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Twin Air, Inc. provides residential and commercial HVAC service across Long Island. Tom Lotito founded Twin Air in 1987, naming the company after his twin sons, Brian and Chris. The boys took over the business after Tom Sr. retired seven years ago. “We’re a small, family company, but are big on quality. That’s why we drive Mercedes-Benz Sprinters,” Brian says. “The Sprinter was the only van with good gas mileage. We were getting 9 miles per gallon with our Fords and Chevys, but with Sprinter diesels, we’re getting mileage in the 20s,” he adds. Twin Air now has a fleet of four Sprinter vans and is ordering a 2019 very soon. Each Twin Air, Inc. Sprinter is immaculate inside and out. “We treat our customers’ homes like we treat our Sprinter vans,” Brian says proudly. Brian gives many reasons why a Sprinter is different and more efficient than a van or pick-up truck: Sprinters are easier to work out of, it’s like night and day from a van or truck. When you provide high-quality work, you want to drive a high-quality vehicle. My customers love what I drive and are proud that we own Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It’s cool. When it comes to reliability and carrying capacity, the Sprinter is a clear winner. We customize our Sprinter vans with chrome wheels and grill pieces to really dress them up. Brian customizes the interior with shelving from R.W. Shelving that suits his needs perfectly. If you are searching for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van for your business, you've found the right place! Here at Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, we provide only the best cargo and passenger vans on the market! Stop in and visit our Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown dealership at 630 Middle Country Rd, St James, New York 11780 to see a sprinter van in person! Contact us to learn more about our vehicle specials or to speak with a Sales Consultant!

Michael Contillo of Old Westbury is a top client of Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, with the purchase of a staggering 56 Mercedes-Benz vehicles from that dealership. “Fifty-six cars! I finally know how many it is,” Contillo says, smiling. Contillo, founder and CEO of Liberty Mechanical Contractors, one of the nation’s leading sources of plumbing for mechanical installation, consultation, maintenance and fabrication services, was born in the Fordham section of the South Bronx. After he graduated from Mount St. Michael High School, he planned on studying law at Iona College, but those plans changed. “I took a job as a plumber’s helper. I was making 90 cents an hour, and I never looked back. I realized I could make money as a union plumber,” he says. In 1968, Contillo and his business partner, Joseph Deglomini, founded De-Con Mechanical Contracting which grew into Liberty Mechanical, now employing over 500 Local One plumbers. “Now, Liberty is my smaller business,” he explains. “Whatever money I made in the plumbing business I invested in commercial real estate, and together with the Simone family, we now own about 6,000,000 square feet of commercial space.” The Best or Nothing Contillo’s car of choice was a Cadillac diesel, but the gas shortage in the 70s resulted in such long lines that it finally took a toll on his good nature and made him explore other vehicle options. Contillo was living in Dix Hills at the time and went to Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown because the dealership was close to his home. “I bought my first Mercedes there in 1980 and I’ve been buying there ever since,” he says. “All of our business is done over the phone.” For almost 40 years, Contillo has driven the top-of-the-line S Class AMG and GLS. A true Mercedes-Benz aficionado, Contillo does not compromise when it comes to his family and what they drive. “I make it mandatory that my daughters have to drive a Benz. Why? Safety. There’s nothing better than a German car,” he says. Contillo even had Rich Coviello, general sales manager at Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, purchase a Mercedes from a California dealer for his daughter who lives on the west coast. Luxury Knows Its Place “I drive a lot. I like to drive. All of my cars are used every single day,” he says. Right now, there are six Mercedes-Benz, two Porsches and a Rolls-Royce parked on the driveway of Contillo’s palatial home. “I like new cars. There are no old cars here. I lease for two or three years, then I get the same car every time. An S-Class, black with blacked out wheels,” he says. “I’ve been doing business with Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown for 38 years, and for me, it’s all about Rich Coviello and Bob Vella in the service department,” Contillo says. His loyalty to Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown runs deep. Contillo says he has a good friend who owns a Mercedes-Benz dealership, but he will only do business with Smithtown. “There’s another dealer five minutes from here, but I don’t buy from them either,” he says. “The price of the car is basically the same, but I stayed with Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown all of these years because of their customer service. They are just wonderful. There is no reason for me to go somewhere else.” “It all comes down to sales and service. I don’t want to go to the dealership, so to have somebody like Rich, who puts up with me and my ideas, and of course, Bob Vella—it’s a wonderful system,” he says. When a new car is delivered, Coviello brings Matt McMahon, Mercedes-Benz Product Specialist, to explain the car’s features. “Matt is wonderful,” Contillo says. “He goes through all of the car’s features with my wife and daughters.” Unlike Any Other Contillo is a bit of a Renaissance man, too. His beautiful home is influenced by Palazzo architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance. His tough exterior belies the fact that he has a penchant for cats. He’s been studying martial arts for 35 years, earned 4 th degree Black Belt and is also a golfer. As for modern technology, Contillo prefers to do business the old-fashioned way. “I talk to people. I don’t send emails or texts. I have no need to,” he says. Contillo says he is a voracious reader who never misses an issue of the Wall Street Journal and enjoys periodicals and historical books. “I don’t watch a lot of television, except for Fox News,” he says. When he’s not reading, he likes to garden. The potted plants and flowers dotting the landscape at his home were all planted by Contillo. He is well-versed in cuisine, too. “I eat out every night of the year, except for Thanksgiving.” he says. Contillo has his Mercedes GL 450 at the ready in anticipation of inclement weather. “I have the GL winterized in case of a snowstorm so I can drive to dinner,” he says. He has a few favorite restaurants, especially Limani in Roslyn, and for the best Italian food, his top picks are Franina Ristorante in Syosset and 388 in Roslyn. Kiss My “S” As far as operating his companies, Contillo has no plans to slow down. “I like business, and I like what I do. I drive into the Bronx every day. We own properties in the city, plus I stop into my plumbing business.” Contillo has his succession plan laid out and says his daughter, a Wharton graduate who is an attorney with an MBA in real estate finance development, will take care of the family business in the future. In the meantime, retirement is out of the question. “Retirement doesn’t exist in this life. We own a home in Palm Beach and go there from time to time, but I like making money and being in the game. I don’t collect art, I collect money. I know plumbing and real estate.” Contillo also knows Mercedes-Benz cars numbers 57 and 58 will be arriving on his driveway very soon and that they are only a phone call away. If you are interested in purchasing a vehicle from any of our luxury brands, stop into one of our Competition Auto Group dealerships and take a look at some of our beautiful models such as the 2019 Subaru WRX or the 2019 INFINITI Q50! Our skillful team can help you find the perfect car, at any of our dealerships. Contact us to speak with a Sales Consultant or schedule a test drive today!

Basil Café celebrates the cuisine of the Mediterranean with a variety of textures, flavors, and colors, in a cozy and casual atmosphere. Owner and chef Ray Akhlaghi and his wife Arezoo, who oversees the front of the house, are originally from Iran and brought with them the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. “In 1996 we moved to Germany, where Ray studied to become a Chef,” Arezoo shares. The couple relocated to Boston and worked for the Marriott for a few years, Ray as an Executive Chef and Arezoo in hospitality, before settling in St. James and opening the Basil Café in March 2017. The café gives off a laid-back vibe inside, and outside you can dine al fresco when the weather allows, in a romantic garden of greenery. In a relatively short time, the Akhlaghi’s have amassed a loyal following of satisfied foodies. Ann Sutter, one of their regular customers, was very enthusiastic about sharing her dining experience at Basil Cafe. “Most restaurants start out strong and then fade. They have kept on going strong. Ray and Arezoo do a great job of making everything unique,” she says. “Ray is just amazing. The food here is always delicious.” Exotic flavors and aromas spring from the open kitchen, where you can catch a glimpse of the open flame as Ray prepared grilled kebabs. Instead of a bread basket, pita bread with pesto and tangy parmesan cheese was served that had a delicious bite and was very tasty. A favorite appetizer, according to Joe our server, is sautéed eggplant with crushed walnuts and blackened mint. Served with pita bread, the eggplant literally melts in your mouth. We sampled some other freshly-made appetizers including shrimp kebabs served with fresh vegetables and a chili mango sauce. The dish was outstanding, and the perfectly grilled shrimp dipped in the sweet-spicy sauce was the perfect combination. For our entrée, the word “succulent” gets tossed around far too often, but it’s the only way to describe Basil Café’s lamb shank that literally falls off the bone. The lamb was served with jeweled rice, named for its beautiful colors. Caramelized onions, almonds, pistachios, orange zest, Persian barberry, cumin and saffron over fluffy basmati rice, was bursting with flavor. We finished with Warm Bread Pudding, Ray’s signature dessert that not only tasted delicious, but the aroma of cinnamon also made your mouth water even before you lifted your fork. Small plates deliver big flavor at this establishment. At Basil Café, you can bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal. Arezoo shared that many of their customers call ahead to request a special tasting menu, which Ray enthusiastically creates. They bring their own wine for a delicious evening out. Authentic, healthy, rich in spices and naturally delicious, Basil Café serves Mediterranean food that loves you back. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 12-9 pm Friday and Saturday, 12-9:30 pm Sunday, 4-9 pm Monday, Closed 413 Lake Avenue, St. James, NY 11790 631-862-4444 After enjoying your meal at Basil Café, stop into one of our Competition Auto Group dealerships to find the car of your dreams! We have countless models for you to look at from each brand, such as the 2019 INFINITI QX60, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan, the 2019 BMW 5 Series, or the 2019 Subaru Legacy! Stop into any of our Competition Auto Group dealerships to see one of these models or another model today! Contact us to speak with a Sales Consultant or to schedule a test drive!

A road trip can present its own set of challenges and opportunities, so we did the planning for you! For your safety and peace of mind, make sure your vehicle is in top condition before hitting the road. Always make sure to have the proper tools to change a flat and check your spare tire. We’ve also included some apparel and gear you might need for each adventure, all sourced from Competition Auto Group’s lifestyle boutiques. We suggest dressing in layers on a road trip, no matter the weather. Spare some trunk space for a cooler filled with water and snacks, a blanket and an umbrella, and you’ll be ready for anything! Cold Spring Harbor State Park Discover the vessels docked along the harbor as you spend a few hours under the sky navigating through the different shades of blue water. Instructors are on site to guide you as you explore a variety of birds, marine and plant life. 95 Harbor Rd. Cold Spring Harbor Avalon Park and Preserve This 140-acre tract of fields, forests, and walking trails is owned by the Paul Simons Foundation, dedicated to preserving native plant communities. 200 Harbor Rd. Stony Brook Coecles Harbor Kayaks can be rented from Shelter Island Kayaks for a whole different perspective of the quaint habitats. 18 Hudson Ave. Shelter Island Prosser Pines Nature Preserve Rated the “Prettiest Hike for Your Dog,” by Doug Gelbert, author of Doggin’ Long Island, Prosser Pines Nature Preserve encompasses the largest white pine forest on Long Island. Although rather small at 50 acres, the trails are carpeted with pine needles and the trees stretch ahead as far as you can see. 67 Yaphank Middle Island Rd. Middle Island Mashomack Preserve Located on the SE tip of Shelter Island, enjoy miles of coastline and 2,300 acres full of animals, creeks, and woods open for exploration. 79 S. Ferry Rd. Shelter Island Cedar Point County Park This 607-acre park has commanding views of Gardiner’s Bay and lots of opportunities for swimming and hiking. 5 Cedar Point Rd. East Hampton Cowfish Hampton Bays Rustic furnishings pair seafood and sushi with canal views. Open all year, this is a great spot to stop and have a delicious meal. 258 E. Montauk Hwy. Hampton Bays Mud Creek Dog Park Located on the Great South Bay in East Patchogue, Mud Creek is Long Island’s only official off-leash beach, open sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. 341 Roe Ave. East Patchogue Travel In Style Subaru Pet Portable Bowl Keep your pet hydrated while on the road. Waterproof fabric bowl unzips to form a portable bowl for water or pet food. With Subaru logo. Orange. $4.50 Subaru Chair, Cooler, Umbrella Double folding chair design with two water-resistant speakers, 12-can insulated cooler, cup holders in carrying case with shoulder strap. $141.50 Subaru Youth Road Trip Hoodie Soft, Jersey-lined hoodie with drawstrings and front pouch pocket. Rib-knit cuff s and waistband. Royal Heather Blue $27.50 Take your furry friends on a fun, local road trip! Be prepared to hit the road, with these items from our Subaru Lifestyle Boutique! Once you've picked up all of the essentials for your trip, stop into our Competition Subaru of Smithtown showroom at 601 Middle Country Rd, St James, New York 11780 to see a vehicle in person, such as the 2019 Subaru Outback or the 2019 Subaru Forester, both of which are great for a road trip! Contact us at 631-361-4500 to speak with a Sales Consultant or to schedule a test drive today!

A road trip can present its own set of challenges and opportunities, so we did the planning for you! For your safety and peace of mind, make sure your vehicle is in top condition before hitting the road. Always make sure to have the proper tools to change a flat and check your spare tire. We’ve also included some apparel and gear you might need for each adventure, all sourced from Competition Auto Group’s lifestyle boutiques. We suggest dressing in layers on a road trip, no matter the weather. Spare some trunk space for a cooler filled with water and snacks, a blanket and an umbrella, and you’ll be ready for anything! Nathan Hale Monument The monument honors Hale’s sacrifice for gathering intelligence on the British forces. Hale was captured and hanged at the age of 21. Rt. 110 and Mill Dam Rd. Huntington. Stony Brook Grist Mill Built in 1699. When the original mill and dam washed out in 1751, a new mill was erected using beams from the original structure. During the Revolutionary War, grains ground at the Grist Mill were taken by the British to feed their soldiers. 100 Harbor Rd. Stony Brook Thompson House Built in 1709. Dr. Thompson was a member of the Long Island Militia during the War and served on the Committee of Safety of the Town of Brookhaven. Thompson made surveys of Setauket and Stony Brook Harbors to determine safe routes for the arriving troops should the necks of the harbors fall to the British. 91 N. Country Rd. East Setauket Stony Brook Village Center 35 Specialty shops and seven restaurants offer visitors a respite along with outstanding shopping in a Colonial setting. Watch for the mechanical eagle atop the Post Office flap its wings on the hour. 111 Main St. Stony Brook Ward Melville Heritage Organization WMHO protects and preserves historic and environmentally sensitive properties deeded by Ward Melville. 97 Main St. Stony Brook The Brewster House Dates back to 1665. During the Revolution, Joseph Brewster operated a tavern out of his home, where he entertained British troops. 18 Runs Rd. Setauket Three Village Inn Built in 1751 by Richard Hallock, the Inn has retained much of its history (there are tunnels believed to have been used for the Underground Railroad.) It has amenities of a luxury hotel along with award-winning chef Guy Reuge. 150 Main St. Stony Brook Travel In Style BMW Active Cooler The perfect travel companion to keep beverages and food chilled. Easy-access compartment with padded shoulder support, includes two freezer packs. $49 BMW Motorsport Cap White five-panel cap with embroidered BMW logo on the front. The back is embroidered ‘Powered by M.’ Metal clip with embossed BMW logo and variable size adjustment. $34 BMW Ladies’ Sweatshirt Soft knit jacket made of high-quality wool for a perfect fit. Two-by-two knit cuffs and a stand-up collar will keep you cozy. Easy-glide two-way zipper. $89.99 Choose your own adventure, with your own BMW vehicle! Stop into our Competition BMW of Smithtown showroom at 599 Middle Country Rd, St James, New York 11780 to find the perfect car for your adventures, like the 2019 BMW X1 or the 2019 BMW X7! Get in contact with our Competition BMW dealership at 631-265-2208 to speak with a Sales Consultant or to learn more about our vehicle specials.

Blue is one of the easiest colors to customize because of its versatility. It can shift towards gray or green and can be shaded lighter or darker. Car buyers are loving blue and its popularity has soared because of the many hues and finishes available. Cars Featured: 2019 BMW M240I XDrive Convertible, 2019 Subaru Outback, 2019 Infiniti Q70L 5.6 Luxe AWD, 2019 Mercedes-Benz Coupe CLA 250 BMW Motorsport Chronograph Watch Premium chronograph motor-sport design with a matte stainless-steel case. The base of the white leather strap is in M Red. Water-resistant to 328’. $299 ShopBMWUSA.com Subaru Royal Blue Dog Bandana An essential accessory for your furry family member. Royal blue, made of 100% cotton. $2.95 Parts.Subaru.com INFINITI Brooks Brothers Dress Shirt 100% Supima pinpoint cotton is virtually wrinkle-free. Button down collar, center back pleat, and left chest pocket. Signature shirring, pearl buttons with INFINITI logo on right sleeve. $100 INFINITILifestyle.com Mercedes-Benz Cork Bottom Tumbler This cork bottom tumbler’s vacuum construction will preserve your beverage’s temperature and gripping cork bottom will keep its position. Available in blue or grey. $25 LifestyleCollection.mbusa.com Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Golf Umbrella This unique square-shaped golf umbrella offers amazing coverage with a 62” diameter. Vented wind protection with ultra-strong fiberglass shaft and ribs. Comfortable gel handle. $38.30 LifestyleCollection.mbusa.com Take a look at any of our Lifestyle Boutiques and find something for yourself, or maybe your friends and family for holidays, birthdays, etc. If you are more interested in car shopping than gift shopping, stop into any one of our Competition Auto Group dealerships to find the car of your dreams, like the 2019 BMW X2 or the 2019 Subaru Outback! Our awesome team will guide you through the process of finding the perfect car for you! Contact us to speak with a Sales Consultant or to schedule a test drive.

The weather from fall to winter can quickly go from mild to wild The change of seasons is a good time to inspect the exterior and interior of your vehicle carefully for any wear and tear that requires attention. Check with your Competition Auto Group Service Department for the recommended service for your particular vehicle. Here are some tips to help you get your car ready for the changing seasons. Detailing Detailing can help protect your vehicle from the salt and sand used during harsh northeast winter weather. Having your car detailed makes it easier to spot any potential problems like chips in the paint, which can lead to rust corrosion problems, before they become expensive to fix. The interior of your vehicle can also benefit from preventative maintenance. Carpets that have ground in dirt and sand should be thoroughly cleaned and vinyl that has been untreated during the hot summer months should be treated to prevent cracking. Brakes & Tires Autumn leaves and winter frost are road hazards that require good stopping power from your brakes and tires. Checking tire pressure (which can drop quickly when the weather cools) and treads to ensure they are fully inflated and free from punctures should be done weekly. Fall is also a good time to rotate your tires (where applicable.) Oil & Filter If the oil is dirty or you’re at your recommended oil change time, change the oil. Fluids Poor performance and/or engine noises usually indicate low fluid levels, which if ignored, can lead to major repairs. Be sure to check your engine oil, anti-freeze and coolant, transmission, brake, and power steering fluids once a week. Many fluids need replacement flushes periodically. Battery Cold weather can wear your battery down. A fully-charged battery is a necessity during the winter. Check your battery connections once a month. Lights & Wipers If your windshield is not clear when using wipers, it’s time to change them. Walk around your car and check headlights, tail lights, parking lights, brake lights, and emergency flashers. Replace them immediately if needed. Defrosters Driving with fogged-up windows is an accident waiting to happen. Check front and rear window defrosters to ensure they are working properly. Stop into one of our Competition Auto Group dealerships to have your vehicle checked out before this season ends and the new season begins! Any of our highly-qualified service departments are sure to help you get your car ready for the upcoming season! Contact us to schedule a service appointment today!

“We’re here to make sure your experience at Competition BMW is relaxed and non-stressful. We will answer all of your questions and try to make your driving experience as fulfilling as possible.” Jorge Urrea-Vallejo | Competition BMW Genius GENIUS. THE ABILITY TO REDUCE THE COMPLICATED TO THE SIMPLE. If you’re not sure how to operate a feature on your BMW or want to expand your knowledge from basic to tech-savvy, Competition BMW Geniuses are available to guide you through the latest engineering improvements and digital innovations. BMW Geniuses are specially trained product experts who can help familiarize you with all aspects of your BMW, before, during and after your purchase. Whether it’s something as simple as how to pair your phone to your vehicle or something more intricate, like getting real-time traffic reports to make your commute a little less stressful, our BMW Genius team can show you how to do it, or do it for you. “We are your first line of communication,” says Jorge Urrea-Vallejo, Competition BMW Genius. When you first meet with a Competition BMW Genius, you will likely be asked about your lifestyle and driving habits. “It’s almost like a needs assessment,” Jorge says. “We want you to relax and enjoy yourself with no sales pressure. Geniuses don’t sell cars, we welcome customers so they have an easy, more fun time in the showroom.” Using the latest IT tools, a Genius can give you a virtual look of the BMW you have in mind, then they can help you visually customize the vehicle and then locate it for you. “We’ll go through the different vehicle models and options to help you find the car that best suits you,” says Jorge. After narrowing down your search, a Competition BMW Genius will recommend that you take a test drive. “Think of us as your co-pilot when you take a test drive,” Jorge says. When you’re ready to take delivery of your new BMW, a Genius will be your point of contact. “We are happy to meet you wherever it’s convenient for you,” Jorge says. Stop into our Competition BMW of Long Island showroom at 599 Middle Country Rd, St James, New York 11780, to speak with one of our incredible BMW Geniuses or to see a model in person, such as the 2019 BMW X7 or the 2019 BMW 3 Series. Whether you're searching for a brand new vehicle or something pre-owned, our extremely skillful team can assist you in finding the car of your dreams! Contact us at 631-265-2208 to learn more about our vehicle specials or speak to a Sales Consultant today!

The mission of the Guide Dog Foundation of Smithtown is simple—to provide guide dogs and training, free of charge, to people who are blind or visually impaired. The training process can take up to two years to complete, but almost half of the dogs don’t make the cut, mainly due to a temperament that’s too high-strung or too calm, or for health reasons like hip problems or poor eyesight. The ones that do graduate and become guide dogs significantly improve the quality of life for people who are blind, have low vision or other special needs. The cost of breeding, raising, training and then pairing them with the right person is over $50,000, but volunteer puppy raisers who have been properly trained, can make a tremendous difference in the outcomes for their puppy student. Every donation raised makes a difference in helping to provide care for the dogs during their training and to advance the foundation’s mission in the local community.  The foundation needs volunteers to answer phones, walk dogs and give tours, and most importantly, they need puppy raisers. “We are grateful for the support we receive from Competition BMW. Funding is vital to continue our mission and comes from individual donors, community fundraising, sponsorships and events that we do, many in partnership with Competition BMW,” says Jaime McGrade, Community Fundraising Events Manager of the Guide Dog Foundation. Puppy raisers take the puppy in at about 8 weeks old. They socialize the puppy, teach basic obedience and care for them until they are about 14 to 18 months old. It’s the job of the puppy raiser to take the puppy with them everywhere they go so they become comfortable in every situation. The more the puppy is socialized, the less training they will need later on. After they are between 14 and 18 months old, they are returned to the organization to begin their certified training program and then are matched with a blind person, creating a team that will give them greater independence and create a bond that makes ordinary moments extraordinary. Often the person paired with the dog is so grateful for the gift, they make sure to keep puppy raisers updated on the positive ways their work has changed their world. If you would like to learn more about volunteering for the foundation, visit GuideDog.org. After stopping at the Guide Dog Foundation in Smithtown, New York, stop into one of our Competition Automotive Group showrooms to see a vehicle in person, like the 2019 BMW X3 if you are interested in purchasing a new Competition BMW model or a 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupe if you are more interested in a Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown model. Contact us to learn more about a specific vehicle or brand, or to speak with a Sales Consultant.

There are plenty of places on Long Island that cater to and welcome canines, including the Competition Auto Group. We’ve compiled a list of dog-friendly destinations that are perfect for you and your pup! According to Nancy Hassel, President and Founder of American Pet Professionals, a Long Island-based organization that unites all pet professions: “Dog 'parents' expect to be able to bring their dogs with them on outings, leashed and well behaved of course! Many local businesses are rolling out the red carpet for pets, and there are experts available to help non-pet businesses become pet-friendly.” AmericanPetProfessionals.com 1. VINEYARDS Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard Bedell Cellars Croteaux Vineyards Duck Walk Vineyards Harmony Vineyards 2. BREWERIES Blue Point Brewing Destination Unknown Beer Co. Great South Bay Brewery Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. 3. RESTAURANTS Applebee’s Bahama Breeze Island Grille Country House eatMOSAIC Johnny Rockets 4. FAST FOOD Bonappetito Pizzeria Ristorante The Clay Oven Roger’s Frigate Shake Shack Sweet ‘n’ Savory 5. HOTELS The Blue Inn at North Fork The Garden City Hotel The Inn at Fox Hollow The Maidstone Oheka Castle 6. PARKS Avalon Park & Preserve Belmont Lake State Park Blydenburgh County Park Camp Hero State Park Cathedral Pines County Park Cedar Point County Park Coindre Hall/West Neck Farm Cow Harbor Park 7. BOATS/FERRIES Blue Crush Charters Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry Hamptons Boat Rental Orient Point Ferry 8. PET EVENTS Barking Brunch at The Refuge LI-Dog Pack Walks DogFest Long Island Dog Cruise on the Capt. Lou LI Ducks Bark in the Park 9. NATIONAL RETAIL STORES Abercrombie & Fitch Ann Taylor Anthropologie Apple Barnes & Noble Bath & Body Works Bebe Bloomingdale’s Costco *Many chain stores and restaurants (including ones on this list) leave it up to the manager to decide whether their individual locations allow dogs or not. The best way to ensure that you can bring your pooch inside is to call ahead and ask. After a long day of shopping or wine-tasting with your furry friend, stop into one of our Competition Automotive Group showrooms to see a model in person such as the 2019 Subaru Ascent or the 2019 INFINITI Q60. Contact us if you have any questions about a vehicle or to schedule your test drive today!

Joe Buzzetta is the founder of the Competition Auto Group, Long Island’s leading family-owned and operated dealership group, which includes Competition BMW of Smithtown, Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, Sprinter, Competition Subaru, Mercedes-Benz of Huntington andCompetition INFINITI. A COMPETITIVE SPIRIT Joe’s spirit of competition comes from a long and successful career of championship sports car racing that began in the 1950s while he was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany,  serving our country in the U.S. Army. His racing career spanned from 1958 to 1969, where he had a very visible presence on racetracks in Europe and the U.S., when professional sports car racing was reaching its zenith. His reputation as a serious, competitive driver led Porsche to offer Joe the coveted position as their first American factory driver. And he delivered, steering Porsche to the pinnacle of race car dominance from 1965 to 1969. The Nürburgring is an extremely demanding track that requires full concentration. After 1,000 kilometers (more than 600 miles) of racing through the twisting track, including 176 turns per lap, Buzzetta gave Porsche their first overall win in more than a decade, all the sweeter because the race was on their home turf. But Buzzetta was not only a championship race car driver; he also proved to be an astute businessman. IN THE BEGINNING: THE BELLA VISTA In 1956, Buzzetta’s father, John, opened Bella Vista, a restaurant in Centerport on the north shore of Long Island. The restaurant was located at the intersection of roads frequented by a burgeoning group of sports car club members who would travel to eastern Long Island for weekend rallies. They began congregating in the parking lot, regaling each other with their auto adventures, and then stayed to enjoy a meal. Joe had recently returned from his stint in the Army and was working at the restaurant as a bartender. Oscar Rubio, a frequent patron at the Bella Vista, was a well-known hot-rod mechanic who owned a repair shop in Smithtown called Competition Engineering. Rubio and Joe became friends and decided to go into business together. Though Joe’s father was upset that his son was leaving the restaurant business, he lent his son the money to finance his dream. THE FIRST DEALERSHIP Joe had a great mind for business and knew that in order to be successful, they needed to sell more than mechanical services, so they began to buy and sell used cars. Joe had a connection with Max Hoff man, a well-known importer, and distributor of luxury European automobiles, who offered Joe an opportunity to open a Porsche/BMW dealership in Smithtown. They also struck a deal with Datsun. In 1970 Mercedes-Benz approached Joe about opening a dealership with the caveat that a new 8,000-square foot building be constructed on Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown. He also had to agree to give up the Porsche dealership in the deal. In the late 80s, Oscar and Joe parted ways, with Joe left to operate the dealerships, which were flourishing As a teenager, Joe Jr. began working at almost every job to learn the automotive business from the ground up, including the parts and service departments. He moved into a sales position at Competition INFINITI, then was promoted to sales manager and then named General Manager at INFINITI. In 2001 Joe left INFINITI to be the General Manager at Competition BMW, where he now oversees both Competition BMW and Competition INFINITI. Joe’s expertise was pivotal in acquiring many of the dealership properties that comprise the Competition Auto Group, which have allowed them to expand and become a dominating force in the Smithtown automobile corridor. Visit one of our Competition Automotive Group showrooms if you are interested in purchasing or leasing a vehicle! Whether you prefer INFINITI, BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Subaru, Competition Auto Group can find the perfect car for you! Contact us to learn more about a specific brand or vehicle, or schedule a test drive today!

A road trip can present its own set of challenges and opportunities, so we did the planning for you! For your safety and peace of mind, make sure your vehicle is in top condition before hitting the road. Always make sure to have the proper tools to change a flat and check your spare tire. We’ve also included some apparel and gear you might need for each adventure, all sourced from Competition Auto Group’s lifestyle boutiques. We suggest dressing in layers on a road trip, no matter the weather. Spare some trunk space for a cooler filled with water and snacks, a blanket and an umbrella, and you’ll be ready for anything! Cutchogue Diner For those who prefer old-school diner fare, the vintage Cutchogue Diner is a community landmark housed inside a retro Kullman Dining Car, ca 1941. 27850 Main Rd. Cutchogue Bedell Cellars Bedell is committed to small batch winemaking, both red and white. Their wines were selected to be served at the 2013 US Presidential Inauguration. 36225 NY 25 Cutchogue North Fork Table & Inn Stop for lunch, or if you’re in a hurry, the North Fork Food Truck serves local and seasonal fare. Mercedes-Benz AMG-GT. 57225 Main Rd. Southold Village of Greenport A bustling waterfront town with lots to see and do. Don’t miss Lido, a unique boutique with one-of-a-kind treasures from around the world. Or, visit WM. J Mills & Co., America’s oldest sailmaker. 132 Main St. Greenport Pindar Vineyards Situated on more than 500 scenic acres, Pindar is Long Island’s largest vineyard and produces 70,000 cases of wine a year. 37645 Main Rd. Peconic Travel In Style Mercedes-Benz Classic Shopper This durable shopper bag is versatile and timelessly fashionable with a large, zippered main compartment, interior pocket and embroidered logo on the front. Made of 100% polyester. $31 Mercedes-Benz Men’s Fleece Mercedes-Benz three-season, full-zip fleece jacket, made of 100% polyester, with Star on the left sleeve, In Black. $13 Mercedes-Benz Quilted Jacket The epitome of both practicality and fashion, this black quilted Mercedes-Benz jacket with subtle purple accents is as warm as it is gorgeous. $219 Feel cozy and fashionable on your next trip! Our Mercedes-Benz Lifestyle Boutique offers everything you'll need to feel snug when you hit the road! If you're already stocked up on our Mercedes-Benz lifestyle merchandise, stop by our Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown showroom at 630 Middle Country Rd, St James, New York 11780 to see a model in person, like the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan or the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV. Contact us at 631-265-2204 to learn more about our vehicle specials or to speak with a Sales Consultant today!