Breaking Long Island Tourism Records

Stacy and Sharon are back with another cup of Long Island Tea! #ShowUsYourLongIslanderThis week’s spotlight shines on Steven McKenna, CEO & President of Tasting Long Island Events, the team behind some of Long Island’s biggest food, wine and beverage celebrations. Steven is passionate about bringing together the Island’s restaurants, chefs, wineries, breweries and hospitality community while creating memorable experiences that showcase what makes Long Island’s culinary scene so special. #HiddenGemsUncorkedWe’re heading off the beaten path to discover Viking Fleet Montauk, where whale watching, dolphin sightings and deep-sea fishing offer a whole new way to experience Long Island from the water.#LongIslandLifeLong Island is celebrating a record-breaking year for tourism, with visitors spending $8.4 billion in 2025, up 6.3% from the year before and supporting more than 80,000 local jobs. Suffolk County led the way with roughly $5 billion in tourism spending, while the Island generated nearly $1 billion in state and local tax revenue, reinforcing Long Island’s role as a tourism powerhouse.A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way!September 1 is National Hotel Employee Day, and we’re celebrating the hardworking people behind every check-in, fresh towel, clean room and welcoming stay while reminding everyone that a smile, a thank you and a little patience can go a long way.Celebrating 30 Years of Long Island Dining!Stone Creek Inn in East Quogue is celebrating 30 years of fine dining in 2026, continuing its legacy of French-inspired cuisine, seasonal ingredients and memorable East End dining, with a special two-course $30 prix fixe menu on Monday nights.Long Island Has Been Serving Up Some Serious Pizza History!September 5 is National Cheese Pizza Day, and we’re serving up some Long Island pizza history, from the Island’s Italian-American roots and legendary Grandma slice to longtime neighborhood pizzerias and LA PORTA’s new By the Slice concept in Northport.Raise a Glass to Long Island’s Craft Beer Scene!National Beer Lover’s Day is September 7, so we’re raising a pint to Long Island’s thriving craft beer scene, from longtime favorites like Blue Point Brewing Company and Greenport Harbor Brewing Company to breweries such as Six Harbors, Jamesport Farm Brewery and Long Island Farm Brewery.Dolly Parton’s Legacy Is Making an Impact Right Here on Long Island!Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is helping nearly 50 children in the Wyandanch School District develop a love of reading by receiving a free book in the mail every month, showing how her legacy continues to make a difference for Long Island families.#WildThingsOfTheWeekWildlife Is All Around Us on Long Island!National Wildlife Day is September 4, and we’re celebrating the incredible animals found across Long Island, from capybaras and wallabies at Long Island Game Farm and giraffes and monkeys at White Post Farms to wild deer, foxes, birds, dolphins, whales, seals and other wildlife found throughout the Island.Another Rare Wildlife Sighting Right Here on Long Island!A possible American mink sighting in Northport could mark the animal’s return to Long Island after more than three decades, offering another reminder that surprising wildlife encounters can happen right in our own backyard.#ThisWeekendOnLongIslandFriday, September 4• LI Cares Farm to Truck Fresh Food Distribution Event | Patchogue• Spend Labor Day Weekend at Splish Splash | Calverton• Hellenic Film Festival | North Fork Arts Center• Live Music | Saylor Beach House• Standup Comedy Night | Riverhead Ciderhouse• 80th Annual Shinnecock Powwow | Southampton (Through September 7)Saturday, September 5• Tasting, Talk & Tour | Peeko Oysters• Westhampton Beach Festival of the Arts | Westhampton Beach (Through September 6)Sunday, September 6• Debra Lynn | Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, Stony Brook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.