
With the cost of natural gas predicted to rise more than 30 percent over last year, homeowners throughout the country are bracing for big heating bills this winter. In addition to higher energy prices, demand could outpace supply, and winter weather could be slightly colder than last year.

As the holiday season approaches, it's a good idea to do more of your shopping at small and local businesses. These businesses are the backbone of our local economies, owned and operated by members of our own communities. Small Business Saturday, which is coming up on November 26, is the perfect opportunity to shop local. Here are some of the local stores our real estate agents recommend visiting on the occasion.

Ready or not, the holiday season is just around the corner, and it's the most wonderful time of the year. It's not too early to start getting yourself into the holiday spirit. Our real estate agents love kicking off the holidays by attending a local event. From immersive light displays to holiday markets, there is a lot to do around Long Island, so you'll need to plan ahead. Here are some top events you'll want to add to your calendar this year.

Long Island is rich with history, with several sites that make ideal destinations for trips that are fun and educational. Theodore Roosevelt, as well as the Guggenheim and Vanderbilt families are part of the area's history, so you'll be able to visit their former homes as well as other interesting locations.
Our real estate agents suggest making a trip to visit the past at these historic Long Island destinations and making sure of any restricted hours due to COVID-19 before your visit:

With a unique blend of natural scenery, history, art, and recreation, the parks of Long Island offer endless entertainment for local residents. The many walk-worthy parks of Long Island are ideal for enjoying some natural beauty as winter turns to spring and learning about the history of local communities in the process. From inspiring one of the most popular novels in history to hosting major golf tournaments, Long Island's parks have done it all. Our real estate agents have the exciting details on five of the best walk-worthy parks to explore around Long Island.
Sands Point Preserve Conservancy – 127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point, NY 11050
Ever wonder what it would be like to live in the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel The Great Gatsby? Then a walk at Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, located on Long Island's Gold Coast near Sands Point homes for sale, is sure to get the imagination flowing. Experience a walk on any of six marked hiking trails that stretch over 200 acres, amble through a rose garden that features more than 1,500 roses, and stick around to enjoy a sunset with stunning waterfront views.