Whether it’s being able to enjoy dining outdoors as the weather is warming up or if you’re just looking forward to being one step closer to a beach-filled summer, these Long Island eateries are jumping into the first day of spring Thursday, March 20, with some freebies and deals:
Dairy Queen
THE DEAL Dairy Queen is ushering in the season by giving customers a free small vanilla soft-serve cone from Dairy Queen locations nationwide.
WHERE Participating locations include East Northport, Massapequa, Shirley-Mastic, Medford and St. James.
INFO 866-793-7582, dairyqueen.com
Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard
THE DEAL Continuing a tradition of over 25 years according to its website, this Pennsylvania-based ice and custard shop offers customers a free 6-ounce Italian ice at any of its five Long Island spots on March 20.
WHERE Deer Park, Franklin Square, Great Neck, Lawrence and Oceanside
INFO ritasice.com
Kismet Coffee
THE DEAL The Bay Shore Coffee shop is giving away a free hot (12- to 16-ounce,) iced (16- to 24-ounce) or cold brew coffee on March 21. It’s a partnership with Canine Companions of Long Island celebrating 50 years of the nonprofit, which provides trained service dogs to people with disabilities. Service dogs in training will be on site from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with other giveaways, raffles and limited edition coffee bags.
WHERE 17 E. Main St., Bay Shore
The Dirty Cheesecake, Made by Lili’s
THE DEAL Customers of the bakery, home to the “cheesecake on a stick,” can get a free cookie of choice (excluding stuffed cookies) with any purchase of $20 or more to celebrate the first day of spring on March 20 and 21.
WHERE 102 W. Main St., Smithtown and 1160 Deer Park Ave., North Babylon
INFO 631-780-5320, thedirtycheesecake.com; 631 392-1500, madebylilis.com
Hampton Coffee Company
THE DEAL Customers can buy one beverage, get one free from the cafe’s new fruity refresher menu, with flavors such as mango dragon fruit and lavender lemonade to celebrate the start of spring on Thursday.
WHERE Aquebogue, Center Moriches, Hampton Bays, Montauk, Southampton, Water Mill and Westhampton Beach
