Summer is here! Warm weather, cold drinks, lots of grilling and beach activities are in style during this season. While dining al fresco and cold desserts are all the rage, some people may opt to also stock up on barbecue-friendly items or head to a theme park for the day. Here are 10 Farmingdale businesses you should consider visiting this summer. You may even consider using multiple businesses on the list for your outdoor gatherings:
 

• Dine at 317 Main Street and Meet Award-Winning Chef Eric LeVine (address: 317 Main Street)
  • Of the restaurants that 2023 Long Island Chef of the Year Eric LeVine has played a hand in, he refers to 317 Main Street as his “monster.” And for good reason: There’s always a crowd in the main dining room, in the stage room and outdoors. LeVine, a veteran of multiple culinary shows, brings his spin on American gastropub fare and more to 317. The award-winning chef’s menu boasts burgers, sandwiches, gourmet mac and cheese, bowls and other meals. For those of age, indulge in a beer or mixed drink. Be sure to check the restaurant’s calendar for game shows, live music, and more. Or, while it’s summer, dine outdoors!

• Visit Farmingdale Meat Market to Stock Up on the Finest Grill Fare (address: 210 Main Street)
  • Summer is grill season! There’s no better place in town to fill your fridge with the finest meats than the Farmingdale Meat Market, a staple of the community for more than 75 years. The market offers everything from a variety of steaks to burgers, hot dogs, chicken, sausage, pork, wild game, and so much more. The business offers regular deals and sales, too. Strike up conversation with a friendly bunch of butchers, share cooking tips and head home with a few of the week’s meals in tow. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family or a whole gathering, check out the Farmingdale Meat Market!

• Indulge At Whiskey Down Diner (address: 252 Main Street)
  • Whiskey Down Diner is a great place to visit regardless of the time of year (12 Drinks of Christmas, anyone?) but the diner’s outdoor patio lends itself well to summer. Brunch and dinner are both super popular at this brother-and-sister-owned eatery, with carefully curated menus and cocktails matched to the season. If you’re feeling breakfast - no matter the time of day - try some of Whiskey Down’s pancakes, waffles or eggs. While the diner’s menu offers quality over quantity, it still boasts plenty of burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and entrees. While it’s nice out, ask to dine al fresco, treat yourself to a cocktail and enjoy the sun.

• Cool Off With Ice Cream at Scoops & Cones (address: 95 Hempstead Turnpike)
  • Scoops & Cones offers roughly three dozen flavors of high-quality ice cream with something for everybody’s taste buds. Try your ice cream infused with cereal or served with a brownie, French toast, waffle sticks, on a crepe or in between saucers. Not feeling ice cream? Have some soup or a grilled cheese sandwich.

• Spend A Day At Adventureland (address: 2245 Broadhollow Road)
  • Bring the family to Adventureland if you’re looking to spend a summer day! Long Island’s premier amusement park offers rides, water rides, an arcade, outdoor games, and more. There are a wide variety of rides and roller coasters, so there’s something for everyone in the family. Take a break from the fun to eat at Adventureland’s restaurant, which serves pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, wraps and salads. If you’re on the go and want to maximize your fun time, fuel up at one of the snack stands scattered around the park instead. What are you waiting for? Grab your tickets today!

• Stock Up On Beer, Cider And More At Farmingdale Beverage (address: 72 Motor Avenue)
  • For those who drink alcohol, the summer heat might entice you to want to knock back a couple of cold ones. Whether you want to stock up for your own personal stash or prepare for hosting a barbecue, Farmingdale Beverage has dozens upon dozens of choices of craft beer, cider, non-alcoholic beverages, and more. The store carries the common beers you would want to get in bulk as well as craft commodities from across the world.​

• Hire Extra Help For Summer Parties With Leave It To Me Waitress Service & Event Planning (Address: online only)
  • If you are having a LOT of people over for a summer gathering and you feel like you’ll need some help or want to just take it easy and enjoy your own party, give a call to Leave It To Me Waitress Service & Event Planning. The service offers waitresses, bartenders, barbecue grillers, and event planners. Waitress services include buffet set-up, serving, clean up, and more. Bartenders will help you prepare your liquor options and even design a signature drink for your party. Staff is available for any holiday, and grillers will set up shop and fire up the meats of your choice.

• Grab a Sweet or Drink at Vice Doughnuts and Coffee (Address: 314 Main Street)
  • ice Doughnuts and Coffee offers a mouthwatering selection of its two namesakes. All doughnuts are made with a cake batter and come in a variety of flavors, from classic frosted to the adventurous peanut butter banana chip or cookie butter. Keep an eye out for seasonal doughnut flavors, as well! For coffee, Vice offers a variety of flavors and types. The business also carries tea. Stop by and grab a doughnut - or a dozen!

• Get a Cool Treat At Ralph’s Ices (address: 850 S. Main Street)
  • In the dog days of summer, staying cool is important. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, consider heading to the iconic Ralph’s Ices for an ice, sherbert or ice cream sundae. Offering just about any flavor you can imagine, get your treat of choice. Ices are divided into water ices and creamy sherberts, and can be layered with soft-serve ice cream for a Twister. On the ice cream side of things, Ralph’s offers signature sundaes, Doughnados (cookie dough and ice cream) or a Belgian waffle ice cream sandwich.

• Prepare Your Yard With Blue Star Carpentry/Deckstar (Address: 266 Route 109)
  • If you’re looking to get your yard in order for summer hangouts and barbecues, check out Blue Star Carpentry/Deckstar. The business has been specializing in custom decks for more than a decade. Wood decks, pool decks or “no maintenance” decks, you name it. Blue Star also offers indoor and outdoor masonry: patios, walkways, driveways, retaining walls, poolscapes and fire pits. The shop also does paving services. If you’re looking to build a dream backyard or get work done in the front or inside in time for summer fun, check out Blue Star.