When he’s not singing to patients and restoring teeth. Harvey Passes, DDS, owner of Passes dental care in Great Neck, hosts a television show Dr. Passes Presents. The program typically highlights the people who create fun things to do around Long Island, from beaches to parks and wineries. If you think about it, they’re the perfect places to take your crew and, before you enjoy the good times and gorgeous views, show off your bright smile by snapping a selfie. You know, the one you have because you eat right, brush and floss and see your dentist regularly for cleanings. To help you find the most photogenic day trip destinations, we caught Passes in between patients and got him to divulge his favorite Long Island spots.
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Iron Pier Beach, Jamesport
image: dimitrinikas
Go to Iron Pier Beach as day begins to fade into night and look left of the pier to see the sun set. “If you can catch it when the sun is about to get swallowed up by the horizon it’s just a gorgeous photo op,” Passes said. If you can’t go in the evening, make it a day trip and enjoy beach front swimming, a pavilion and snack shack. Go.
Southold Beach, Southold
image: peter portanova
One of Passes’ top places to watch the sunrise, visitors can look straight across the water and see Connecticut. Up your selfie game by taking a photo next to the whale rock, which juts out from the Long Island Sound right near the beach. Kayaking, canoeing and fishing are other popular activities; just make sure to store that phone away post-snap so it doesn’t get soggy. Go.
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Oyster Bay
Romantic and gorgeous, Planting Fields Arboretum State Park includes the breathtaking Coe Hall. Take a tour of the 65-room Tudor Revival mansion on the Gold Coast spring through fall, and stroll through 409 acres of greenhouses, rolling lawns, formal gardens and woodland plants. The possibilities for backdrops are limitless, but the photos will be so pretty your friends will probably forgive you for blowing up their Facebook and Instagram feeds. Go.
Wainscott Beach, Wainscott
image: drew frist
Just a hop, skip and a jump from multiple fitness studios out East, Wainscott Beach is the perfect place to show off a smile and summer bod. Not a gym rat? Apparently, a glass of red wine is as good as going to the gym, so have a pre-beach drink at nearby Wölffer Estate (just limit it to one as wine can stain teeth or consider white wine!). Don’t forget a plate of cheese. The calcium helps rebuild enamel. Go.
Bonus: Your Dentist’s Office
Before you get out of the chair, ask Passes to take a selfie.
Next time you pop in for a cleaning at Passes’ office in Great Neck, don’t be shy about asking for a post-cleaning selfie. Your smile will be spotless.
Passes’ Pro Tips for Selfies
- Get the selfie aimed at you and move your body around so you can see the backdrop.
- “You can always tell a sincere smile from a phony one by the eyes,” Passes said. When you laugh, notice how your eyes feel and where they are. Position them there, with that same feeling, when you are posing for a shot.
- Smile with your teeth. You take great care of them, thanks in part to your dental advocate!
For more tips on where to go on Long Island, check local listings to see when and where Dr. Passes Presents airs. To get your teeth selfie-ready, call his office at 516-858-5923 or visit passesdentalcare.com.