The covid-19/coronavirus pandemic is still running rampant around the world. However, while some states in the US are at their peak rate of infection, Suffolk County Long Island is currently in phase two of opening up from isolation. While this is exciting news, this doesn’t mean the disease has gone away. After about fourteen weeks of isolation, it can be easy to want to ignore the safety precautions of preventing the spread, especially when it seems the spread is dying down. 

Little by little, Long Islanders are returning to normal life before the pandemic, and many in eastern Suffolk County are no longer being cautious about social distancing. For some, masks aren’t being worn, they are not staying six feet apart, and they are gathering in social groups much larger than ten people. The concern here is that if more continue to ignore the guidelines suggested by the CDC, we could experience a second wave that puts us all in quarantine again. It’s understandable that many want to be out of isolation, but there are ways to do so safely especially now that we are in phase two. If you live in the east end of Long Island, in the Riverhead area, here are some activities you can now enjoy while still maintaining social distancing.

Sannino Vineyard

Starting this Thursday, this family owned business in Cutchogue, NY will be opening to the public. During the height of the pandemic, many vineyards have been open for bottle sales only. Phase two now allows vineyards like these to be open. To maintain social distancing, they are only allowing outdoor seating for wine tastings and require reservations to do so. They advise to be aware of the temperature and weather as all indoor tasting rooms will remain closed.

Wolffer Estate

A Hamptons classic when it comes to wineries, this famous property is also now open to the public. They are also doing reservations for outdoor seating overlooking their beautiful property. They are booking up to two weeks in advance so couples can now enjoy a flight of summer wines paired with delicious charcuterie.

Jerry & The Mermaid

Known best for their lobster rolls, this Riverhead restaurant is now open for outdoor dining. They, like other businesses, are following strict guidelines to ensure safety is maintained. Face 

masks are required, and they strongly recommend using a QR code to look at their digital menu so as to avoid contact with physical menus. You can find a full list of their regulations on the homepage of their website.

Rumba

Well known among Long Islanders, the oceanside restaurant Rumba in the Hampton Bays is open for takeout and outdoor dining. Famous for their summer cocktails and duck empanadas, they are still offering weekday happy hours and taco tuesdays to all dine-in and takeout customers. They have a relatively large deck overlooking Shinnecock Bay that will allow customers to enjoy a summer meal while maintaining a safe distance.

Del Vino Vineyards

If you live in the Western part of Suffolk County and want to get out, take a visit to the North Shore at Del Vino Vineyards in Northport. This fairly new winery used to be an abandoned mansion that has since been renovated into a beautiful property. They offer personal pizzas, sourdough pretzels, charcuterie and a variety of wines including a blended frose. They are doing outdoor dining by reservation only. For more information on their covid regulations, you can find them here.