If you are looking for a break from reality, there is no place better place that visiting Long Island, I had the opportunity to travel to Central Long Island, New York and I have to say, I was really impressed. I had an amazing time #DiscoverLongIsland during my visit.
Friday
It is always great to connect with other publishers and have some "Macaroni Mom Time". Earlier this month, we traveled from different parts of the country, meeting at the amazing, Hilton Long Island/Huntington in Melville, NY. The 305 over-sized rooms and suites provided the ideal retreat in a relaxed, comfortable setting. The heated indoor pool and hot tub allows you to relax any time of the year.
Saturday
After a great night in the Hilton Long Island /Huntington, we were treated like royalty beginning with our limo ride provided by Trans-star Executive: Long Island Limousine Service. Our driver what so accommodating by being such a dear and snapping a picture of us before we left the hotel. He was such a rock star driver that I wanted to take a quick picture with him before we left. It didn't hurt that we shared a champagne toast on the way to our walking tour.
We arrived at The Ward Melville Heritage Organization in Stony Brook Village Center for a Walking Tour & Interactive Events. We had the pleasure of viewing the 5th Annual Lego Building Block Contest & Exhibit. It was great to see all the Lego displays that were created by kids of all ages. The detail of some of the displays was so cool. The room was filled with displays from every skill level and children ranging in age starting with 6 year olds. The imagination and detail that the competitors used to create such intricate display is mind-blowing. We were in awe of all the hard work and attention to detail in every exhibit. It was something to see and we were totally blown away by the hard work of the contestants.
After touring several shops in Stony Brook Village, we headed over to the Stony Brook Grist Mill & Museum. As Long Island’s most completely equipped working mill, Stony Brook Grist Mill & Museum is listed on the National and New York State Register of Historic Places. A vineyard was planted on the island in the Mill Pond in the 1800s. Catawba grapes were pressed and fermented in the Stony Brook Grist Mill, bottled in Brooklyn and sold at a nearby tavern. The mill was the center of city life in earlier times. The Story Brook Grist Mill was the gathering place for locals waiting for the miller to grind their grain, it was the place to get the local gossip. Alois Kopriva, who emigrated from Poland, in the 19th Century, played the violin and entertained his guests with gypsy music. Kopriva was also an advocate for women’s right to vote. As recently as the 1950s, farmers still brought their wheat and corn to be ground at the mill. Miller Schaefer ground natural wheat at the mill and shipped his “health food” to customers in 42 states. The Stony Brook Grist Mill is open to the public for guided tours with a miller on Saturdays and Sundays, 12pm – 4:30pm, April through mid-October. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children.
We visited Brew Cheese and sampled the most outstanding beer and cheese parings. The menu is filled with an extensive assortment of cheesy culinary concoctions that cater to every cheese lovers liking. From cheeseboard spreads to specialty grilled cheeses you will not only find a cheese that suits you, but be amazed by the balance of flavors of beer and wine that enhance the experience.
We headed off to explore Avalon Park & Preserve. The entrance to the park is located across from the Stony Brook Grist Mill on Harbor Road. Cross street is Main Street, Stony Brook. Avalon is a re-creation of the natural environment that greeted the first indigenous people to settle New York State. Its five distinct natural habitats populated entirely by native flora hold the story of our past, and quite possibly, the seeds of our future. Cielo, the Spanish word for ‘sky,’ can also mean “heaven” or “paradise.” Alicia Framis’ Cartas al Cielo is a participatory sculpture that serves as a vessel of communication with those who have no earthbound address. Park visitors are encouraged to send missives to those with no earthly address via this poetic postbox. With Cartas al Cielo, Alicia Framis reminds us that the act of gazing skyward is often a contemplative action, one which can be filled with hope, longing, or distraction. Postcard are provide and can be slipped into the slot on Cartas al Cielo. Video Credit: Jack Trama
My favorite part of the walking tour was visiting the Robinson's Tea Club for a High Tea Dinner. We enjoyed the British tradition of High Tea with a quaint atmosphere and delicious scones, finger sandwiches and delicious desserts not to mention the most amazing tea. As a tea lover, I was ecstatic to hear about the history of Robinson's Tea Room. The owner had recently purchased the business and was very passionate about remaining true to her roots as she is from England. We also had the opportunity to enjoy a chocolate fountain as a special treat which added a little something extra to the experience. I would definitely recommend that you stop by Robinson's Tea Room if you ever visit Stony Brook Village Center. We ended the night with a nice cool drink.
Sunday
Bright and early we headed over to the Long Island Maritime Museum for a tour.Located on the historic West Sayville waterfront the Long Island Maritime Museum founded in 1966. Once part of the Meadow Edge Estate, the museum grounds was home to Mr. and Mrs. Anson Hard, is now comprised of fourteen acres and nine historic buildings. Charged with the mission of preserving Long Island’s maritime history and heritage for educational purposes, the Museum has been welcoming visitors from all over the world for over 40 years. Visitors can take a look at the industry and the families who made it work, as well as what happened to it and the aquaculture in the Great South Bay today, inside one of the National Historic Landmarks, the Rudolph Oyster House. The exhibits show how weather, chance, and human error conspired to make the waters around Long Island a “valley of ship wrecks”.
If you are looking for a great trip for your family, visiting Long Island should definitely be on your list of options. It has so many wonderful options to keep you busy during your stay whether it is visiting the local shops in Stony Brook Village or touring the historic Stony Brook Grist Mill & Museum, Brew Cheese or Avalon Park & Preserve. You definitely won't be disappointed.
Disclosure: Discover Long Island hosted Macaroni Kid for a 2 day press trip. Accommodations and most meals and activities were complimentary. No other compensation was received in consideration of this article and all opinions are my own.
