Category: Fun

New York Natural Wonders: Get Away on a Scenic Day Trip

Fun

Summer isn’t over yet, which means there’s still time to take a drive through New York. While many people flock to New York City for an unparalleled cosmopolitan experience, the Empire State also has some truly memorable natural wonders. At Babylon Honda, we’ve compiled a list of impressive New York natural wonders for your next road trip. Whether you’re planning a family trip or a romantic getaway, these spots are must-see locations.

According to OnlyInYourState, the Dover Stone Church in Dover Plains is surreal. This aboveground cave system features hidden waterfalls and distinct rock formations. You’ll need to hike some to reach some of the out-of-the-way scenery, but it’s well worth it.

The Kaaterskill Falls in Greene County are renowned on the East Coast for their picturesque beauty. You can take an easy half-mile hike to the falls along Kaaterskill Creek to see a truly stunning waterway. Once you near the falls, just be sure to take extra precautions because the rocks can be slippery.

Finally, see the natural wonder known as Watkins Glen State Park in Watkins Glen, NY. With a thin veil of water streaming down rock faces and cenote-like pools, this is one park you won’t want to leave. Follow the Gorge Trail for a rewarding hike, and be sure to visit every one of the nineteen waterfalls along the way.

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Best New York Patios to Visit This Summer

Fun

Few things are nicer than a delicious meal al fresco in a beautiful setting. Fortunately, New York State has plenty of Instagram-worthy patios with equally Instagram-worthy food. These are some of the best New York patios in our book, and are perfect places to enjoy a special meal this summer.

 

Lanzi’s On The Lake in Mayfield

Lazni’s is up north, so if you’re headed towards the Adirondacks, this is a great place to stop along the way. At Lanzi’s, you can enjoy your meal on a cozy lakeside deck. The menu is to die for, as is the view of Great Sacandaga Lake.

 

Blue Canoe in Erieville

This restaurant is found next to Tuscarora Lake, and has its own breathtaking views of the nearby water. Its intimate and casual deck is sure to become a favorite. Make a stop here next time you’re headed to Chittenango Falls State Park.

 

Tin Pan Galley in Sackets Harbor

Sackets Harbor is a darling New York down that deserves plenty of exploring of its own. Fill up first on a feast from this seasonal spot, which offers delicious breakfast as well as lunch items.

 

If you head north towards New York’s many lakes, you’ll have no trouble stumbling upon many other delightful patio dining options. Just do us a favor and stop in at Babylon Honda to tell us which new spots you discover that we should try!

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History of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

Fun

Long Island is full of rich history and memorable traditions. One such annual tradition is held every year on the 4th of July at Coney Island, just a couple of hours from Babylon Honda. This annual 4th of July celebration honors one of Coney Island’s favorite snacks—the hot dog.

Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is put on every year by the century-old Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog stand. Legend has it that in 1916, four immigrants created the first hot dog eating contest at Coney Island. The winner would prove themselves as the most patriotic of the four.

How many hot dogs one can eat may not actually determine how patriotic a person is. However, there’s no denying that hot dogs are a symbol of ballparks, Coney Island, and other beloved and iconic American settings. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest has been a fun way for folks to come together and celebrate the 4th of July each year.

In order to participate in the contest, contestants must enter one of several qualifiers, which take place in cities all over the country starting as early as March. If contestants do well here, they can move up towards competing in the official Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on the 4th of July. This year will mark the 101st contest, and is definitely a festive event worth witnessing if you’re in the area this summer.

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Play These Christmas Games to Make Your Holidays Bright

Fun

Christmas is a time for laughter and cheer, and there is no better way to bring both of these sentiments into your life than with games. There are a number of Christmas games to play this holiday season. To make it easier to choose, we’ve narrowed down some of our favorite and given you an overview of them here.

Go on a candy cane hunt. While your children are busy, take the time to hide a number of candy canes throughout the house. Put some in obvious places, and be sneaky with others. Then, ask your children to find them. When all the candy canes are found, sit the children down and count them. Not only is this game fun, but it can be educational too, since the children will have to figure out home many candy canes they have left to find.

Play a mitten matching game. Another fun, educational Christmas game to choose is a mitten matching game. Have your toddler or preschooler pair up colored, patterned, paper mittens. When the mittens are paired properly, have them use a clothes pin to keep the matches together. This activity is a great way to exercise your child’s mind on a snowy day.

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DIY Christmas Gifts to Make Your Holidays Better

Fun

Choosing the right gifts to give out this holiday can be difficult—and expensive—but it doesn’t have to be. Rather than struggling to find the right gifts, consider making them this year. If you’re struggling for a crafty idea, consider one of these great DIY Christmas gifts.

Chalkboard paint mug. Chalkboard paint is all the rage right now, so why not use this trend to your benefit? Create a chalkboard mug for your family and friends; it’s simple! Just follow these directions.

Personalized candles. Get the kids involved in this easy-to-make gift. It’s perfect for grandparents! Have the children doodle a creative, loving message or drawing and set the design in a candle that your family will cherish. Find out how to make these candles here.

Cupcake onesies. If you have a family member or friend who recently had a baby, consider giving them four cute infant outfits with a box of cupcake onesies. This crafty gift helps you transform onesies paired with socks into adorable fabric cupcakes. See how to make these here.

Themed gift box. Put together a gift box for those trickier people on your guest list. For instance, if someone likes movies, create a movie night box that has a DVD, candy, popcorn, and drinks included. Slip in a gift card to the local movie theater to make it even more special and you have the perfect gift to give.

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Tips for Black Friday Shopping

Fun, Seasonal

Black Friday deals bring out some incredibly massive crowds and it’s not a place for the unprepared. Holiday deals can be enticing but they’re no good if you miss them or simply can’t pay the bill. Don’t walk into Black Friday blind this year! Here at Babylon Honda, we have some helpful tips for Black Friday shopping to make your deal-grabbing adventure more successful.

•Budget – Great deals may be enticing but they’re no good if you can’t pay your credit card statement later on. Make a strict budget and stick to it. Leave a small amount of wiggle room if necessary but avoid spending more than you can afford. Keep a record of how much you spend at each store or for each purchase as well.

•Research – Many stores advertise their Black Friday deals well ahead of time so it’s worth researching. Compare the prices of different stores and determine which ones are worth your time. Don’t rely on price-matching guarantees, as some stores suspend that deal during Black Friday.

•Technology – Smartphone apps can go a long way in helping to find the items you want. A QR scanner can quickly compare prices and find coupon codes, while shopping apps can guide you to the store with the lowest price.

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Hiking Trails Near West Babylon: Get Outdoors and Explore

Fun, Local News And Events, Seasonal

Getting a new Honda model will open up a world of possibilities, especially when it comes to exploring nearby cities and surrounding areas. You can find great hiking trails near West Babylon, many of which are great for beginners and avid outdoorsmen and women. With scenic views, a diversity of flora and fauna, and challenging trails, you’ll love the hiking in the area.

Hiking trails near West Babylon tend to be located a few miles away. One of the most popular places to visit, according to Trail Link, is the Bayshore Trail. This two-mile stretch is part of the Henry Hudson Trail, located near the coast. You will find hard-packed cinder and sand in areas, and trail conditions vary based on weather. Nonetheless, you’re bound to enjoy a quick jaunt on the Bayshore Trail.

For those who love riding their bikes, check out the Bethpage Bikeway. As one of Long Island’s most popular trails, this route takes you over 12.5 miles of scenic views in Nassau county. The smooth asphalt surface is great for easy riding, and there are also clearly marked crossings near roads to keep you protected.

Finally, check out the Black River County Park Trail. Though you must take a short drive to New Jersey to access this trail, it is well worth it. This wild and forested dirt trails covers 2.3 miles in Morris County, offering scenic views and unforgettable bird watching. Due to the harsh terrain, this trail adds some difficulty.

These are just some of many hiking trails near West Babylon. Get outdoors and see what makes hiking and trails so special.

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Things to Do in West Babylon: Fall Events

Fun, Local News And Events, Seasonal

Looking for things to do in West Babylon? There are plenty of events and activities in the area, especially in the fall months. October brings farmer’s markets, open mic nights, and more. There is truly something for everyone in the West Babylon, NY area. Hop in your Honda model and explore the community.

According to ILoveBabylon.com, there’s always something in the area. One of the most popular fall events are farmer’s markets, including the Amityville and Lindenhurst markets. The Amityville market is open every Friday from 2pm to 7pm at the Amityville Village Offices. The Lindenhurst market is on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm at the Village Gazebo (corner of N. Wellwood Ave. and E. Hoffman Ave.). You can get fresh produce, sample artisan cheeses, find arts and crafts, and more.

Open mic night is also popular at One Main. You can see local musicians play some of their best tunes, and you can also enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. This event is held every Tuesday night, and you can also get local brews, appetizers, and more. Come support local artists while also having a great time.
These are just two of the many things to do in West Babylon. Stop by a farmer’s market or open mic night today.

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