Valentine's Day is one of our favorite holidays of the year because it's a great opportunity to show your love for the special person in your life. We know that planning a Valentine's Day date is going to be a little bit more complicated this year due to health and safety restrictions. However, a nice date night in your own dining room can be just as romantic as a night out on the town. With so many fantastic local restaurants, it's easy to enjoy your favorite dinner at home. Our real estate agents compiled a list of some of our favorite Long Island restaurants offering takeout this Valentine's Day.

• Vespa Italian Kitchen - 282 Main St., Farmingdale, NY 11735
  This classy restaurant has a modern flair and always makes for a great Valentine's Day date night spot. This year, you can order online and enjoy Vespa Italian Kitchen's authentic Italian cuisine from home. The large menu features pasta, sandwiches, and stone-fired pizzas, so you'll be sure to find something you enjoy. Best of all, this restaurant is just a few minutes away from these Farmingdale homes for sale.

Music may not make the world go round, but it sure does round out your world. Whether you're working from home or resting after a long day at the office, setting your home up for sound is a great way to enjoy the day. Day in and day out, our real estate agents will tell you that an increasing number of homes in the area incorporate systems that make it easy to enjoy music while taking a bath, working in the kitchen, or relaxing on the patio. 

• Create a Foundation You Can Build Upon
  Smart home systems create a solid foundation that you can use to create a connection between your favorite music in every room in the house. Google and Amazon are the leaders in smart home systems that allow you to connect every speaker in your home through one centralized system. You can install these devices in every room and set your system to operate these speakers individually or as part of a whole-home group.
  
  At the heart of your home, make sure that you install solid and reliable WiFi. The stronger the signal, the better. If you plan to connect other smart home devices to your system, make sure your system has enough bandwidth to support all of your devices; otherwise, you can end up with a less than desirable sound quality and reliability.

Want to upgrade your home in 2021? Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or staying put, adding some smart home features is a great idea! Our real estate agents are always talking to potential buyers who are interested in homes with smart upgrades, making this an excellent investment. It's also easy to get started! Follow these simple tips and you'll have your upgrades done in no time. 

1. Consider Your Unique Needs
   The right smart home upgrades for you will depend on your unique needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. For example, if you work from home, a smart doorbell might be a great idea. This will allow you to see who's at the door so you can decide whether to open it or not. On the other hand, if you spend most of your days away from home, then devices like smart locks, a smart garage door opener, and a programmable thermostat might earn top spots on your wish list.

When you're craving comfort food, few things satisfy the stomach and soul like a hearty plate of pasta. Our real estate agents head to these top restaurants around Long Island for delicious and authentic Italian cooking with a modern twist.

• Scarpetta Beach - 290 Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk, NY 11954
  Go for the spectacular views and stay for the upscale Italian classics at Scarpetta Beach. Every table at this waterfront restaurant, just minutes from Montauk homes for sale, looks out over the ocean. Customer favorites include polenta and short rib and bone marrow agnolotti. Enjoy patio seating anytime thanks to the cozy heat lamps. Scarpetta Beach is open daily from 5:30 - 8 p.m.