"There's no place like home." -The Wizard of Oz
So, it's the middle of summer (really, we're past the middle and moving towards the end of summer. I know! I shouldn't really admit that...) and it's funny just how busy I am during my "time off." And where do I spend most of my time? Port Jefferson, NY.
I know, I know. Us SHUbloggers, we generally don't share such specific personal information. Why do you need to know where I spend my summers? Because that's where the Bridgeport/Port Jefferson Ferry docks. I'm brilliant, I know.
For many SHU students who hail from Long Island, the ferry is a major mode of transport. But for others, it's another great opportunity to get out of Connecticut, and do something fun. Port Jefferson is a small touristy port town along the Long Island Sound, and not many people realize how fun it is. The best part is that from SHU, you can take the shuttle to Bridgeport Transit Station, board the ferry, walk on, walk off an hour later, and be on a little mini vacation.
What should you do when you're there? Whether you've got some extra time before heading back to school after Columbus day weekend, or you're bored for the afternoon in Bridgeport and need to get away, here's my favorite things to do down port.
- Hang out in Harborfront Park. The town just redid the park along the water, and now it has benches and a cute park area. It's a great place to chill with your friends and some takeout, or enjoy watching the sun set over the Sound. Also, if it's a sunny, warm day, make sure to take advantage of the top deck on the Ferry!
- Visit the Frigate across the street from the ferry. I could be biased, but it's the largest ice cream parlor on L.I. and carries enough ice cream, candy and chocolate to put you in a diabetic coma. Next door, there's a juice/smoothie bar (Roger's Island Juices) for the health nut, love it! (PS. Homemade gelato-- try it!)
- Walk the shops on Main Street. There are all sorts of clothing, souvenir, antique stores along Main Street, and even more if you venture up to East Main. Among my usual stops: Elements, Envision Crystal, Best Bargain Books.
- Eat lunch at Salsa Salsa. Only the best burritos and mexican food around. It's a casual, relatively cheap place to eat, and the staff is great (it helps that they know me by name by now, haha). And they'll wrap your food up for you, if you want to take it on the ferry.
- Walk the docks with ice cream. Typical "Port Jeff" thing to do-- look at the boats while eating an ice cream cone. There are two different marinas and three or four sets of docks usually open to the public, so there's plenty of boardwalk for everybody, and it's cooler over the water during those hot August and September months.
