Old Secret in Kings Park

What may be an old secret to some (and you can tell by looking at many of the folks here that they've kept it for a long time), is very new to us! This place is real gem, and it's also a little tricky to find so pay attention.

Located in Kings Park, there is an area along the Nissequogue River that will make you feel like you've been transported to a small resort beach. The water is clean and the terrain is diverse. Rocky with patches of grass in some spots and sandy with clear blue water in others, the river is the perfect place for explorers, swimmers, fishermen, sun lovers, boaters or kayakers (although you'll have to launch your kayak from the nearby ramp at Nissequogue River State Park if you're not from the Town of Smithtown). There is a town parking lot immediately upon entering the beach. There is also state parking a little further up the hill (you'll see it on your left when you enter the beach parking area). If you are not a resident, you can park your car there.

To get to this spot, take 25A east. Pass the entrance to Sunken Meadow on your right and keep going. Turn left at Old Dock Road until it ends.

When you arrive at the end of Old Dock Road, you'll see Short Beach across the River and the charming Old Dock Inn to your right. Here you can enjoy lunch, dinner or drinks while sitting inside, in front of one of the picture windows that highlight the beautiful view. 

The luncheon specials at Old Dock Inn are reasonably priced (ranging from $10.95 for a very large seafood stuffed Portabella Mushroom appetizer to $16.95 for a Cold Lobster Plate). The selections on the menu mainly contain seafood, but there are also burgers if you're not big on fish. The food is okay, but spending the day by the river is definitely the main reason to come here, and when you do, we're sure you'll discover why this is one of the best kept secrets on Long Island.

RESTAURANT LOCATION:

798 Old Dock Road

Kings Park, NY 11754

631-269-4118

olddockinn.net

Long Island Daycation

With high gas prices and limited time, daycations seem to be all the rage these days. If you're planning one, we've got a suggestion. Start your day in Centerport with lunch at the Mill Pond House, which is located just off of Route 25A. Call in advance to make a reservation to sit outside, overlooking the pond. All of the outdoor seating (and even the indoor window seating) is lovely, but there is a spot that we think is the best in the house. A small deck area, with about two tables, is located on the second floor. If you can get a seat there, you'll feel like you have the restaurant, and the view, all to yourself. Since the larger table seats at least four, and the smaller seats two, you'll most likely need to have the appropriate number of people in your party to reserve one, or both, spots. If not, you'll still have a great time eating on the patio downstairs or having a drink at the tiki bar.

For lunch we recommend ordering off the Lunch Menu (although you can also order from the Sushi or Raw Bar menu). When you order from the Lunch Menu, you'll get a complete meal for $18.95. The Crabcake Sandwich is good (we prefer it without the bread, which is a bit larger than the cake) and the Apple Crumb dessert with ice cream is a nice way to end the meal. 

Don't worry about being rushed. The staff gives you plenty of time to sit, eat a leisurely meal and enjoy the view. While the food isn't bad, it's the view you'll enjoy most. 

Speaking of views, the area is filled with interesting little beaches and sites. When you've relaxed enough at the Mill Pond, we suggest you explore by taking a ride to one of the local beaches in Asharoken. Take Asharoken Avenue until it turns into Eaton's Neck Road, then follow the signs near the end of the road for the beach. This is one of our favorite beaches because it is somewhat secluded and there is ample parking. For non-residents, the parking fee is $15.00. 

When you're ready to leave the beach, exit to your right, make another quick right into the cul-de-sac. Look for the interesting sculptures on the beach. 

When you've completed your tour (because unfortunately all good vacations must come to an end), follow the cul-de-sac out to Eaton's Neck Road and back to Asharoken Avenue. You will eventually find your way back to 25A where you can head east or west to get back home. 

RESTAURANT LOCATION:

437 East Main Street

Centerport, NY 11721

631-261-7663

millpondrestaurant.com

Breaking the Waves

Escape the heat wave by cooling down at Robert Moses State Park. Swim, surf or fish in the approximately 5 miles of ocean beach, or take a nap on the soft sand while listening to the breaking waves - one of our favorite things to do! 

Once you're done swimming and napping, head over to the Fire Island Lighthouse to explore a little bit of the western part of Fire Island National Seashore (yes this is one of the only parts of Fire Island you can get to without taking a ferry). Park in Field 5 at Robert Moses State Park and follow the scenic boardwalk, which will lead you directly to the lighthouse.

We're sure you'll enjoy having fun in the sun, but there's one bit of advice we suggest you take: Arrive and leave early to avoid the return traffic on the causeway.  The park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. The entrance fee is $8.00 unless you have a New York State Parks Pass ($59.00 for the year).

See you at the beach!

PARK LOCATION:

Robert Moses Causeway (exit 40)

Box 247

Babylon, NY  11702

631-669-0470

A Walk in the Park

Whether you like to run, bike, walk, swim, fish or golf, you can do it in Sunken Meadow State Park. Located in the town of Smithtown, on the North Shore of Long Island, this is a great place to bring the family for a nice day outdoors. 

It is said that Sunken Meadow has one of the most difficult cross-country routes in the state of New York! If you are not big on running, take a walk on the park board walk or on the park's six miles of hiking trails. As you walk or run also be sure to enjoy the views of the lush trees and the Long Island Sound.

Not a walker or runner? Play a game of golf instead. Featuring 27 holes (play 9 or 18), the course rates range from $15.00 for nine holes on a weekday to $29.00 for 18 holes on the weekend. 

More of a swimmer? Jump into the Long Island Sound to enjoy the park's three miles of beach.

We're sure that whatever activity you decide upon, you'll enjoy your day at Sunken Meadow.

PARK LOCATION:

Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway

Kings Park, NY 11754

631-269-5351

  

Row Your Boat

If you like to kayak, there are many great kayaking spots on Long Island. Depending upon the route (and your mood), the trip can be a couple of hours or an entire day. Today we're going to tell you about an approximately two-hour scenic trip. Keep in mind it could be longer if the current is strong or you can't resist stopping at a secluded beach area to enjoy the wildlife, lay out in the sun or swim.

Begin at Gold Star Battalion Beach in Huntington. If you haven't got a green pass or town sticker, you'll need to pay. We think the fee is between $5.00 and $10.00, but contact the beach at 631-261-7574. Goldstar is a great starting point because there is plenty of room to unload the kayak and park the car in the fairly large lot. 

Once in the water, paddle north, toward the channel. Take a quick break at the mouth of the channel to check out the ruins of the old lighthouse (you'll also see the newer lighthouse across the harbor). Staying on the west side of the shore, continue north and pass the interesting homes along the way. Also be sure to look for the osprey nest at the top of the channel marker. If you're there on the right day, you also may see a World War II plane flying overhead.  In the water, check out the horseshoe crabs, waterfowl and jellyfish. The scenery is beautiful and can be distracting so also be mindful of the rocks on this side of the channel. They're fairly obvious, especially when the tide is low, but it's important to be aware of them, particularly if the current is strong.

Head past the rocks to approach the more open water of the Long Island Sound. While staying along the west side of the shore, continue north and eventually come to Target Rock's half-mile rocky beach. Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge is an 80-acre park containing several ponds and an oak-hickory forest. A variety of songbirds, ducks, fish, reptiles and mammals call this area home. The piping plover forages here and an occasional harbor seal may be seen at the right time of year (between January and the end of April).

When you're ready to head back to Goldstar Battalion Beach, you may decide to paddle around the renovated Huntington Lighthouse before heading into the channel. If you're too tired, you can always come back again. Boat tours of the lighthouse are provided by the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society, the non-profit group that restored the lighthouse. 

 

Sailor's Haven

Located along Fire Island's National Seashore, Sailor's Haven is a definite fav.  Unless you want to walk across the Great South Bay, or unless you have access to a private boat, the best way to get there is by taking the Fire Island Ferry from Sayville, Long Island.  

Do yourself a favor and hop on the earliest ferry so you can have the beach all to yourselves for a couple of hours.  We don't want to hear any complaining from any of you sleepy heads out there.  Trust us, you will thank us for this tip!

After you've spent some quality time on the Sailor's Haven Beach, head over to the Sunken Forest. Take the one and a half mile long boardwalk trail through the forest. Then head over to the snack bar to refuel.  If you're really feeling adventurous, head back to the beach and walk to Cherry Grove for a bite.  There are lots of places to eat there, and Cherry Grove is a fun place.

See you at the beach!

You can find schedules at www.pagelinx.com/sayvferry/sf.shtml.