Things to Do in East Islip

The phosphorescent indoor landscape at Monster Mini Golf immerses putters in an eerie universe that inverts the sun-soaked cheer of conventional courses. Rimmed in glowing barriers, 18 holes lure swingers of all sizes to challenge their coordination and resolve in the face of winged monsters, scowling animated trees, a creepy clown, and their opponents' shockingly dazzling smiles. Sheltered from searing rain and howling wind, the indoor course enables play around hazards such as a spell well and luminous, ghostly windmill at any time of the year. An in-house radio station and DJ mask the sound of pounding hearts with lively beats and course commentary, and golfers looking for additional glory can win prizes by participating in regular contests or at the on-site arcade.

A member-supported, nonprofit organization, the Seatuck Environmental Association works to promote the conservation of Long Island's natural environment through research and educational programs. Members regularly gather with field experts on its 70-acre marshland preserve for scheduled hikes, photography classes, and meditation sessions. The trails and boardwalks that wind through the salt marshes and upland forests also lead to the Suffolk County Environmental Center, housed in a 1917 Normandy-style chateau. Members may tour the historic mansion while admiring features such as arched doorways and diamond-cut windows that allow sunlight to filter into the garret and onto the place where its original steam-powered Nintendo would have stood. The Seatuck Environmental Association also hosts regular fundraising events such as the End of Summer Barbecue and the Bats-N-Brews fundraiser, as well as an array of educational programs for all ages.

Typically, you can only see Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Yankee Stadium in less than an hour while leafing through a stack of New York postcards. However, Zip Aviation confounds expectations, whisking tourists over those landmarks and more on one of three helicopter tours in 12–30 minutes. Helmed by a team of pilots with an impeccable safety record, the tours grant passengers a bird’s-eye view of the city aboard either their AStar or Bell helicopters, which have never once caused sea sickness. The aviation company complements its sightseeing excursions with an array of other transit services, including private charters and special-event transportation options.

An award-winning special-event venue, Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters ushers guests across the waters of Lake St. Clair aboard the 138-foot, three-decked Ovation yacht. At 7 p.m., partiers climb onto the watercraft to enjoy a menu of gourmet edibles and DJ-spun sounds. As eyes feast on the bobbing Detroit skyline and watch the orange sky drench ripply waters in its juicy rays, stomachs stuff themselves with an array of edibles and two complimentary drinks, with more available from a full-service cash bar. Engage in friendly dinner conversation while relaxing on the ship’s imported Italian furniture, or devise a plan with friends to stage a UFO hoax with life preservers. After dinner, cruisers are invited to kick off their sea legs and engage in hearty fun-having at the no-cover, no-line after-party on the boat’s very own dance floor, accommodating numerous dancers or a few big, red Clifford dogs.

Between Om Shanti Om Yoga Center’s saffron-colored walls, eight gentle-voiced instructors guide students into meditative poses. They flow through a variety of positions, each designed to open up muscles while quieting the mind. The instructors have diverse backgrounds, which include degrees in math, doctoral degrees, and 30-year competitive-running careers. To introduce new students to the practice, Om Shanti Om offers a basics package, which includes beginners-only classes twice a week. There are also discounted rates available on more-advanced classes to encourage newcomers to test the waters of 75- or 90-minute classes, which involve finding the area under the curve of your back during each pose.

The peaks of the Organ Mountains rise above the Mesilla Valley, framing the immaculate greenery of Sonoma Ranch Golf Course's 18-hole, 7,028-yard layout. Designed by internationally renowned course architect Cal Olson, the course unfurls across the valley floor with undulating fairways, encroaching water hazards, and sprawling bunkers that force players to build sandcastle trebuchets to rescue errant golf balls. A lengthy course when played from the back tees, the grassy monolith also challenges players' short game with massive, bentgrass greens peppered with hard-to-read breaks. Clubbers can prepare for their pin-hunting voyage with a stint at the driving range or practice green, or stare down the treacherous fairways over a tasty nosh at the Sunset Grill, which overlooks the scenic expanse.

Course at a Glance:

• Designed by Cal Olson
• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Bentgrass greens
• Length of 7,028 yards from the farthest tees
• Course rating of 72.1 from the farthest tees
• Slope rating of 120 from the farthest tees
• Three tee options