If you are looking for an SUV, you want cargo space. You also want excellent off-road capability. And everyone wants reliability. Well, according to U.S. News & World Report the 2019 Toyota 4Runner has all three. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about the 2019 4Runner.

“Edit-1-17” by Dan Van, used under CC BY 2.0
Power
The 2019 4Runner comes standard with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that pumps out 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Power enough to get you over the mountain or to pass that slow-moving vehicle hazard in your way.
Paired with Toyota’s 5-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), and a part-time 4-wheel drive Active Traction Control system, the 4Runner can handle any road.
The 4Runner also comes standard with Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). The available Downhill Assist Control (DAC) selectively applies the brakes when encountering steep or slippery descents to help keep the vehicle under control. Towing up to 5,000 pounds is a breeze too, so hook up the boat and head out to that hard-to-reach fishing hole. Read the rest of this entry »
Here’s Where to Go for Bagels Around West Islip
Everyone has their own idea of what makes a great bagel. Whether it’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside or soft and chewy all the way through, we each have our favorites. On Long Island, there are many different bagel shops and cafes that offer bagels. Here’s where to go for the best bagels around West Islip.

“Bagel” by Ruocaled, used under CC BY 2.0
Higbie Bagels
The kettle-cooked bagels at Higbie Bagels are fresh and delicious. The exterior has just the right amount of crunch and inside they are soft and chewy. You can get all your favorite types of bagels including plain, everything, pumpernickel, salt, sesame seed, whole wheat, egg, and French toast. For toppings, choose from a variety of cream cheese-like scallion and bacon, strawberry, sun-dried tomato basil, and maple walnut. Higbie Bagels was closed for a few years because it was, unfortunately, run into by a sports car, but it is back open now and better than ever.
5 Sweet Body Changes to the 2019 RAV4
The RAV4 is one of the most popular SUVs in the nation. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 may push it to the top of that list. With the great number of updates and redesigns Toyota has given it this year, the RAV4 moves from its friendly looking demeanor to a more rugged SUV look that is sure to turn more heads on the street.
Here are some of the sweet body changes the 2019 RAV4 is getting.
- More Muscle
The all-new 2019 RAV4’s body looks more muscular than it ever has. The grooves and cuts in its body give a more aggressive, capable look that last year’s model didn’t have. The 2018 RAV4 was more filled out and curved and gave it a family SUV look. This year’s RAV4’s looks have been changed so much, you’ll be able to find something new in the front, sides, and rear of its body. The 2019 RAV4 looks ready for adventure. Read the rest of this entry »
How It Feels to Drive the 2020 Supra
The Toyota Supra is back with the all-new 2020 GR Supra due for imminent release after more than a two-decade hiatus. The new model carries forward the heritage of the marque with its stunning, sporting looks and track-bred performance.
Exterior Styling
The GR Supra expresses pure performance with its sensual teardrop design. Each panel is engineered to aid the aerodynamic airflow over the body. Cooling air is channeled to the engine through the low, wide grille intakes. The double-bubble roof design reduces exterior drag while also increasing the interior headroom.
The bulging rear fenders improve the flow of air, while the dramatically styled flared rear spoiler reduces body lift to keep the car firmly on the road at high speeds. The six-lens LED jewel-like headlights and signature front and rear lighting create a distinctive look wherever the Supra arrives. Read the rest of this entry »
4 Awesome Gyms in West Islip

Image “Gym” by OIST, used under CC BY 2.0
When you feel the need for a workout, it’s important to have a good gym nearby. Fortunately, in and around West Islip, Long Island, you have your choice of awesome facilities, whether you want to pump some iron or get a cardio workout. Here are four of the best gyms in the area.
- Blink Fitness
At Blink Fitness on Sunrise Highway, they say “We put mood above muscle” because it’s about how exercise makes you feel as well as looking good. The gym is designed to enhance your mood with brightly lit, spacious areas that give you room to breathe and colors that are scientifically proven to have an uplifting effect.
The gym has plenty of equipment and weights. When you join, you get a free introductory session with a personal trainer. New to Blink is the mobile companion app for your phone that’s personalized to help you achieve your goals. It can’t get much easier to do just that! Read the rest of this entry »
6 Art and Culture Attractions in West Islip

Image “Stony Brooke” by Mark B. Schlemmer, used under CC BY 2.0
Long Island has a long history, and you don’t need to travel far from West Islip to find art and culture attractions. Here are six nearby choices.
- Islip Art Museum
Located in East Islip, the Islip Art Museum provides exhibition space for contemporary art. It features artwork by national and international artists and showcases work by local emerging artists. In addition to a variety of rotating exhibitions throughout the year, the museum houses a permanent collection focusing on contemporary artists with connections to Long Island in particular and the tri-state area in general. The museum offers cultural arts courses for adults and children. Read the rest of this entry »
The Best Sandwich Shops in West Islip, NY
When you’re in need of a snack, whether it’s a breakfast bite or a filling lunch on the go, West Islip has a great choice of sandwich and bagel shops. Here are some of the best in the area.
Higbie Bagels
The family-owned and operated Higbie Bagels, on Higbie Lane, has been in business for more than 30 years, apart from being closed for a while after an unfortunate incident with a Maserati! For breakfast, the fresh kettle-cooked bagels are served with an array of cream cheese or a variety of savory and sweet fillings.

Image “Salmon Bagel” by crazbabe21, used under CC BY 2.0
The lunch menu features signature sandwiches such as the Hig-Beef Sandwich, the Hig-B.L.T., Chicken Mediterranean, and the Veggie Deluxe. They can be served in a wrap, roll, hero, or bagel. Their other freshly-baked treats include muffins, brownies, donuts, and croissants. Read the rest of this entry »
The Best Restaurants in West Islip, NY
West Islip, New York, has a great selection of delicious restaurants. If you’re in the mood for an awesome meal and you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, try one of these places.
Primi Italian Steakhouse
This gourmet restaurant received OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice Award in 2017. The bar has 25-foot ceilings and a cozy fireplace, and the USDA Prime steaks are dry-aged for at least 28 days. This restaurant also has an attractive patio and a large wine cellar.

Image “PIZZA!” by Steve Snodgrass, used under CC BY 2.0
Try the Colorado lamb rack, the rigatoni with vodka sauce, spicy sausage, and basil, or the sesame seared tuna with avocado mousse and soy orange vinaigrette. For dessert, you can have tiramisu, vanilla bean custard with fresh berries, or a wildberry tart with seasonal berries. Primi Italian Steakhouse is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9:30 p.m., on Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m., and on Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »
Historic Places Near West Islip, NY
West Islip, New York, is an attractive suburban community with an interesting history. The Dutch first settled the area in the early 17th century, and then the English took control in 1664. In the 19th century, it was a popular place for wealthy travelers. Here are some historic places near West Islip that you and your family can visit.

Image “Fire island Lighthouse” by Erik Anestad, used under CC BY 2.0
The La Grange Inn
The La Grange Inn was built in 1750, and it’s been an inn, a restaurant, a hotel, and a hostelry. It’s had several expansions over time, but it was vacant between 2010 and 2014. CVS leased the space and decided not to use it for a retail store. In 2014, the company started restoring the inn to its appearance in the 1800s. Additions were demolished, a new first floor was constructed, and the rest of the building was moved away from Montauk Highway and turned to face Higbie Lane.
The inn now houses the West Islip History Center, a museum about the history of the area. Read the rest of this entry »
Fun Things to Do in West Islip, NY
You can find lots of interesting activities for kids and adults in West Islip, New York. Whether you want to appreciate the outdoors or learn something new, you’ll find a variety of options. Here are some fun things to do in the area.

Image “Unknown” by aeroman3, used under CC BY 2.0
Visit Robert Moses State Park
With about 3.8 million visitors per year and almost 5 miles of scenic shoreline, Robert Moses State Park is one of the most popular beaches on Long Island. It’s on the west side of Fire Island — about an hour away from West Islip — and it’s open from sunrise to sunset.
The park is monitored by local lifeguards, and it has concession stands, Wi-Fi, comfort stations, first aid stations, a large playground, and private outdoor showers. This park is a great spot for surfing, windsurfing, or paddleboarding, and there’s lots of space for a leisurely picnic or a game of beach volleyball. There’s also an 18-hole public golf course that’s open from April through November. You can fish off the piers or use the marina to dock your personal boat.
Robert Moses State Park is only a short walk away from the Fire Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1826. Despite its age, it still works as a navigation aid. Its distinct look makes it ideal for photos, and the lighthouse has even been in the background of the TV shows “The Guiding Light” and “The Following.” Read the rest of this entry »

