Free tea, coffee on Thruway tonight

If you're traveling on the New York State Thruway between 11 p.m. tonight, New Year's Eve, and 7 tomorrow morning, you'll be eligible for free tea and coffee.

The New York State Thruway Authority says its Thruway concessionaires -- HMS Host Family Restaurants Inc., McDonald’s Corp. and Delaware North Travel and Hospitality Services -- once again this year will provide the free beverages.

For more than 40 years, Thruway travelers have been offered this service to help keep them warm and alert during late-night or early-morning travels.

The free small beverages will be provided at all 27 travel plazas along the Thruway.

'Jazz On the Vine' for Long island

Call it "Long Island Winterfest." Call it “Jazz on the Vine.” It goes by both names.

Whatever you choose to call it, the Long Island Wine Council-sponsored event will feature more than 70 different jazz groups appearing at 26 different member wineries' tasting rooms and other venues during the six weekends from February 13 to March 21.

Steinway Pianos is sponsoring the talent.

The event also will include special offers at numerous wineries, restaurants, hotels and B&Bs across the east end of Long Island, NY.

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ON THE WEB
• Winterfest details
• Dowd's Guides