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By Mike White · July 24, 2025

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☕ Good morning, Long Island!

☀️ Today will be sunny with a high near 84.

🏄🏽‍♀️ Looking for something, anything, to do with the kids that doesn't involve the beach? We've got a nice list of 20 local adventures for you and your crew.

💥 We also have some gorgeous photos to share from summer's first Alive on 25 street festival (with fireworks) in downtown Riverhead.

🎤 And the Great South Bay Music Festival gets underway tonight in Patchogue, then runs through Sunday. Know before you go.

✍🏼 Feel free to respond to this email with feedback!

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🐶 The Barkgata: Your pup's home away from home | sponsored

It's travel season. And if you're at a loss over what to do with the pup, might we highly suggest The Barkgata Luxury Dog Hotel, now with two LI locations: Farmingdale and St. James. You will be happy! So will your dog.

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FOOD & DRINK

First, Franklin Square’s Valley Caterers closing after nearly 60 years

👑 Next month will mark the end of an era for Franklin Square, with Valley Caterers saying farewell. This has been a neighborhood staple since owner Steven Dawideit’s father opened the Franklin Avenue shop in 1967.

🥂 The French-inspired Millie’s Mimosa House will be opening later this year at the former Don Ricardo's spot in the heart of Babylon Village. Millie's will feature an eclectic blend of brunch dishes and craft mimosas.

🥯 Florida’s new Long Island Bagels has transplants driving hours for bagels and bagel sandwiches that taste just like the Old Country (L.I.).

🍷 Cibo Pasta Bar, a brand-new restaurant from Anthony Brew, the owner of sister space Anthony’s Kitchen & Cocktails, has opened in Bellmore.

☕ Starbucks is one step closer to opening in Middle Island, as plans move forward to convert a former bank at 599 Middle Country Road.
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ART & MUSIC

Second, Jersey songwriter drops single courting all ‘Pretty Long Island Girls’

🎸 Long Island girls aren’t exactly known for chasing Jersey boys, what with all those bridges to cross. Still, this New Jersey-based artist remains undeterred. Nobody loves Island women quite like this guy. Give a listen.

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SHOPPING

Third, 'Ross Dress for Less' opens 1st Long Island store, draws huge crowds

🛒 Long Islanders looking for a good bargain seemed to hit the jackpot at the new Ross Dress for Less, which has just opened in Hempstead.

🎩 The global fashion retailer Zara will be opening a new location at Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove during the first half of 2026, a company spokesperson has confirmed to GLI.

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More headlines to highlight

📍A new ranking of the 50 wealthiest suburbs in the U.S. includes just one Long Island community — and it’s not the one many would guess.

✈️ Southwest Airlines — which has served MacArthur Airport since 1999 — is making a major change for the first time in more than 50 years.

👨🏽‍🚒The Manorville F.D. held its third annual BBQ Rib Cook Off on Saturday, drawing big crowds and 16 teams all vying for the title of best smoked ribs.
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