Here’s some information to help you have a fun Memorial Day weekend, despite COVID-19. For summer’s unofficial kickoff, we’re talking beach, BBQ and ice cream, to name a few.
At its heart, Memorial Day is about honoring the soldiers who died defending the United States. Follow this link to read our post about the modified ceremony planned for Monday and ways you can privately honor the fallen.
A sampling of options on Shelter Island this weekend (photos by Julie O’Neill-Bliss, unless otherwise noted):
Stop by the Tuck Shop
After a soft opening last weekend, the freshly renovated Tuck Shop is ready for business. New owner John Sieni fully refurbished this island establishment, retaining its small town ice cream parlor charm while updating the finishes. Ice cream, cones and toppings await your visit. Wear a mask and practice social distancing and you can leave with a very satisfying frozen dessert.
11AM to 11PM daily | 75 North Menantic Road
Rock Beverage
Stop by and congratulate Hunter Starzee at his new convenience store, Rock Beverage. It’s located adjacent to the Tuck Shop in the former arcade. The store offers cold beverages including beer and wine coolers, plus plenty savory and sweet treats for snackers. Prepared frozen foods and other essential items will be available soon. This is the first weekend in operation so please call for hours.
75 North Menantic Road | 631-599-3087
Beach time
Beaches are open but there are no lifeguards on duty until the end of June (see parking rules below). Surprisingly, the water is tolerable for a quick dip despite the cool spring. Find all beach essentials — sunscreen, towels, and more — available for curbside pickup at retail shops around town. Passive recreation only; no gatherings, no games. All beachgoers must wear face masks and keep a safe distance from neighbors, leaving room for others to pass. No dogs allowed on Crescent Beach and Wades Beach through Labor Day; elsewhere they must be on leash or under owner’s control at all times.
Parking
SIPD will be enforcing all parking rules, so keep an eye on the time in commercial areas. Also, no non-resident vehicles permitted in permit-only lots or spaces at beaches. New resident stickers are green. If you haven’t done so already, get your free resident sticker (good for five years) by sending a copy of your resgistration to the Town Clerk’s office, townclerk@shelterislandtown.ny.us. Meantime, if you have a yellow sticker, you won’t get a ticket, but that amnesty ends June 15.
Visit a local garden center for some red, white and blue flowers
Why not show some pride for our veterans and active military by zhuzhing up the front porch red, white and blue style. Local garden centers are stocked up with spring annuals, perennials and more. Show your Memorial Day spirit with something red, white and blue. Think red zinnias, blue dahlias, and white peonies. Check in with Shelter Island’s garden experts:
- Grady Riley, 80 North Menantic Road | 631-749-5575
- White Oak Farm, 68-76 North Ferry Road (114) | 631-749-5814
- Gulluscio Lawn Care & Garden Center, 20 Manwaring Road | 631-749-5227
- Sylvester Manor Farm Stand, 80 North Ferry Road (seedlings) | 631-749-6005
- Shelter Island Florist, 57 North Ferry Road | 631-749-2264
- Kilb’s Farm Stand, corner of Congdon Road and 114 (cut flowers)
Enjoy a hike
Groomed, blazed, and dog- and bike-friendly, these trails take you to some iconic spots previously not accessible. Thanks to Shelter Island Group for Trail Preservation and the Town of Shelter Island for clearing them and posting signage. And, to the Community Preservation Fund Advisory Board for finding and preserving these special places (along with partners like the Town, Suffolk County, the Peconic Land Trust, the Village of Dering Harbor and more). Be prepared with protective clothing as it is a high season for ticks. Follow this link to find the open space map on the Town website.
Mashomack Preserve
Trails are open daily and the birding is spectacular at this 2,039-acre preserve owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. Programs and events have been cancelled, but hikers are welcome. Please note the bathrooms and visitor center are closed. No jogging, no bicycles and no dogs allowed.
Daily 8AM to 6 PM | 79 South Ferry Road | 631-749-1001
Shop for beach essentials at local retailers
Retailers stand ready to serve, offering limited in-store access and/or curbside pickup. Support our local businesses by stocking up right here on Shelter Island:
- Bliss’ Department Store — towels, swimsuits, sunglasses, sunscreen, water shoes … need we go on? It’s a department store, they have everything! Open Wednesday to Monday, 10AM to 4PM, 186 North Ferry Road (Bridge Street), 631-749-041
- SIMM’s — for your best beach fashion check out Marie Eiffel’s new apparel store, 181 North Ferry Road (Bridge Street)
- Gardiner’s Bay Pro Shop — Leigh and Bethany Notely have the most on-trend sports apparel and accessories to keep you looking smart on the fairway or the tennis court. Open to the public, curbside pick up only, call to receive photos of merchandise, try what you like and return what you don’t, 12 Dinah Rock Road, 631-749-1336
Tennis anyone?
With tennis, it’s easy to practice social distancing.Bring your own equipment to enjoy the courts behind the Shelter Island School. For those looking for a pro, Moussa Drame Tennis Academy offers lessons, hitting sessions and family clinics. Call Moussa at 631-749-0160 or find information on his website, moussadrametennis.com.
Back Yard Movie Night
Enhance your family’s summer weekend with a Backyard Movie Night, including an inflatable screen and popcorn machine rental from Shelter Island Party Rental. Perfect for outdoor social distancing. Call for details.
Rob Strauss | 516-659-7509
Buy or repair a bike at Piccozzis Bike Shop
In case you haven’t heard there is a national bike shortage. Piccozzi’s Bike Shop has just seven bikes left for sale, some new, some used as seen here. Due to COVID-19, the rental bikes are not yet available. Piccozzi’s is also able to tune up and repair most bikes. The shop is generally open 8:30AM to 4PM, when staff is available. “If the door to the bike shop is not open, just check in your bike at the pump,” says Richie Surozenski.
Piccozzi’s Fuel and Bike Shop | 177 North Ferry Road | 631-749-0045
Try a new spot for takeout/delivery
There’s something for everyone on this Island whether you fancy vegan, gluten free, BBQ, Mexican or classic. Check out our list of Island eateries in this Gazette post. Takeout and/or delivery available.
