Editor's Notebook: Destination, Riverhead

I've never been more filled with hometown pride for Riverhead than during the past two weeks.

When my childhood best friend, who lives in Norway, decided to plan a two-week visit this summer, at first, I thought we'd spend endless hours on the Long Island Railroad, headed to New York City for sight-seeing adventures.

But, while we did spend one very special day in New York, visiting the Statue of Liberty, the new National September 11 Memorial and Museum, and other famous attactions, at the end of the trip, when I asked the children what they'd enjoyed best, their favorite experiences took place right in the heart of Riverhead.

From a sun-soaked day spent frolicking at , to the afternoon Sofie and Sara, ages 8 and 4, spent at the , laughing at the penguins and clapping for the sea lion show-- a special memory was made when a bird alighted on Sofie's arm at the new Butterflies and Birds room -- to a family visit to Out East Family Fun, where the older boys, Alexander and Levi, tried a taste of American baseball at the batting cages, the trip was made magical by the array of things to do and place to go in Riverhead.

And that's not even counting the shopping. With exorbitant prices in Norway, my friend made almost a daily pilgrimage to the Tanger Outlets , with stops at  and , for bargains on clothes and school supplies. Wal-Mart even offered back-to-school lists for each of the local Riverhead schools -- brilliant.

Of course, the kids needed to eat -- with stops at Kentucky Fried Chicken on Route 58 for a taste of bonafide American fare. But the favorite across the board was -- where the group went for a final family dinner before heading back to Norway. One of my friend’s boys had never tasted onion rings or fiery hot chicken wings -- another American experience to tuck under his belt. And, of course, watching the Olympics on a big screen TV at the eatery is an experience the kids will remember always.

Not only did my friend and her children love their stay at the Heron Suites in
Southold -- the sparkling clean pool was a major plus during the hot summer stay, and the three-bedroom accomodations, complete with two television sets, which helped to avoid squabbles amongst the kids -- they were thrilled with the surrounding ambiance of the North Fork’s lush vineyards and farmstands brimming with fresh corn and vegetables.

I’ve always believed heart and soul that Riverhead is a destination for families -- a place where memories are made every day. But my friends, who traveled thousands of miles from Norway to spend a vacation sampling all that Riverhead has to offer, are already making my plans for their next visit.

What could be a greater testament to Riverhead’s amazing rebirth?

Do you have guests from out of town visit in Riverhead? What do you do when they’re in town?