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

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.