage the kids by playing games while picking. See who can find the largest apple and award the winner with a small prize. At the end of the day, make caramel apples together using a simple at-home kit from your local grocery store.

Attend Local Farmer's Markets: Going to the farmer's market is not only a great way to buy incredibly fresh produce while supporting local farmers, it's a lot of fun! Take the kids to your local farmer's market and let them help you select some crisp fall fruits and vegetables. This new tradition can even get them excited about healthy eating. The Southampton Chamber of Commerce Farmer's Market will be open Sundays throughout the month of October, from 9am-2pm. The Market is located on the east side grounds of the Southampton Arts Center at 25 Jobs Lane. Over 25 vendors will be featured selling farm-fresh produce, baked goods, jams, spices, teas, gluten-free and vegan products, wine from local vineyards, natural skincare products, soaps, artisan jewelry, natural pet treats and more! While you're in town, stop by our Southampton Gallery right down the street and say hi!

Make Your Own Apple Cider: There's nothing better than a warm cup of cider on a cool autumn day. Follow this easy, kid-friendly recipe to make your own hot cider at home.

Book a Family Photo Session: Fall is the perfect season to book your family photo session. The scenery is beautiful and makes for incredible pictures! A photo session with Lucille is an experience the whole family will enjoy and remember forever. Have one- of-a-kind holiday cards made to send to all your loved ones this year – it's a special gesture that friends and family will cherish!

Go Pumpkin Picking: Make a day out of it and attend a local farm with many other attractions. Hank's Pumpkintown in Watermill offers corn mazes, wagon rides, pedal cart races, animals, games, education stations and more. As a safer and less messy alternative to pumpkin carving, paint your pumpkins with the kids and put them out on display!

Homemade Halloween Costumes and Decorations: Spend an afternoon making festive arts and crafts with the kids to use as decorations around your home. Let them unleash their creativity by putting together their own Halloween costumes this year.

Whatever you decide to do with your family this season, make sure you have as much fun as possible together. With all the festive activities that this time of year has to offer, you may just fall in love with autumn!

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Unchained: Dog Show at the Lucille Khornak Gallery

Image Since its opening on Friday night, Unchained at the Lucille Khornak Gallery in Bridgehampton, NY has been a hot stop on the way to Art Hamptons and the Art MRKT. Dog owners, art collectors, and curious onlookers have been avidly admiring the whimsical sculptures that have made the gallery their temporary home. Visitors have marveled at their ingenuity and complexity, using recycled “junk” parts as a medium for creating beautiful sculptures. Two of the most popular creations are “Lola” - a shaggy white dog with an endearing gaze, and “Choo Choo”, a Yorkie with a cheerful look surrounded by a frame of long “hair” made of rust-toned bike chains. Another two notable mentions are the quizzical-faced “Othello”, a Boxer you have to smile at, if only for his puzzled look, and “Bully”, a French bulldog with bike bells in place of the iconic triangle ears Frenchies are best known for. Children and adults both find the sculptures equally charming and fun.

At the gallery, we are very excited and pleased with the positive feedback the dogs have been getting and are thrilled to have them with us until the 25th. If you're in Bridgehampton, you must stop in to see these dogs. After all, how often do you see a dog made entirely out of chains?

Restaurants of Bridgehampton

Candy Kitchen – Est. 1925 The oldest diner in the Hamptons, and a staple of the Bridgehampton community, Candy Kitchen has become more of an experience in itself than simply a restaurant. is a longtime favorite of locals and tourists. The Candy Kitchen experience begins with its appearance; a nostalgic, classical vertical sign that reads "Breakfast - SODA - Luncheon" in neon lettering, atop a charming blue and white overhang, which gives any passerby the experience of being transported back to their favorite adolescent luncheonette. The red, white and blue of the Candy Kitchen has become a landmark of the east end, and the diner-classic menu has been filling the stomachs of  locals and tourists since 1925.  Its simple, diner-classic menu has something for everyone, even for the pickiest little fingers. The service is fast and friendly, the food is served fresh from the kitchen, and the menu won't bite your bank account. The only thing you won't find there is scarcity, as many families have made it a routine to bring their children to Candy's to enjoy the food and atmosphere. Speaking of families, if you spare a moment to look at the walls, you'll see that they're lined with a number of different family portraits, captured by Lucille Khornak, a seasoned portrait specialist. A passionate professional who has experienced life on both sides of the camera, Lucille has developed a unique ability to go beyond the stereotypical "Kodak" moment. No matter who she's photographing, Lucille can capture their natural personality in one still shot, irregardless of age  or gender. The family is your work of art, and you're the artist – so why not showcase it? Oh, but only after you've finished your homemade ice cream flavor from Candy Kitchen.

Bobby Van's – Est. 1969

Every town needs a good steakhouse, right? Enter Bobby Van's, the Main Street cornerstone renowned for its fantastic steak and fresh seafood. Bobby Van's has been a part of  the Bridgehampton community since the summer of 1969, when Bobby Van himself opened up his steakhouse's doors to the public. Known for its top of the line service, fabulously cooked food, and lively atmosphere, Bobby Van's is where you go to eat like a king. During the summer months, when the sun shines bright over the east end, diners at Bobby Van's can park themselves at one of the many outdoor tables beneath the maroon Bobby Van's awning. Bobby Van's takes pride in serving the finest Prime USDA beef, freshly caught seafood and shellfish, and carefully chosen ingredients that'll leave you stuffed for the evening, but craving more. Bobby Van's is hardly Bridgehampton exclusive; you can find a Bobby Van's at East 54th St, West 50th St., 25 Broad St., Park Avenue, and Times Square, as well as two Washington, D.C. restaurants and a JFK airport location, and the takeout spot BV's Burger – the tastiest takeout you'll get near Times Square.

The Golden Pear Cafe – Est. 1996

Breakfast, as they say, is the most important meal of the day, and when enjoying breakfast, there's no better way to do it tun in style. Enter the Golden Pear, the award-winning cafe that personifies the charm and exuberance that only the east end can bring. A beloved spot for your daily cup of coffee, taking a seat outside offers endless people watching opportunities and the chance to catch up with friends and neighbors in an easy going atmosphere. Deliciously prepared meals are a staple of Golden Pear. Try a sandwich, wrap, or salad with garden fresh veggies and tasty meats, one of their many soups, and try a mouth-watering pastry from their on-premises bakery. (You may only go for one, but you may leave with a dozen!)

Pierre's – Est. 2000

One of the more recent additions to the Main Street BH lineup of eateries, Pierre's quaint presence has all the charm of French bistros. Pierre's specializes in locally caught seafood and is open for breakfast thru dinner year-round. The menu varies on the season, constantly changing so your taste buds never grow bored. Famous for its fresh baked pastries and seafood dishes are complimented by the unique lighting – swathed in sunlight by day, with elegant, atmospheric lighting by night.  Its intimacy is paralleled by its class; this is a must-do on your checklist of restaurants to browse this summer at the Hamptons.