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

Cold Spring Harbor

There's definitely too much to say about Cold Spring Harbor in a single blog post, but we'll do our best to give you an overview. Having mainly been a port town (well, hamlet really) in the mid-nineteenth century, Cold Spring Harbor became a tourist location after the whaling economy began to dwindle around 1860. Located on Long Island's North Shore, Cold Spring Harbor was originally named for the natural spring that still flows there. And, if you like to hit the bottle (the water bottle that is), you can fill your empties with the stuff. We can't promise any fountain of youth or anything (honestly we really don't even know for sure if the water is clean), but c'mon, a natural spring right here on Long Island, that's cool, don't you think? 

We've also heard that, at one time, Cold Spring Harbor had several hotels. Today it seems the Swan View Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn is the only one. The size and style of each room varies - we've had a tour. If you will be staying here, you should visit first. Since the hotel is convenient to Northport, Huntington and Laurel Hollow, it could be a good place to book for guests attending a local wedding in these nearby towns. 

More recently, Cold Spring Harbor has become known because of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory - the place where THE noble laureate JAMES WATSON was director! If you're unfamiliar with Cold Spring Harbor Labs, we suggest you check out their website and visit them for a tour. The details may be found at their site.

Cold Spring Harbor is also home to the Dolan DNA Learning Center, the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum and the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium so there are some big lessons to be learned in this tiny little town! But, if you're too cool for school, you may choose to hike, dine or shop instead.

You can take a hike in Cold Spring Harbor State Park. The entrance, with its steep, hilly steps, is reminiscent of the Dipsea Trail in Mill Valley, California. Home to great horned owls, red-tailed hawks and other interesting birds, this park is a nice place for birders. The park is also the start of the northern trailhead of the Nassau/Suffolk Greenbelt Trail, which extends for 19.2 miles to end on the South Shore of Long Island. That's right, you can walk from the North to South Shore (you would definitely need more than a day for this)! 

If you'd rather chill instead of trek, spend a few hours on Main Street where you'll find interesting shops and restaurants. 

Gourmet Goddess (which also happens to be one of our favorite places in Cold Spring Harbor) is worth visiting for the decoration alone. The store sells very unique adult and kid's clothing as well as specialty sweets. 

In terms of restaurants, Trattoria Grasso has a small, but nice bar and live jazz in the evenings. The oysters, drinks and desserts are good (we like them better than the meals). 105 Harbor is a little pricy, but the view of the harbor makes a seafood meal worth it if you're sitting in front of the window. 

And, for those of you who live in the area (or just really love libraries), Cold Spring Harbor Library is the nicest one on Long Island (we're not fooling around).  Sporting a huge reading room, a lovely fireplace and rows of windows, this library makes you feel like you're in the reading room of a Long Island Gold Coast mansion (nothing wrong with pretending). Curl up with a book and stop every so often to take in the beautiful views of the water.

Milling Around in Stony Brook

Located in beautiful Stony Brook, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Grist Mill is the perfect place to spend the day with family or friends. Having functioned as a community center in the 19th century, and used into the 1940's by farmers, the mill was a place where people would meet and share news while they waited for the miller to grind their grain. In 1947, Ward Melville owned the mill and later deeded it to the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, which oversees the area today. The mill is open to the public from April through December and tours are conducted on the weekends. 

Directly across the street from the mill is the pond. Many ducks and swans nest in Mill Pond and children love to watch them swim. At the right time of year, ducks can also be seen with their newborns. 

The path around the eleven-mile pond provides several peaceful resting spots and is a great place to take a leisurely walk to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.

When you're done with your walk and you've worked up an appetite, you can choose to eat at one of the area's many restaurants or head down the road to the historic Three Village Inn. This historic inn has twenty-six rooms and serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Contact the hotel to make reservation at 631-751-0555.

With wonderful views of the water, the Three Village Inn is also a nice place to plan a romantic weekend getaway. You may decide to walk around the town, fly fish on your own, or take a boat ride around the 88 acre wetland area while listening to a naturalist from Stony Brook University discuss the wildlife you'll see. No matter what you decide to do, Grist Mill and the surrounding area is a great place to be.

PARK LOCATION:

100 Harbor Road

Stony Brook, NY 11790

631-689-3238

Keep an Eye on the Tiger in Port Jefferson

It's time for another weekend break from the big NYC and we all know you need it bad this week! Work was so stressful you don't even feel like going to the Hamptons. Guess what - you don't have to! How about trying something a little bit different for a change? Here's an idea - Port Jefferson. 

Located on Long Island's North Shore and named after Thomas Jefferson, this village was once a small ship building community and whaling port. Easy to get to by train (the LIRR stops at Port Jefferson Station and you can catch a taxi to town) or car (if you're finally taking that scenic ride along 25A East), Port Jefferson today is a unique place with interesting shops, a variety of restaurants and a lively harbor. 

Have a drink on the outdoor dock at Danford's Hotel and Marina, enjoy the waterfront and watch the ferry to Bridgeport, Connecticut come and go. If you don't feel like heading home the same day, plan ahead to stay at Danford's for the night. Be sure to reserve in advance - it's a popular place for events such as weddings.

Given it's proximity to the water, Port Jefferson has many seafood restaurants with outdoor seating, but there are also a variety of other menus including the one at Tiger Lily, which happens to have some great vegetarian food. Vegetarians (including vegans) - trust us - this is definitely a happy place for you! 

Don't let the fun and funky atmosphere at Tiger Lily fool you (although we definitely like it that way), the food here is seriously good. The Falafel with the Works is a definite fave, and a deal at $7.95. Also try one of the many salads, soups, juices and smoothies. Relax non-vegetarians, there's plenty of food for you here too!

Oh, and don't forget to keep your eye on Tiger Lily for the opening of their outdoor lounge/coffee house every Friday and Saturday night between 7 and 10pm.

RESTAURANT LOCATION:

156 East Main Street

Port Jefferson, NY 11777

631-476-7080

tigerlilycafe.com

Clam Up

Open April through October, in the town of Centerport, this Cape Cod style clam shack is the perfect place to stop for a break from your scenic drive along 25A or after a long day of kayaking in Northport or Centerport Harbor. Owned and operated by locals, the atmosphere is fun and casual, making  you feel almost as if you're on vacation. Whether you're in the mood for mussels or chili, a burger or salad, you'll find it at The Shack. But, if you like fried food (and let's face it- who doesn't), you definitely want to order the fried clams and French fries!

RESTAURANT LOCATION:

1 Stony Hollow Road

Centerport, NY 11721

631-754-8989

theshack.org

 

Martin Viette

MARTIN VIETTE HAS CLOSED PERMANENTLY, BUT, IN ITS PLACE HERITAGE FARM OPENED.  IT IS DEFINITELY WORTH A VISIT TO SEE THIS NEW NURSERY AT THE SAME LOCATION.

Located off of 25A, in Long Island's Gold Coast area of East Norwich, Martin Viette Nurseries sits on 42 acres of land and is home to some of the most beautiful flowering plants, trees, shrubs and garden accents we've seen. Whether you're an avid gardener or you just enjoy looking at beautiful flowers, Martin Viette should be at the top of your list of things to see when you come to Long Island's North Shore.

This full-service, award-winning garden center is open year-round. In the spring and summer the place is bursting with colorful and unique flowers and trees as well as interesting garden fountains, furniture and pottery. During the winter, from mid-September through December, the store opens a Christmas Shop. 

No matter what time of year you come, or what kind of plant or accent you need, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you find it. And, since Mother's Day is around the corner, this seems like the perfect place to find the perfect gift.

NURSERY LOCATION:

6050 Northern Blvd./25A

East Norwich, NY 11732

516-922-5530

martinviette.com