It is no secret that Long Island is one of the greatest places to visit. But how about living there? I think that, too often, the people who live on Long Island take it for granted. But not purposely, because we usually think of it as “home” and not always the great place with so much to do and see. One of my favorite things about Long Island is that almost no matter where you live, going to one of the nation’s greatest cities for the day or taking a day to relax in Montauk is never impossible. Whether you hop on a train or drive your car down Sunrise Highway, your desire can always be fulfilled.

While I was away for my first semester of college, I came to the realization that I took Long Island for granted. Many times, I would be sitting with my friends from other states and listen to them describe their beaches as “rocky and unenjoyable” or that their pizza tastes like “cardboard with some sauce and cheese thrown on it.” What blew my mind even more (because I never really took the time to think about it, because I fortunately didn’t have to deal with it) was that some of my friends have to drive over an hour to get to a decent beach. Now, I think Long Island has instilled some sort of beach obsession in me, maybe because I basically grew up spending almost all of my summer at the beach or boating in the bay and many days in the winter escaping to the beach just to sit, think, and enjoy the Island I live on when I was in the “winter funk.” So, to my fellow residents of Long Island, here are some things to think about when you remind yourself of the beautiful place we get to call home.

No matter where we are on the Island, we can find the bay or ocean and a beach in about 20-30 minutes tops. How lucky are we to be able to wake up in the morning, decide it’s a beach day, and just pack the car and go knowing we’ll be there shortly? Sometimes sitting on the beach, looking at the water, can be one of the best stress relievers. We are very fortunate that we are not too far from that.

Feeling like taking a trip to the city? Jump on the LIRR or LIE. You’ll be there in no time. And why not grab some breakfast on your way? It’s no lie that we have some of the best bagels right here on the Island.

Want to go somewhere a little more exciting in the summer? Well, get on the ferries to Fire Island! Personally, I know I haven’t spent nearly as much time there as I would like to. The beaches are beautiful, the little towns are just so adorable, the restaurants, bars, and live music make you feel as if you’re on vacation. And it is so easy to get there! How’s that for a daycation?

Looking for a fun place to go out to with some friends? Between the Hamptons, Patchogue, Long Beach, and many other places, you’ll always find a party!

How about a history lesson for the day? From the Lighthouses to the Mansions, to the museums and state parks, you never know what kind of history you are going to stumble upon. But don’t forget, some of the best history is right inside your town.

So, with those few examples, I hope you start to understand just how great Long Island is. Whether it’s the summer and you walk through the Hamptons, hit the beach, or spend the day at Fire Island, or it’s the winter and you head to some light shows at the beaches or to the city to see the tree, everything is in easy access. Don’t let it take you moving away, starting a job and having to relocate, or going away for college to realize just how lucky you are to live somewhere so great. Take it all in, do as much as you can, and you’ll soon realize, “there’s no place like home.”