Long Island WinterFest To Include Port Washington This Year

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Port Washington is a Long Island Winterfest destination this year, according to the festival’s website.

The East End-based festival was started to attract visitors to the region for more laid back events where they can frequent restaurants and retail businesses in the traditionally slow winter months.

In past years, Winterfest has highlighted music, cultural, and sports events while encouraging visitors to dine and shop locally.

It runs until March 21.

Suggested events in Port Washington include bundling up to watch the sunset from the Town of North Hempstead dock and then dine inside a warm cabana at H on the Harbor. Virtual golf sessions can be reserved at Wharf Sports, then followed by appetizers and a beer tasting by Finn MacCool’s fireplace.

Other outings include art and history tours, well as a bagged lunch from Bistro GoFood and a self-guided tour of the Sands Point Preserve or livestreamed music from Landmark on Main Street.

Visitors can check with #TravelSafe for local businesses featuring special events or discounts. “The focus will be a resource for where to go, what to do and what is open, including plenty of outdoor experiences for all ages,” the website states. Useful trip planning tools can also be found on the website from Discover Long Island.

Port was one of two new additions this year, including the Village of Patchogue. The festival began as Jazz on the Vine, which brought music to local wineries in the winter months, and it has spread out over the years to include not only wineries on the North Fork, but other entertainment and historical venues in the Hamptons.

For a list of participating Port Washington businesses, click here.