Make the first day of 2021 a great one. Whether you take a hike in nature, go out for brunch, or both, these Long Island New Year’s Day events can help you feel refreshed for the year ahead.
HIKE AND ANIMAL PRESENTATION
Walk through the woodlands and wetlands of Sweetbriar Nature Center. Then, visit the barn and meet some of the nature center’s animals, including an opossum and owl. $10. Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Dr., Smithtown. sweetbriarnc.org 10-11 a.m.
NEW YEAR’S BRUNCH
Kick off the new year with your favorite brunch dishes and cocktails at Village Idiot Pub in Lake Grove. Village Idiot Pub, 2811 Middle Country Rd., Lake Grove. facebook.com 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
FIRST DAY HIKE: SEAL WALK
Meet at Field 10 of Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center for one of the state’s local First Day Hikes, happening at many state parks on Jan. 1. Educators will be in the parking lot directing people to the seal walk. There will also be a net-zero tour at 10:30 a.m. and a “Discover the Dunes” program at 1:30 p.m. Free. Jones Beach Field 10, 585 Bay Pkwy., Wantagh. jonesbeachenc.org 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
NEW YEAR’S BRUNCH AT THE MANSION
Head to The Mansion in Glen Cove and toast to the new year at this New Year’s brunch event. The Mansion at Glen Cove, 200 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove. facebook.com 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
FIRST DAY HIKE AND BEACH CLEAN-UP
Help the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society pick up trash at Hallock State Park Preserve, while walking along the beach and monitoring for cold-stunned sea turtles. You’ll get some exercise and support a good cause. All ages are welcome. Free. Hallock State Park Preserve, 6062 Sound Ave., Riverhead. parks.ny.gov Noon.
FIRST DAY HIKE IN MONTAUK
This two-mile hike through Camp Hero State Park in Montauk passes by the remnants of a World War II military base and ocean front cliffs. Free. Montauk Point State Park, 2000 Montauk Hwy., Montauk. parks.ny.gov Noon.
BINGO BRUNCH
Lily Flanagan’s Pub in Babylon hosts a “Hangover Boozy Bingo Brunch,” which includes unlimited brunch cocktails, a brunch buffet, and one complimentary bingo card. $35. Lily Flanagan’s Pub-Babylon, 345 Deer Park Ave., Babylon. facebook.com Noon.
SEAL WATCHING BOAT TOUR
Ride aboard the Capt. Lou VII Seal Watching for a two-hour bay tour. Enjoy this outdoor winter activity with family. The boat has a heated indoor cabin for a quick warm-up break. $40. Captain Lou Fleet, 31 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport. facebook.com 1-3 p.m.
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