Warm Places To Visit In Town

Warm Places To Visit In Town

Wintry weather is good to look at from a window with you on the inside. There is something wonderful about the snow and the ice, but you do not want to spend too much time in it. Visiting your favorite town in the winter close to the holidays is a special time for you. You want to take in all of the sights, and the holiday decorations and festivities, much of which is better while outside. You may get so involved with the spirit of the season and all of the scenery that you forget to go in and warm yourself for a while. 

While visiting to see the wonders of the outdoors, there are many places where you can be amazed by the holiday setting and still keep warm. Take a tour of the art museum. You will find it full of decorations for the season, plus plays, and other events, for the entire family. The museum has so much to offer that it usually takes at least three to four hours to get around to everything. Meanwhile, you are warm. Another place where there is always warmth is the library. Take the kids for magical stories and holiday treats that will warm the heart as well as the body. 

Going to the mall is the ultimate holiday wonderland. You will stay warm while visiting Santa in his big chair with some of his elves. Hear the holiday musical concert in the center court, and enjoy some hot chocolate from the treat stand. This is one place where you will not get tired. Walking from store to store, stopping to enjoy more holiday entertainment all while avoiding the cold weather outside. The mall has many holiday events, something for both the young and older. 

The town's concert hall is featuring an all-time holiday favorite that the entire family can enjoy. Bundle up to get there, then relax in warmth and comfort. Sing along to some of your favorite songs and know that you are having the time of your life keeping warm in snowy weather. Don't neglect going to visit your favorite place because it is cold. At this time of year, fun can be found on the inside as well as outside. The only difference is that on the inside you will keep warm, and still tour your favorite vacation town.

What Affects the Value of Your Home?

Selling Your Home? Here's How to Get More than Market Value!

We all know that certain qualities and attributes affect the true market value of your home. However, the million dollar question is really, "Which attributes of your home have the most impact on the value of your home?" Which upgrades offer the biggest and best ROI- otherwise known as, "Return On Investment"? 

See below for our top 5:

1. Kitchen -- This is a big one! Think about it, your kitchen is your gathering place. How often do guests not pass through your kitchen?
2. Bathroom -- By default, the general population has an expectation that bathrooms are (simply by design and sheer purpose) unattractive. So, intuitively, any bathroom that strikes a potential buyer as "beautiful" is a definite win.
3. Walls -- Back-to-basics is a trending theme everywhere we look these days. Tried and true, homes that boast freshly-painted walls make for a sure "10" on the first impression scale!
4. Floors -- Whether your floors are covered with tile, hardwood or carpet (...and, it's best to just forget about laminate!), be certain that you're making the most of it. Similar to walls, just envision the magnitude of the area in your home that is comprised of some type of flooring? 
5. Landscaping -- This one has to do more with first impressions than anything else. Very simply, think of it as a job interview! Any interviewer truly shapes their first impression of you, the incumbent, within the first 60 seconds of meeting you. Likewise, your yard acts as the first 60 seconds of your potential buyer "meeting" your home! 

Consider where people spend the most time and which areas are the most seen (or high trafficked), and elect to spruce those areas up!

The Best Holiday Events For Kids On Long Island

The holiday season is here and kids, as well as adults, are anticipating the fun and frolic that awaits everyone. 

We may be biased, but New York is one of the best places to be at this time of year! There is something for everybody, young, old, male, female, etc. 

From the many unique holiday performances, gingerbread houses, dazzling light shows, and much much more, holidays on Long Island are magical for kids! 

• The Magical Polar Express: Families will take the kids on a trolley ride to the magical North Pole. Kids will have fun meeting Santa and his elves, and many other characters. They can drink hot chocolate and have cookies, and hear a fantastic story on the way.
• Imagination Movers Reindeer Party: This award-winning rock band is preparing a party with many of their hit songs for all of the kids and their families.
• A Charlie Brown Christmas: Experience with Charlie Brown what the true meaning of Christmas really is in this holiday classic play. Afterward, take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and do some crafts. 
• The Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show will return to Smith County Point Park for an amazing time for the kids and adults. They will enjoy the spectacular colorful lights.
• Grinch Inspired Events: The movie will hit the movies during the month of December. Dr. Seuss will be presenting events for the kids throughout the month.

Not to mention, New York City is a short train ride away! 

How to Check What You Can Save

As a homeowner, you are entitled to file a Property Tax Grievance. A Property Tax Grievance allows your assessment to be reviewed by the Assessor to see if a reduction is warranted. 

If the Assessor does not reduce your assessment, an appeal can be filed to have an impartial hearing officer determine if your house is overvalued for tax purposes. If you are curious about what you might be entitled to save, visit our site via this URL: https://www.ptrc.com/property-tax-reductions.html

We've made it very easy for you to check how much you'll save.

Choose your county, search by street number, search by street name, enter your city, and enter your zip code.

You can also manually zoom in on the map to look for your neighborhood. You'll see the street number, the home, and the savings per result.

We hope this is useful to you, if you have any other questions, please give us a call.

(516) 484-0654 or (631) 484-0654

Toys For Tots

For 71 Years The Marine Corps Has Been Making a Difference in the Lives of American Families.

Toys for Tots started in 1947, it was the brainchild of Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks, but mainly his wife, Diane, who was the real inspiration.

Since this idea began, more than 548 million toys have been given out to those children in need. As of today, we are counting down the days to Christmas. We here at PTRC are an official drop off location, which means are we accepting toys from the public.

Make an impact this holiday season and give, please feel free to visit us with a donation. If you want to look for another drop off location in your area, visit the official toys for tots site here.

                                         

Fun Places to Go During Winter in Long Island

It's winter and you're looking for fun winter activities to do outdoors with friends and family on Long Island. Below are several activities for adults and children.

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks

Outdoor ice skating provides exercise and an inexpensive way to exercise in the winter months. Some rinks rent skates and others you'll need to bring yours. The Christopher Morley Park Rink located at 500 Searingtown Road North in Roslyn is open from Thanksgiving to mid-March for skating. This outdoor rink is regulation size and has skate rental.

The Bucks Hill Winter Club in East Hampton has an outdoor rink that offers outdoor skating all year round. They have skate lessons, rentals, hockey games, and are open 7 days per week. Inside, is a cafe and fireplace a place to stop after ice skating. Check the schedule for public ice skating times. It is located at 178 Buckshill Road, Easthampton.

Tangier Outlet Ice Rink at the Arches is an outdoor rink with a shopping center close by. All ages can skate at the outdoor rink and children under 5 are free. Skate rentals are available, discounted skating on Tuesdays, and a DJ on Friday nights. Check open skate hours. It is located at 455 Commack Road, Deerfield.

Seal Cruises

On the Captain Lou Fleet Cruises, you will be able to take a boat cruise in the winter to see the seals. There are cruises in January, February, March, and April that run from 1- 3 p.m. during some weekdays and weekends. You will see seals and other marine life along the Hempstead Bay. There is a snack bar on board with burgers, hot dogs, turkey sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.

Hiking Trails

The Caleb Smith State Park Preserve has winter trails for hikers, cross-country skiers and snowshoeing. It offers seal walks on weekends and hikes for adults in winter. It is located at 581 West Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown.

The Quogue Wildlife Refuge has hiking and winter activities. There are night hikes, winter bird watching, owl watching, full moon hiking, and nature courses indoors. It has seven miles of scenic hiking. It is located at 3 Old Country Road in Quogue.

Food Trucks in Winter

Walking in local neighborhoods for exercise is another way to get outdoor exercise. Stopping at a local food truck for breakfast or lunch along the way is another great winter activity. Many of these food truck listed by News 12 Long Island serve hot dogs, hamburgers, bake goods, pizza, barbecue and more. Take a walk nearby and stop at a food truck near you.

We hope some of these options inspire an outdoor fun time by yourself or with your friends and family! Happy Holidays from PTRC. 

Ways to Improve your Home this Winter

The long and hot days of summer are long gone. The leaves have fallen off the trees and the cold air is now a permanent feature of the climate. Winter has arrived for everyone, including local residents that reside in Long Island, New York. 

Homeowners who live in this area, you can do the following things to improve your property's value and to get your home ready before the snow arrives. 

Keep your Yard Neat and Organized 

You might be a homeowner who doesn't believe in doing that much yard work once summer ends. This is a mistake to think in this way. The fact is that your front and back yard areas should always be free from foliage, debris and garbage. Rake in remaining leaves that have been left over from the early fall.

Get rid of any branches or debris that lands onto your yard after a fall storm or from a windy fall day. Next, make sure that all remaining items from the summer have been cleared away. Make sure to remove leaves from your gutter to keep them in good condition. Once you do this, your yard will look well kept and ready for winter.

Give your Hedges and Bushes One Final Trim 

As a homeowner you might be tempted to think that trimming the hedges is pointless during this time of year. In most cases you are right. However, before the cold sets in for a while, you should give your bushes and hedges one final trim. Realistically, you should take this action during late October or mid November when we will get a few more warmer days. 

Plants will slow down their growth for the cold to conserve their own energy, one final trim before the holidays might be needed if you haven't done this yet. 

Final Cold Weather Improvements for Home 

Make sure you insulate your home and have your thermostat checked out before you need it the most. Get a good set of lights that conserve energy to brighten up your home for the long winter nights. Check you in home air filter as theys hould be changed every 30 to 60 days. Test your fire and carbonmonoxide alarms once a month. Call your local trusted HVAC technician to check out your heating system to ensure it's up and running efficiently. 

PTRC also encourages you to safely apply ornaments to your house and yard to avoid fire or shock. Do not overload your sockets with lights.  Also, touch up your home with paint if it needs before the cold sets in.  We hope this list of reminders is something that was of use to you. Happy Holidays from PTRC. 

What is Property Tax?

Property tax is the amount of tax that a homeowner needs to pay every year for owning that property. It is a type of ad valorem, a term derived from Latin which means 'according to value'. The tax of a property is calculated based on the assessment of the value of the property.

Local property taxes imposed on every homeowner in the locality is used to fund many public properties and service such as schools, libraries, and fire department. This tax is the major source of funding in most counties across the United States. Some property tax bills show how the funding is used and distributed and what portion of the money goes to any specific public expense.

Assessing property tax is done entirely by the local tax assessor's office upon the guidance of PTRC. It is calculated every year or once in five years depending on the state and local laws. The tax assessment is first sent out to homeowners which is followed by actual tax bill for the property. The final assessment is based on the estimation of the market value plus other elements such as sales comparison, cost method, and income method.

While comparing sales, your property is compared with other similar properties that were sold in the recent months or years. It is then adjusted to variables that may increase or decrease the value of your property such as home additions, improvements and renovations. In the cost method, the assessor will calculate the total cost of rebuilding the property from the ground up taking into account labor and materials used.

If the property is old, depreciation is factored in as well. The cost is then added to the value of the land. For business and commercial properties, the PTRC assessor will use the income method to arrive at the final assessment. Here, the income that the property would generate if it is rented out is calculated based on rental rates, maintenance cost and other expenses.

The property's assessment is finally multiplied with the local tax rate. This rate is usually called as mill rate. One mill is equal to $1 for every $1000 of the value of the property or depending on what the local or state government has determined. The final value of the mill rate may vary from one region to another. Local government often decide how much tax revenue should be generated in order to keep the public services up and running.

What Does Market Value Mean?

When a person or business is looking into selling, they need to know how much their home or building is worth. They will need to have a good idea of this in order to ask for an amount that is both reasonable and practical so that it will sell.

The Market Value

The market value is an estimate of how much the home or building will command on the market. This takes into consideration on types of information. A person or company will want a professional to get involved so that the property can be appraised. At Property Tax Reduction Consultants, we have the ability to help you find the market value of your home or building in Nassau or Suffolk County.

Market Value Will Fluctuate

The market value of a home or business will fluctuate. It will depend on how the market is doing in general, where the home or building is located and how the economy is doing. All these factors will combine in order to see how a home or business will sell when it is compared to other buildings of a similar nature.

Increasing The Market Value

There are many things that a person or company can do to increase the market value of their building. They can renovate it, fix anything that is broken and make it more appealing. All of these things can help to up the market value.

Property Tax Reduction Consultants

We are a company that takes pride in what we do to help our customers. Our staff is professionally trained, and they are exceptionally good at what they do. They are able to answer any questions that our clients will have because they are experienced at knowledgeable about their craft. If you or someone you know needs to find out the market value of your home or business, please contact us for more information.

At Property Tax Reduction Consultants, PTRC, we are here to assist you. Please take a look at our website, https://www.ptrc.com/, and make an appointment with PTRC as soon as possible.

What is a SCAR petition?

Owning Your First Home in Long Island and Property Tax Possibilities

Buying your first home is a joyous occasion. Images of barbeques and housewarming parties often flood your mind when you finally get to purchase your first home. There are a few things to look out for, though. New responsibilities arise when you become a homeowner. One of those responsibilities is your property tax assessment.

In short, the state assesses your property value and may make changes to your already established property tax. In some cases, this can be a dramatic increase that costs you financially. Luckily, PTRC or otherwise known as Property Tax Reduction Consultants is here to help when you feel that your tax assessment has given you an unreasonable or uncalled for a tax hike.

SCAR Petitions and How PTRC Can Help

One of the ways you can combat an unreasonable property tax hike is to file a SCAR Petition. A SCAR Petition is better known as a small claims assessment review. Basically, when you get the bad news that your property taxes are going up considerably, you have thirty days to file for an opportunity to have a special small claims court review your case again.

This is only for homeowners, though. To be eligible to file, you must own a one, two, or three family home that is three stories tall or less. This counts for condominiums, too. The state charges a thirty dollar fee to file and you must file within a specified time frame if you want to get your case reviewed.

As the name suggests, PTRC specializes in aiding clients with these types of cases. Our company services the counties of Nassau and Suffolk in New York. It's not a requirement to have an attorney present at an assessment review, but it is an extremely valuable resource and can mean the difference between your property taxes being reduced and your case being dismissed.

Fall Activities To Enjoy In Long Island

Summer is over and Fall is here. Time to look for activities you can do during the change of season in the Long Island area before we're involved in the holiday rush. Are you ready? There are lots of things to do. Fairs, festivals, outings and more await fun seekers.

We've already missed more than a few festivals such as the Annual Shinnecock Indian Powwow, The Brookhaven Country Fair and the Orchard Apple Festival. Don't despair. September was loaded with activities, but with Halloween on the horizon, October brings numerous events for you to enjoy. Attend with a friend or bring the kids. Many activities are family friendly.

Enjoy music, history and live craft demonstrations? You will want to visit the Fall Festival at Sagtikos Manor. This is a family friendly event with lots of activities for kids. Held October 7 you won't want to miss it.

Looking for something a little scarier? How about the Spooky Fest held seven different days during October. Here you can experience the haunted woods or the maze of zombies. On the non-scary side are craft activities, strolling through the woods, the Halloween theater, and 'amazing" animals.

OK. So you're interested more in harvest festivals. Try the Harvest Fair held October 13 or the Islip Country Fair on October 27. Like the water? Try the Fall Family Freshwater Fishing Festival coming October 20 or the Great Jack-o'-Lantern Spectacular Sail you can experience October 28. Other offerings include Oktoberfest and the Raggamuffin Parade. coming your way October 28.

Wait, we're leaving out an abundance of other activities Visit your local park. Get adventurous visiting a park you haven't been to before. How about a visit to the beach? It may be a little chilly. Since when isn't a nice walk on the beach unromantic?

Long Island is home to a number of hiking trails including Garvies Point Preserve leading to a quiet beach or visit the Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Also for consideration are apple picking, bowling events, pumpkin patches, and haunted houses. The choice for entertainment in the Fall in Long Beach is amazing.

A few other events to consider are family friendly museums or visiting an aquarium. Both offer fun learning opportunities for you and the kids. When was the last time you explored the heavens at a planetarium? Stop by the Firefighters Museum or explore Garden City with its many offerings including Museum Row. Opportunities are endless.

How often can I grieve my taxes?

About Us

P.T.R.C., Inc or Property Tax Reduction Consultants has been a forerunner in the Long Island Nassau and Suffolk county areas. We want to help you get through the process of grieving your property taxes. A tax grievance is an official complaint that is disputing a town's assessed value of a certain property. We make sure you only pay the smallest amount of property taxes that the law allows.

We have kept friendly with our customers through the years and have clearly shown ourselves to be trustworthy and fair. We would only charge you the least amount if we win your assessment case.

How To Grieve Your Property Taxes Legally

A homeowner is allowed to file a property tax grievance should they disagree with the taxes owed. An assessment is done and if the assessor doesn't reduce your property tax, you can file an appeal (SCAR) to resolve the grievance. We charge 50% of your property tax deduction and we only get paid after formal notice of the tax reduction. Should your tax grievance go from Administrative Review to the (SCAR) Judicial Review, we will collect a $30 application fee for court filing. In Suffolk County, you must provide the most recent certified appraisal, in order to avoid the $75 CMA fee.

Property taxes can change from year to year according to your town's municipalities and school district needs. Some homeowners pay their own property taxes separately, while others have them in escrow and only receive the receipts. Any newly added exemptions and assessments changes can also affect your property taxes.

Property taxes can only be paid according to the calendar time allowed for that county. In Nassau County, filing time is January first through March first. For Suffolk County, the calendar time to file is May first on through till the third Tuesday in May.

How Often Can I Grieve My Property Taxes?

You can grieve your property taxes every year. For those who have already reduced their taxes in the past, grievance only applies to the current tax year and future years so you cannot grieve taxes you have already paid. Your taxes cannot be raised just because you filed a grievance. You only have a once a year chance to file a grievance.

Once the deadline for that year has passed you cannot file again till the next year. Filing a grievance every year is a good practice to make sure you will not miss the chance to lower your property taxes. Taxes can be grieved every year at the town level, but only every other year at the small claims court(SCAR).

What is a Property Tax Grievance?

Long Island has some of the highest property taxes in the United States. Much of these property taxes are used to fund the local schools which can be a significant factor in determining the value of a home. This makes the higher property taxes that you pay someone of an investment in the desirability of your local community and a contributor to your home value. However, there are several different ways that you can reduce your property tax burden.

Make Sure You Apply for STAR 

The STAR credit is given to homeowners in Long Island and can lower your taxes. If you have never applied for the credit or have just bought your home, you will need to apply for the credit which is a quick and easy process. Spend some time reviewing your application for this credit and be sure to apply for STAR if you have not.

Manage Your Home and Property 

Certain home improvements can greatly increase the property taxes charged on your home. For example, a pool will greatly increase your property taxes as will any sort of home expansion. If you are looking to manage the property taxes that you pay, be sure to consider increases in your property taxes due to any major work that you have done on your home.

File a Property Tax Grievance 

While all homeowners will pay some portion of property taxes, the actual amount will range widely based on the size of your home. Sometimes, however, the amount charged is not equitably divided to the varying homes in any Long Island town and some homeowners spend more than is their fair share.

To address the risk for this, homeowner’s, or their representatives, can file a property tax grievance to lower their property tax share. A property tax grievance will commonly identify some adjust calculation of a home value and use a number of factors as evidence of this unjust allocation of the property tax burden including comparables to similar nearby homes, property assessments and valuations of a home by an appraiser, and a review of the home in the government database for inaccuracies.

A property tax grievance shouldn’t be filed by a homeowner without the help of a professional. Professionals like Property Tax Reduction Consultants (PTRC) have the available information to lobby for a tax reduction. They also have contacts to communicate the tax grievance and make sure the complaint is addressed quickly and hopefully in your favor. Contact PTRC on their website or at 516-484-0654 and lower your Long Island property tax bills.

October Events in Long Island

Long Island is a beautiful place to be and for many, the fall months mean great opportunities for events that the whole family can enjoy. However, not everyone knows what there is to do or where they can find some of the most exciting events.

Because we know that families need to have some fun when not worrying about property taxes, we encourage you to learn about some of the events that are happening and how you can enjoy them. Here are some of the best things you can do in Long Island this October.

37th Annual Montauk Fall Family Festival

The 37th Annual Montauk Fall Family Festival will kick off on Saturday, October 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. at The Montauk Green with a wide array of things for you and your family to do. Enjoy live music, Long Island beers and wines, foods with an Oktoberfest theme, street painting, inflatable rides, and more.

There’s even a free 30-horse carousel and a Farmer’s market.

Haunted Hatchery

The Haunted Hatchery will take place on Saturday, October 27 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium. The not-so-scary event welcomes all families ($6 for adults and $4 for kids) to come out and trick-or-treat through the Hatchery and Aquarium.

Long Island Fall Festival

Between October 5 and October 8, the Long Island Fall Festival will take place at Heckscher Park. This event is a true celebration of community spirit and offers four entertainment stages, a fully equipped carnival, arts and craft vendors, food and drinks, and more. Admission to the public is entirely free.

Scarecrow Competition

Going on throughout the entire month at the Stony Brook Village Center, there will be more than 30 scarecrows on display with individuals voting for their favorite! It’s 30+ different organizations coming together to create a display for the public.

Be sure to take full advantage of everything that Long Island has to offer and enjoy some of the events that will be taking place the month of October.

Last Minute Summer Things to Do!

Summer is coming to a close, which is a sad thing to accept. No one wants the long sunny days to ever end. The warm temperatures are going to slowly turn into cool breezes. It’s going to get darker outside sooner and before we all know it, the big holidays will all be here.

It’s not too late to grasp at the last remaining days of summertime fun! Don’t wait, use this list and check each of them off before summer of 2018 is gone forever!

Find a Local Swimming Spot

It may not be blistering hot outside as much as it was a few weeks ago, but going for a swim is still possible! Find a local pool, river, creek, and go for a swim. Stretch out in the water and wade through an afternoon with friends and family.

Take a Small Road Trip

There are places within a day’s drive of Long Island that you can make if you want. Mystic Seaport is only a couple hours away. A museum filled with extraordinary pieces of nautical artifacts, along with fine art, film, and video. Philadelphia is about an hour and 45-minute drive also. Visit local shops and get yourself a Philly cheesesteak. Take to the road and explore nearby treasures before the snow hits!

Go to a State Park

State parks surround the state of New York. With your road trip, perhaps visit a state park. Find a place to bike, hike, picnic, grab a camera and take photos, go swimming in a natural spring, if you’re into it go caving, geocaching, rock climbing, or stargazing.

Hit The Beach

If you can, brave the waters. It isn’t as hot as it once was outside, but the ocean awaits! Don’t forget the sunscreen, maybe go out and sunbathe for the day.  

Camping

Camping can be done in all seasons, but nothing beats a summer night camping experience. Sitting in the moonlight by a firepit is one of the best experiences ever. Feeling connected with nature is one of the most calming experiences to have. Decrease your stress and go camping for a few days.

Visit School Locations

Have any highschoolers? It’s time to go scouting for school locations! Take a trip to potential schools and go on some tours. Take a look around the campus or get a tour.

All About Big Duck In Flanders

A popular roadside attraction is the Big Duck. This unique piece of architecture is in the shape of a duck, hence the name. 

About The Big Duck 

The Big Duck is was built in 1931 and can be found in Flanders, New York, which is located on Long Island. One of the most interesting facts about the attraction is it was built by an actual duck farmer by the name of Martin Maurer. 

The Big Duck was once a shop, where people could visit if they wanted to purchase duck eggs and ducks. In 1997, the Big Duck was added to the list of historic places on the National Registry of Historic Places. 

How Was It Built 

The people who were brought in to help build the Big Duck actually studied the carcass of a chicken because they wanted to get an idea of how to create a framework that would accurately resemble a duck. 

Once the wooden frame of the Duck was created, the builders attached to wire mesh to it and then cement was applied. The final step was painting it, as well as installing two taillights to the eyes. This allowed the Duck's eyes to glow once it became night. 

Later Years 

In 1986, the Big Duck was nearly close to becoming demolish, but it was moved to a different area. Eventually, the local government designated it as a town landmark. However, on 2007, the Big Duck was relocated back to its original location before being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Now you know more about the Big Duck in Flanders. The next time you find yourself in Long Island, make sure you stop in Flanders to view the Big Duck in person. Don't forget to bring your camera because you'll want to snap a few photos of it.

Aquariums in Long Island

The Long Island Aquarium Exhibits

There is always something fun to do on Long Island. The shopping, restaurants, and attractions are some of the best in the world. There is excitement in the air, and it can be challenging to decide what to do first. Wrap up the summer with a trip to an aquarium.

The Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center

This is where the Coral Reef Exhibit can be found. This is a thirty-foot long coral reef display with 20,000 gallons of water. The natural reef ecosystem features a back reef, reef wall, terrace, and crest. Viewers will delight in the 800 varieties of marine life and fish including tangs, angelfish, sea urchins, wrasses, sea cucumbers, gobies, crabs, and snails. There are soft and stony corals, coralline algae and anemones. Natural aquatic behavior is showcased by the diversity and size of the reef.

The Sand Shark Lagoon appears as visitors cross the delightful wooden bridge. On one side are the North Shore's rock-strewn beaches and towering bluffs with the other side depicting the South Shore's salt marshes and rolling dunes. 

This exhibit features the same types of fish seen off Long Island's shores. Every fish in the exhibition was caught locally, usually in Shinnecock Bay or Peconic Bay. One of the most plentiful sharks on the United States Atlantic coast are the sand sharks. They are featured in this exhibit along with common Long Island fish including striped bass, clearnose skates, smooth dogfish sharks, fluke, weakfish, tarpon and a lot more.

The Koi Pond showcases the national fish of Japan, the Koi. These fish are prized for their vibrant markings and numerous colors. They grow up to three feet long, live approximately fifty years and live in cold waters. Their diet includes plant life, insects, worms, and shrimps. The Koi Pond has a variety of aquatic plants as well including water lilies, water hyacinth, papyrus, canna and water lettuce.

The Sea Lion Coliseum

It is challenging to meet the thirteen-year-old, 400 pound California sea lion named Java and not fall in love instantly. Every day visitors at the aquarium enjoy a spectacular fifteen-minute show. Java has some fantastic moves including using her incredible flexibility to touch her nose to her lower back, high five her trainer and boogey to the dance tunes. The Sea Lion Coliseum is an excellent way for a family to spend the afternoon.

We hope you enjoy yourself at the aquarium, let us know how it went! 

Historical Landmarks in Long Island

Over this summer, we’ve written about places to go visit, places to go eat, places to grab a donut or a bagel, we've even talked about places to relax with the family. School is almost back in session and we want to bring attention to some local historical landmarks that might pop up in class.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Located in Cold Spring Harbor, NY, this facility has provided some of the biggest discoveries in molecular biology. Cancer research and the discovery of the structure of DNA was first announced by the scientists from this location in 1953. CSH has been active for 128 years as of this year. They are still leading the studies and remaining the examples of discovery in biology.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

Nearby the CSH Laboratory is our next historical location. They say they have the “largest living collection of New York State freshwater reptiles, fishes, and amphibians.” Schools visit this location that shut their doors in 1982 as a hatchery but opened up once again as an education center. If you would be interested in visiting this center, learn more about them here.

Cradle of Aviation Museum

Located in Garden City, NY, for over 100 years has been home to all things air and spacecraft.  It hosts one of the most unique collections of aircraft around. This location hosts birthday parties, tours, it has a planetarium and a theater. There are over 30 hands-on exhibits and cockpits to climb into. Plan a trip to this place of aerospace history today.

Parrish Art Museum

This location is in Water Mill, NY. Samuel Longstreth Parrish went to Harvard and is where he got a taste for the Italian Renaissance. He began collecting art in the 1880’s. In the summer of 1897, a single exhibition hall was constructed. Sped up to today, the art collection lives in a new building that opened doors in 2012. Learn more about this location here.

Have any of you been to these locations? School trips? Family trips? Let us know on Facebook. We are curious to hear back.

The Amazing Breweries Of Long Island

Long Island Breweries 

Long Island is filled with microbrewery tasting rooms, nanobreweries, and sensational craft beer. Local restaurants have this beer on tap and the selection of breweries is consistently increasing. Some of the best breweries are detailed below with the compliments of P.T.R.C.

The Lithology Brewing Company 

The doors to the tasting room at this brewery have finally opened. Lithology considers microbrewing a sci+ence and uses only the best possible ingredients. Their Brown Ale was honored with the silver medal at the International Craft Beer Competition of 2016 in New York. Their additional offerings include a Belgian witbier, a savory vanilla porter, a flaked wheat summer ale and a dry-hopped pale ale.

The Flying Belgian Brewery 

This small facility produces the finest Belgian style beers and distributes to numerous restaurants on the island. There are always two beers being rotated including Illegally Blonde. This blonde Belgian beer is a classic with a darker hue. The rotation also includes a smooth honey ale called Salvation a la Mode. The brewery offers a wide selection of beers and is planning an expansion into Queens and Suffolk. P.T.R.C. is definitely aware of this sensational brewery.

The Black Forest Brew Haus 

The Black Forest Brew Haus is a German Style Brewery and opened their doors in 1999. They serve loaded potato pancakes, hot Bavarian pretzels, and stuffed dumplings but are known for the beer they brew on the premises. This includes German Marzen, Hefeweizen, the Cannonball IPA and the Belligerent Hipster IPA. This is where Long Island celebrates happy hour.

Garvies Point Brewery 

Garvies Point Brewery offers handcrafted brews made in small batches. The brewery produces in excess of 1,000 gallons of beer every month. This includes some complicated concoctions such as Belgian witbier, IPA's, double IPA's and a porter with coffee and chocolate notes. They have recently released the Wunderkind IPA and serve their beer in keg and draft form.

The Barrier Brewing Co. 

This is a microbrewery with a specialty of small batches. The brewery offers a wide variety of selections and their latest creations are available in the testing room. The motto of this brewery is it is about the quality and not the quantity. The Barrier Brewing Company was founded in 2007 and pours fifty different kinds of beer every year. The flagship brew is always changing because the batches are small. The most popular selections include Lights Out Stout, Barnacle Brown, Beech St. Wheat and Dunegrass DIPA.

Outdoor Activities in Long Island

For those who love the outdoors, there are many activities in Long Island during the off-tax season. We've put together some fun local suggestions! Get outside before summer is all gone!

-Bronx Zoo

If you have kids or are an animal lover, this is the perfect activity for you. The Bronx Zoo is the largest urban one in the U.S. It has approximately 265 acres and over 5,000 animals. The general admission is free. However, if you want to participate in the activities, such as the Bug Carousel, it’s about $14.95 for the Total Experiences package.

-Rockaway Beach

If the beach scene is your thing, Rockaway Beach is the perfect option for you. It can be easily reached via subway as it’s located in the Queen’s borough. It is said to be very clean, have a lot of seashells to collect and police constantly patrolling it. Their boardwalk is also friendly for bike riding and jogging.

-Rockaway Jet Ski

If water sports are your thing, the Rockaway Jet Ski is the activity for you. It is said to be a good experience for novice jet skiers. The staff is said to be very friendly and have extensive knowledge of the Jamaica Bay. Even more, the owner is good about addressing complaints in a very quick manner.

-Van Cortlandt Park

If parks and history are your thing, the Van Cortlandt is lush and beautiful. It is the third largest park in New York City with over 1,000 acres. Much of it is still forested and its borough has a freshwater lake. It is also rich with historical landmarks. It has its own golf course, which was founded in 1895. It has its own House, which was built around the late 1740’s. The Old Croton Aqueduct connects to the city’s original channel.

-Animal Farm Petting Zoo

Located in Suffolk County, this non-profit org is funded by the visits to the park and donations. This park is open to the public. It includes a petting zoo and free pony rides. A lot of the animals that stay at this location are rescue animals. Visit a place filled with green grass, open spaces, and colorful gardens.

Take a trip with the family and let us know how it goes! We look forward to seeing you all next season. It'll get here sooner than you think. Get outside and enjoy the summer. 

please check back in September 2018

Best State Parks in Long Island

After tax season has ended at P.T.R.C. it is time to take a break and enjoy the nice weather in Long Island. You may not realize this, but Long Island has some great outdoor activities. These are some of the best state parks in Long Island.

Belmont Lake State Park

This state park has several activities for you and your family. You can rent a boat and take it out on the lake. You can also go hiking on one of the many trails. There are open fields for play sports and this is a great place to get out and enjoy nature.

Sunken Meadows State Park

This park has several great geographical features. There are bluffs, tidal flats, salt marshes, and even a brackish creek. There are several hills where you can see wildlife and trails to go hiking on. There is also an area for swimming and during the summer months, there are lifeguards on duty for safety. If you like to picnic there is a large area dedicated to this. If you have a special event coming up such as a wedding or other part of the park can be used to host this event.

Hoyt Farm Park Preserve

This park is one of the largest in Long Island and is over 133 acres. There are fields for different sports including baseball, a playground, and an area for a picnic. If you like to go bird watching this park is home to many different species of birds including the red-bellied woodpecker and the American Goldfinch. This park is open all 365 days of the year and is a great place for you to plan a family outing.

These are some of the best state parks in all of Long Island. When taking a break from P.T.R.C. these state parks will allow you to enjoy the outdoors.