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LIRR Announces One-Day Getaways With gas prices rising with no end in sight, what could be better than taking the train somewhere for a day out? The Long Island Rail Road has announced that they have three new One-Day Getaways added to its lineup of sightseeing tours and packages this year, offering even more unique ways to enjoy Long Island's many attractions. The escorted One-Day Getaways and special non-escorted packages for the summer season are listed below: Patchogue Village Now Through December 31 Known as one of the oldest and finest downtown shopping districts on Long Island, Patchogue has a good mix of retail stores, fine restaurants and major events such as the Patchogue Sea Fair, June 6-8. Fun can be had all around town this weekend and much of it is free. Sample some of the local seafood or enjoy the music, rides and street vendors. The LIRR non-escorted package includes a discounted round-trip rail ticket and a LIRR Patchogue Customer Coupon, good for $10 off any food, beverage or ride ticket purchase of $10 or more. On non-fair days only, the "LIRR Patchogue Customer Coupon" is good for $10 off any food or beverage purchase or $10 or more at participating restaurants. The package cost is $20 for adults, $11.50 for children 5-11. Port Jeff Village Now Through December 31 Port Jefferson is a picturesque village of natural beauty, worthy of a special trip for a day of fun. The package includes discounted round-trip rail tickets, two Lindy's Taxi stubs and a LIRR Port Jeff Customer Coupon. The Village hosts the American Music Festival September 12-14 with more than 25 acts scheduled to appear, including former member of The Monkees, Peter Tork. The Dickens Festival, December 5-7, transforms the village to a London-esque town of the 1840s with events for the entire family. The package cost is $20 for adults, $5.50 for children 5-11. Sayville Village Now Through December 31 "Sayville, it just keeps getting better" is the motto of this village striving to be "the friendliest town in America." Major events include: Summerfest, August 1-3, that includes carnival rides, games, live entertainment, a car show, and arts and crafts vendors; Margaritaville, August 15, where the Ed Travers Band, a favorite of Jimmy Buffet "Parrotheads," will entertain; the Fall Festival/Battle of Barbecue Brethren, October 25-26, includes a Jack-O-Lantern contest, children's costume parade, petting zoo, live music and the State BBQ Championship. The package includes discounted round-trip rail tickets plus a LIRR Sayville Customer Coupon, good for $10 off from participating merchants. The package cost is $20 for adults, $11.50 for children 5-11. Treasure Island July 19, November 1 Discover the riches of both the North and South Forks of Long Island on this extensive tour. Stops include Pindar Vineyards, the seaport village of Greenport, a ferry ride to Shelter Island then a bus tour of this picturesque island and finally, a stopover at the former whaling port of Sag Harbor. The package cost is $42 for adults. Montauk Lighthouse July 26, August 16, September 13 Montauk is the "ultimate" seaside resort community at the tip of Long Island. During this Getaway to "The End," participants will visit the Village of Montauk, the world-renowned Montauk Point Lighthouse and Gosman's Dock and restaurant overlooking Montauk Harbor. The package cost is $40 for adults, $30 for children 5-11. Southampton Escape July 5, August 2 Travel to the area formerly know as Long Island's Riviera. There's incredible scenery as the bus winds through some of Southampton Estate sections on the way to St. Andrew's Dune Church, the only Long Island church situated on bluffs overlooking the Atlantic. The next stop is the Southampton Historical Museum followed by a visit to the Parrish Art Museum. The package cost is $39 for adults, $31 for children 5-11. Sunday Brunch Cruise July 6, August 17, September 14 Your home away from home for the day is the Lauren Kristy, a paddle-wheeler that cruises the Great South Bay with great views of Fire Island and the South Shore. A tasty brunch will be served aboard as the boat sails to West Sayville. The day wraps up with a visit to the Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park along the banks of the Connetquot River. The package cost is $62 for adults, $57 for children 5-11. Wine Country July 12 A day spent visiting Long Island's famous North Fork Wine Country. First stop is Bedell Cellars Wineries in Cutchogue for a look at the wine making process from vine to bottle. Next is the Corey Creek Vineyards where there will be a chance to sample five varieties of wine. Lunch can be purchased next during a stopover in the seaport village of Greenport. The day is completed with a visit to the Duck Walk Vineyards tasting room in Cutchogue where seven varieties of wine will be available to tempt your taste buds. The package cost is $44 for adults. Cruisin' On the Sound July 13, August 3 A delightful escape begins with a visit to Port Jefferson where the morning will be spent taking in the shops and boutiques in this charming village. After lunch, which can be purchased at many local shops, there's a cruise across Long Island Sound to Bridgeport, Connecticut. Following a short stopover, the boat will head back to Port Jefferson for more browsing. The package cost is $41 for adults, $21 for children 5-11. Mansions & Gardens July 20, September 21 Relive the splendor of Long Island's Gold Coast with a visit to two distinctive mansions and their magnificent gardens. First stop is the Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport. This is a unique combination of mansion, marine and natural history museum, planetarium and park. Next stop is Old Westbury Gardens, a 160-acre English style country estate that includes formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes. The package cost is $44 for adults, $31 for children 5-11. Balloon & Music Festival August 8-10 The 2nd Annual Metro NY Balloon & Music Festival at Brookhaven Calabro Aiport will include more than 30 world class hot air balloons, two big concert stages with 30 top bands, the largest carnival midway of Summer '08, children's jubilee with circus acts, jugglers, magicians and more, a monster truck rally, a huge festival of food selections with over 50 booths and more. The package includes discounted round-trip rail, shuttle buses and event general admission. The cost is $35 for adults, $25 for children 5-11. Shinnecock Pow Wow August 30-31 An annual event of color and pageantry. The Grand Procession is a photographer's dream featuring scores of Native Americans and representatives of Central or South American tribes dancing and chanting in gloriously colorful regalia. They will compete in continuous song and dance contests through the day. Food and arts and crafts items are available from 100 vendors. The package includes round-trip rail to/from Southampton Station, admission to the event. A free shuttle bus is provided by the event. The cost is $31 for adults, $8.50 for children 5-11. Tickets for the One-Day Getaways (escorted and non-escorted) can be purchased in advance at the LIRR's blue or gray ticket machines. Both blue and gray machines accept credit and debit cards; gray machines also accept cash. Select "Getaways & Packages," then "One-Day Getaways" followed by the tour or package of your choice. Tickets can be purchased up to midnight on Thursday of the week of the tour. LIRR ticket offices accept cash, credit and debit cards or personal checks. Tickets go on sale seven days before each trip and can be purchased up to 30 minutes before the train leaves at open ticket offices. Please consult our Web site, www.mta.info for updated information. Before you leave call the LIRR's Travel Information Center at 718-217-LIRR, 516-822-LIRR or 631-231-LIRR to confirm tour status. |
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