Long Island Tea

This week on the Long Island Tea Podcast, Sharon and Stacy recap a busy week of judging duties, share highlights from Theresa Caputo’s incredible show, and welcome Amy Gibbs from USPS to give listeners essential holiday mailing and shipping tips. They also dive into festive happenings, community spotlights, and all the local news you need to know this season.

#ShowUsYourLongIslander

This week’s spotlight features the Orsini family of Smithtown, who transform their home each year into an impressive National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation display complete with 25,000 lights, themed props, and a community block party that collects toys for Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Know someone making a difference? Email [email protected]

#LongIslandLife

Milder Winters, But Long Island Stays Beautiful Year-Round

Long Island winters have warmed about 5°F since 1970, but the region’s seasonal beauty and outdoor appeal remain strong year-round.

Where to See Santa Before Christmas on Long Island

From Huntington’s Holiday Spectacular to Fire Island’s Flying Santa and visits at Oheka Castle, Hicks Nurseries, and Smith Haven Mall, Santa is popping up across the Island all month long.

Long Island State Veterans Home Named One of the Nation’s Best Nursing Homes for 2026

Stony Brook’s Veterans Home earned top national recognition for both short- and long-term care, placing among the highest-rated facilities in the country.

USPS Spotlight on Best Practices This Holiday Season

USPS expert Amy Gibbs shares essential guidance on addressing, packaging, choosing shipping options, meeting deadlines, and avoiding common mailing mistakes.

#ThisWeekendOnLongIsland

Sponsored by East End Getaway — your guide to everything happening on the East End.

Friday, December 12

Holiday Spirits at Sparkling Pointe

3rd Annual Southold Holiday Stroll

The Holiday Market at East Wind

Saturday, December 13

The Nutcracker at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center

4th Annual Magic of Montauk Holiday Fair

2nd Annual Holiday Tour of the Inns in East Hampton

Sunday, December 14

Menorah Lightings in Sag Harbor and Greenport

#CelebriTEA

Billy Joel Sells NYC Condo to Daughter for $4.5 Million

Billy Joel’s latest real estate moves include selling his Manhattan condo to his daughter, adjusting the price of his MiddleSea estate, and purchasing a new Hamptons home, underscoring his continued ties to Long Island.

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This week on the Long Island Tea Podcast, Sharon and Stacy are jingling into December and giving you all the tea on what to do before the holiday season kicks into full swing. They recap Thanksgiving, share what’s been happening around Discover Long Island, poke fun at the porch pirates who finally got busted, and they also recap their amazing conversation from last week’s episode with Theresa Caputo. Plus, the ladies are diving into all the festive fun, community moments, and local happenings you won’t want to miss this month.

#ShowUsYourLongIslander

This week’s spotlight shines on the volunteers at Mercy Soup Kitchen in Wyandanch, who served more than 175 hot Thanksgiving meals—led by a dedicated crew of locals giving back, including cancer and heart attack survivor Steve Cofone. Across town, Rev. Terrance Daye and 100 volunteers delivered 1,300 meals to seniors and families, showcasing Long Island’s incredible spirit of generosity.

Know someone making an impact? DM us or email [email protected]

#LongIslandLife

Holiday Spectacular on Ice Returns to Bellport

Nancy Kerrigan and world-class skaters bring magic to The Gateway now through January 4.

Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert Series

Festive classics and joyful flair with performances across Huntington, Plainview, and Setauket.

Long Island ‘Porch Pirate’ Ring Busted

Authorities shut down a package-theft ring targeting deliveries across 31 communities.

Holiday Night Market Wonderland in Stony Brook

A Hallmark-style holiday scene with vendors, snowfall, treats, and festive fun.

Shop Small This Season

A curated list of Long Island favorites perfect for holiday gifting.

#ThisWeekendOnLongIsland

Sponsored by East End Getaway — your go-to resource for all things happening on the East End.

Friday, December 5

• Sag Harbor’s Light Up the Harbor

• 5th Annual Westhampton Beach Holiday Stroll

Saturday, December 6

• Santa Fest in East Hampton

• Annual Holiday Fair in Southold

• 13th Annual Wooden Wonderland Holiday Craft Fair

• 2025 Raise Shell Festival in Greenport

• Riverhead Holiday Extravaganza

• Greenport Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting

• Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting in Westhampton Beach

Sunday, December 7

• Santa Brunch at the Sea Star Ballroom

• Hampton Bays Tree Lighting Celebration

Plan your weekend at EastEndGetaway.com.

#ChariTEA

Beyond the Badge NY: Supporting First Responders

This week’s ChariTEA highlights Beyond the Badge NY, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting first responders and their families through the mental health and suicide crisis. Their upcoming Santa Brunch on December 13 offers a festive, kid-friendly way to give back, and their signature Annual Gala on May 6 at the Heritage Club in Bethpage brings the community together to raise critical funds and awareness. Learn more and get involved at beyondthebadgeny.org.

#CelebriTEA

Ralph Macchio Earns a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

A Long Island legend shining on the global stage.

NBC’s Stumble Films Scenes on Long Island

The mockumentary-style cheer comedy includes scenes shot at Krisch’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour.

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This week on the Long Island Tea Podcast, Sharon and Stacy are feeling especially thankful to be on Long Island as they welcome a very special guest, the one and only Theresa Caputo! The Long Island Medium joins the ladies to talk about her upcoming shows at The Paramount in Huntington, December 2–4 and how to get tickets at paramountny.com.

The ladies also discuss Long Island’s standout Thanksgiving dining options, the 2025 Holiday Bucket List, the recent northern lights, and what makes this time of year so special on Long Island. Reminder that we are OFF next week for Thanksgiving, we hope everyone enjoys and we will be back on Tuesday, December 2nd. 

#ShowUsYourLongIslander

This week, we’re spotlighting Long Island’s exceptional high school girls’ sports teams, including Sachem East Field Hockey, Bayport–Blue Point Field Hockey, and swimmers Sarah and Julia Lucca of Hauppauge/Smithtown.

This week on the Long Island Tea Podcast, Sharon and Stacy are raising their mugs to five years of spilling the tea on all things Long Island. Discover Long Island created the Long Island Tea Podcast during the pandemic to share authentic stories and showcase the heart of our destination. From that initiative came projects like the award-winning Long Island TV series, a valued partnership with News12’s East End Show, and continued success for our now five-year-strong podcast—loved by Hot Teas in 114 countries around the world. To celebrate, Sharon and Stacy are kicking off this episode with some fun Long Island Tea Trivia, “Who Said It?” moments, and “Most Likely To” laughs that longtime listeners will love.

As the ladies celebrate this milestone, they’re also honoring Veterans Day (today, November 11th) with great places across Long Island to celebrate and recognize our local heroes, plus highlighting inspiring community causes that bring Long Islanders together to support one another.

#ShowUsYourLongIslander

This week’s spotlight shines on Keesha Bailey, a Huntington resident who unknowingly ordered the one-millionth pizza at Jonny D’s Pizza, celebrating 21 years in business. Keesha’s surprise came with confetti, music, and a full year of free pizza—a fun reminder to support the local spots that make Long Island special.

Know someone making an impact? Show us YOUR Long Islander by DMing us or emailing [email protected].

#LongIslandLife

Veterans Day (Nov. 11): Long Island proudly honors our heroes with free or discounted admission at local attractions including:

Long Island Aquarium

Long Island Game Farm

Paddles Up Pickleball

“Through Our Eyes” Exhibition at the Long Island Museum

Long Island Comes Together Amid SNAP Delays:

With delays impacting 160,000 Long Islanders, local organizations are stepping up. Island Harvest, Long Island Cares, and One Fair Wage are leading the charge—proving once again that Long Islanders always rally for their neighbors.

You can help by donating, volunteering, or hosting a mini food drive this season to make a difference.

#ThisWeekendOnLongIsland

Friday, November 14

Long Island Wine Country Blanc & Franc Summit | RG|NY Vineyard | 4:30 PM

Second Annual Turkey Drive | Station Yards, Ronkonkoma | 7:30 AM–6 PM

Annie | The Argyle Theatre, Babylon | 7:30 PM

Saturday, November 15

Annie | 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM

Warriors Rock | Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center | 7 PM

Sunday, November 16

Annie | Final Show | 2 PM

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus | Staller Center, Stony Brook | 4–6 PM

Plan your weekend at DiscoverLongIsland.com or download our mobile app.

#ChariTEA

Tap Room Bay Shore is hosting “Cocktails for a Cause” on November 15 to support Jackson Berry, a one-year-old from West Babylon battling acute myeloid leukemia. The event includes an open bar, raffles, and a Chinese auction—with all proceeds benefiting the Berry family to assist with medical expenses, travel, and care.

Learn more or donate at: https://lateknightwarriors.com/lkw-cocktail-party

This episode is sponsored by East End Getaway, your source for seasonal events, family fun, and hidden gems across Long Island.

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This week on the Long Island Tea Podcast, Sharon and Stacy are back spilling the tea on another exciting week across Long Island! They’re catching up on their recent industry adventures — from the Skift Women Leading Travel event in NYC to the Melville Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Expo — and diving into all things Cuckoos, Squirrels, and Dogs… Oh My! From standout student achievements and rare wildlife sightings to dog-friendly fall fun and sweet celebrations, they’re covering all the latest happenings across the Island — plus a little CelebriTEA you won’t want to miss.

#ShowUsYourLongIslander

This week’s spotlight is on Katelynn Glover and Hannah Schultzer, William Floyd High School seniors named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program — placing them among the top three percent of PSAT test takers nationwide. Balancing academics, leadership, and community involvement, these students highlight the excellence and spirit of Long Island schools.

Know someone doing something amazing? Show Us YOUR Long Islander by sending a DM or emailing [email protected]

#LongIslandLife

Long Island Schools Shine Among New York’s Best — Seventeen Long Island schools ranked among the state’s top 50 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Elementary and Middle Schools list, led by Lakeville Elementary (No. 12) and Jericho Middle School (No. 24).

Rare European Cuckoo in Riverhead — Birders are flocking to Riverhead after a European common cuckoo—only the fourth ever spotted in the continental U.S.—landed there after a nor’easter.

Dog-Friendly Fall Adventures — Enjoy brewery hangouts, winery walks, and scenic hikes with your pup at Six Harbors Brewing, Pindar Vineyards, Blydenburgh Park, and more.

National Candy Day (Nov 4) — Celebrate Long Island’s sweetest spots, from Disset Chocolate in Cutchogue to Bon Bon Chocolatier in Huntington and the Biscotti Company for island-wide treats.

Lake Ronkonkoma Native on Hallmark’s “Finding Mr. Christmas” — Former Sachem North QB and actor Craig Geoghan competes on Hallmark’s festive reality show, bringing Long Island charm to the screen.

#ThisWeekendOnLongIsland

Your guide to Island fun, proudly sponsored by East End Getaway, your source for seasonal events, family fun, and hidden gems!

Friday, November 7

🐠 Fish & Sips | Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead | 7–10:30 PM

Sip, snack, and enjoy a night at the aquarium with drinks, small bites, and aquatic views.

🍷 North Fork Harvest Celebration | Raphael Vineyard | 6–8 PM

Celebrate the season with local wines, harvest flavors, and North Fork charm.

🎥 Talk: Endless Limits with Jason Rosenfeld | Parrish Art Museum | 6 PM

Hear stories of adventure and creativity from the award-winning surfer and filmmaker.

🎸 Adrenalize – The Ultimate Def Leppard Experience | The Suffolk Theater | 8 PM

Rock out to a high-energy tribute celebrating Def Leppard’s biggest hits.

Plan your weekend adventures at https://EastEndGetaway.com

#CelebriTEA

The iconic Long Island mansion once owned by Wolf of Wall Street’s Jordan Belfort has just sold off-market for $6.85 million — proving Long Island luxury real estate is hotter than ever! 🏠💰

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