1. Courtyard Marriott
City: Ronkonkoma, NY
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (631) 612-5000
Address: 5000 Expressway Dr. South
Description: No matter where in America you travel, you can always count on affordable but comfortable accommodations at any Courtyard Marriott hotel. This particular Courtyard Marriott offers 154 spacious guestrooms and suites, each with one or two queen- or king-size beds, a large desk, in-room coffeemaker, flat-screen TV, and a variety of other basic amenities. Guests can enjoy free high-speed Internet access, a full or continental breakfast, an on-site fine-dining restaurant called Tru North Martini Bar & Grille (plus several additional restaurants within walking distance), a free shuttle to the nearby Long Island MacArthur Airport or Long Island Railroad train station, an indoor pool and whirlpool, a nicely equipped fitness center, guest laundry service, and free parking. Each guestroom has a microwave and refrigerator, while the hotel’s 20 suites contain full kitchens, spa tubs, and a spacious sitting area. This is a totally nonsmoking, midpriced hotel that is suitable for business and leisure travelers alike.
2. Econolodge Macarthur Airport
City: Ronkonkoma, NY
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (631) 588-6800
Address: 3055 Veterans Memorial Hwy.
Description: On the plus side, this no-frills motel is very conveniently located near the MacArthur Airport on Long Island. The average-size rooms feature one or two beds and offer free Wi-Fi, microwaves, small refrigerators, coffeemakers, and the most basic of furnishings. The motel has 59 rooms, spread out in a two-floor building. On the premises you’ll find a small fitness center and a lobby area where a free continental breakfast is served. Located nearby, however, is a handful of full-service and fast-food restaurants.
3. Long Island Macarthur Airport (Isp)
City: Ronkonkoma, NY
Category: Getting Here, Getting Around
Telephone: (631) 467-3210
Address: 100 Arrivals Ave.
Description: Long Island MacArthur Airport (sometimes referred to as “Islip”) is situated toward the center of Long Island. While conveniently located, it’s very small compared to LaGuardia and JFK, and is only serviced by two major airlines, Southwest and US Airways. Long Island MacArthur Airport does, however, welcome two million visitors per year. Small regional commuter airlines, helicopter services, and private/executive charter airplanes also utilize this airport.
4. Atlantis Spa
City: Ronkonkoma, NY
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (631) 467-2770
Address: 650 Hawkins Ave., Suite 11
Description: Each Atlantis Spa is a therapist-owned-and-operated business that offers a decent selection of treatments, ranging from therapeutic massages to body wraps and facials. Here a basic 30-minute massage will cost about $45 (plus tip), while a 60-minute massage will run $74 (plus tip). To enjoy four full hours of pampering, consider the Atlantis Deluxe treatment package ($299), which includes a 90-minute aromatherapy massage, a one-hour facial, a one-hour body treatment, a paraffin hand and foot treatment, and a spa lunch. Additional Atlantis Spa locations can be found at 99-11 Rte. 25A, Shoreham (631-744-3661) and 466 Moriches Road, St. James (631-584-2323).
5. Ballet Long Island
City: Ronkonkoma, NY
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (631) 737-1964
Address: 1863 Pond Rd.
Description: Established in 1985, Ballet Long Island is a professional ballet company that offers performances, arts-in-education programs, an apprentice program, and a trainee program, along with choreography, master classes and workshops. The ballet company’s repertoire includes The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, The Fantastic Toyshop, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Swan Lake Act II, and Don Quixote pas de deux, as well as original ballets choreographed for the company. Ticket prices are kept affordable at under $20 per adult and under $10 per child and senior citizen. Most performances are held at the Islip Town Hall West in Islip.