<p>This week on the Long Island Tea Podcast, Sharon and Stacy recap the week and dive into the State of the Region — covering historic milestones tied to America’s 250th anniversary, major community developments, Broadway buzz, local theater highlights, winter fun across the Island, and plenty of feel-good Long Island stories. They also sip, mix, and create their own perfect red wine blend thanks to our friends at RGNY, proving that great Long Island moments can be enjoyed both out and right at home.</p><br><p>#ShowUsYourLongIslander</p><p>This week’s spotlight is on Bayles Boat Shop, a historic Long Island landmark taking part in the United States Semiquincentennial.</p><br><p>As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Long Island is marking the moment with the Long Island 250th Passport Book, encouraging residents and visitors to explore historic sites and collect commemorative stamps. Bayles Boat Shop was honored as one of the first stops, with John Lanicek presenting the inaugural stamp. We also spoke with Len Carolen, who shared what this milestone means for the shop.</p><br><p>Bayles is also building a never-before-used armed whale boat inspired by the Culper Spy Ring, debuting in Port Jefferson Village on May 2nd, highlighting its ongoing role in preserving Long Island history.</p><br><p>Show us YOUR Long Islander by sending a DM or emailing [email protected].</p><br><p>#LongIslandLife</p><p>Southampton Expands Beach Access</p><p>-Southampton plans to spend $25.8 million to buy and demolish an oceanfront mansion, creating a new public beach and protecting a rare maritime dune habitat.</p><br><p>Long Island Shows Up for Broadway</p><p>Broadway attendance from Long Island is up nearly 11%, with more than 586,000 residents heading into the city this past season.</p><br><p>Broadway Close to Home</p><p>John W. Engeman Theater (Northport): Ring of Fire (Now–March 1)</p><p>CM Performing Arts Center (Oakdale): Legally Blonde (Now–February 1)</p><p>The Gateway (Bellport): The Rat Pack Is Back (Jan 23–Feb 15)</p><br><p>Did You Know?</p><p>Tony Award winner Idina Menzel is from Syosset, Long Island.</p><br><p>Theater with Impact</p><p>CM Performing Arts Center is launching SPARKLE, a new program using theater to help young children with autism build communication skills.</p><br><p>Farmingdale Community Theater</p><p>Farmingdale Village plans a $5 million, 8,000-square-foot community theater to energize downtown.</p><br><p>Sopranos actor Joseph Gannascoli hosted a book signing in Wading River.</p><br><p>A Patchogue woman claimed a $1 million New York Lottery prize.</p><br><p>Igloo experiences are back at spots across the Island, from North Shore vineyards to Montauk favorites.</p><br><p>Sip &amp; Create</p><p>Thanks to RGNY, the Scielo Blending Kit lets you create your own red wine blend at home.</p><p>Pick up your very own kit here: https://shop.rgnywine.com/products/scielo-ny-red-wine-blending-kit</p><p>#thisweekendonlongisland </p><p>Sponsored by East End Getaway</p><p>Friday, January 23</p><p>America 250 Red, White &amp; Blue Ball – Sea Star Ballroom</p><p>The Warped Tour Band – The Suffolk</p><p>Saturday, January 24</p><p>Light the Night Winter Trail Walk – Quogue Wildlife Refuge</p><p>Fireside Session with Randi Fishenfeld – Bay Street Theater</p><p>Sunday, January 25</p><p>Westhampton Winter Market (Saturdays through April 25)</p><p>North Fork Polar Bear Plunge – Veterans Beach, Mattituck</p><p>For more, visit eastendgetaway.com.</p><br><p>#CelebriTEA</p><p>Long Island had a strong Golden Globes showing with Billy Crudup and Judd Apatow, plus Madison Beer is heading to MSG this summer after a recent album signing in West Babylon.</p><br><p>#ConnectWithUs</p><p>Instagram: @longislandteapodcast</p><p>YouTube: @DiscoverLongIslandNY</p><p>TikTok: @longislandteapodcast</p><p>X: @liteapodcast</p><p>Facebook: Long Island Tea Podcast</p><p>Email: [email protected]</p><p>Shop: shop.discoverlongisland.com</p><p>Love the show? Leave us a review and tell us How YOU Doin’ at 877-386-6654 x400.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>