Long Islanders, enough about LIE traffic—let's talk about our island's history. Sure, yes, we could spend the weekend binge-watching the latest Netflix show, but let's be real—we've all got cabin fever. It's time to get out and explore, and you know what? The data's got my back. From sagging visitor numbers to market trends, let me show you that now's a better time than ever to check out these historic gems.

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site: The Roosevelt Coaster

Did you know Sagamore Hill's number of visitors decreased 8 percent last year? Crazy, right? But what is even crazier is the fact that just 45% of Long Islanders have actually visited one of our most famous presidents' homes. You really want to let some out-of-towner one-up you?

Theodore Roosevelt didn't charge up San Juan Hill for you to ignore his house. Pack a lunch, take the tour, and give your friends some real Long Island bragging rights.

Old Westbury Gardens: 

 Where Gilded Age Meets Golden Instagram Moments Old Westbury Gardens is literally designed for your Instagram feed, yet the visitorship has leveled off at a mere 2% per year. How is that possible? You'll be in traffic up on Sunrise Highway longer than you will be walking through these perfectly manicured gardens. At 4.7-star-rated on Google and reviews that speak to its "Timeless beauty," what's your excuse?

The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium: 

Out of This World, But Apparently Not Out of Your Way

The Vanderbilt Museum—12% of Long Islanders have visited it. Seriously, 12%. That's fewer than the number of people that think that pineapple belongs on pizza! With its eclectic mix of marine biology and ethnography, and a planetarium to boot, this place should be a no-brainer for a weekend excursion. And did I mention, they're even expanding their exhibit space this year? So perhaps it's time to get your head out of the sand and into some whale bones.

The Fire Island Lighthouse: A Guiding Light That's Losing Its Shine

The Fire Island Lighthouse is the crown jewel in our long maritime history, and it only experienced a minor setback last year when it saw a 3% reduction in visits. Yet, it still remains one of the very few most iconic beacons that symbolize Long Island.

Here's one for the trivia books: the lighthouse has been guiding ships for more than 160 years—just about longer than your favorite bagel shop has been in business. If that doesn't get you moving, consider this: standing at the top, you get views that will make you forget all about that overpriced Hamptons beach rental.

Montauk Point Lighthouse: 

America's Oldest, But Apparently Not On Your Bucket List It's supposed to be the staple in your Long Islander identity, but it's not getting the love it deserves. Visitor statistics have come in, showing fewer locals are making the trip out east—a 5 percent drop in attendance last year. Come on, people! It's the oldest lighthouse in New York and has more historical significance than your great aunt's Facebook rants.

The potential rise in eco-tourism—join something much bigger than you.

The Whaling Museum & Education Center:

Whale of a Time or Whale of a Missed Opportunity?

Only 22% of you have been to the Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor. Really? You are missing out on an industry that literally fueled our island's economy for decades. Moreover, they just renovated and added interactive exhibits, making it a perfect place for family excursions. But here is the clincher: with plans of expansion, this museum can easily be one of the best places to visit within a couple of years. But do you really want to be a bandwagon fan?

Why These Sites Should Matter to Every Long Islander I get it, you're busy. But if you're not carving out the time to get to these historic sites, you're missing out on what makes Long Island singular. Visitor numbers are changing, and the market is showing you that people will be traveling closer to home in the coming years, making now the ideal time to dig into the history that has literally been beneath your feet.

So, what are you waiting around for? Get out and get back into your Long Islander. Trust me, your future conversations will be a whole lot more interesting when you can drop knowledge about the Vanderbilt Museum instead of just complaining about your commute.