Suffolk County Points of Interest

Written by Long Island | 25. June 2011

Points of Interest: Suffolk County New York

Western Suffolk County

Amityville

Lauder Museum
170 Broadway
631-598-1486
The Lauder Museum features farming and historical artifacts of early Amityville, Massapequa, and Copiague.
Bellport

Bellport Outlet Center
10 Farber Drive
631-286-3872
Go shopping at over 50 outlet stores. The center is less than 50 miles from New York City and a convenient stop on your way to the Hamptons.
Centerport

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
180 Little Neck Road
631-854-5550
When you visit The Vanderbilt Museum you'll enjoy its Mansion, Marine Museum, 43-acre landscaped Park grounds and the Planetarium, which features a 60-foot, domed theater. Open year round.
Cold Spring Harbor
Whaling Museum
Main St., on Rte. 25A in Cold Spring Harbor
631-367-3418
http://www.cshwhalingmuseum.org
The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum displays objects relevant to whaling, whale conservation, and the history of whaling on Long Island. There are both permanent and changing exhibits including a 19th century whaleboat, painting, scrimshaw, and models.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish and Hatchery Aquarium
1660 Route 25A
631-692-6768
http://cshfha.org
Cold Spring Harbor Fish and Hatchery Aquarium displays many species of freshwater fish, aquatic reptiles, and amphibians native to New York. The outdoor ponds, habitat exhibits, Hatch House, Main Aquarium, and Fairchild Exhibit Building can be explored year round.
East Islip
Islip Art Museum
50 Irish Lane (Brookwood Hall)
631-224-5402
http://www.islipartmuseum.org
There are many changing exhibits and permanent works of art at the Islip Art Museum. Most of the art on display is by Long Island and New York City artists. The museum is open year round. Admission by donation.
Farmingdale
Adventureland
2245 Broadhollow Rd. (Rte. 110)
631-694-6868
http://www.adventureland.us
Adventureland is one of the largest amusement parks in the New York metro area. There are children's rides as well as a roller coaster, pirate ship, and other carnival type rides and games to be enjoyed. The park is open April - Easter on weekends and May - September daily.
Farmingville
631-854-4949
Suffolk County Vietnam Veteran's Memorial
At the Bald Hill Scenic Overlook on Patchogue-Mt. Sinai Road Visit this memorial to both those gave their lives and those who were survivors of Vietnam.
Holtsville
Holtsville Park and Ecology Center
249 Buckley Rd.
631-758-9664
The Holtsville Park is open daily from Dawn till Dusk. Children will enjoy the Zoo and three pools located there. Open year round, 7 days a week.
Huntington
Heckscher Museum of Art
2 Prime Ave
631-351-3250
http://www.heckscher.org
View over 1,300 European and American paintings, sculpture, and other works of art from the Renaissance to the present. There are changing exhibits every 4 to 6 weeks.

Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site and Interpretive Center
246 Old Walt Whitman Road, West Hills, NY 11746
631-427-5240
http://www.waltwhitman.org
Great American poet Walt Whitman's birthplace in Huntington Station, Long Island has been designated as a Historic Site by the state of New York. Learn about the author of the famous collection of poems, "Leaves of Grass", and his life on Long Island as you tour the museum and his birthplace.

Huntington Historical Society Museums
209 Main Street
631-427-7045
http://www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org/
Tour The David Conklin Farm House, the 18th century home of the Conklin family (visited by George Washington in 1790) and The Daniel W. Kissam House, built in 1795. Also open to the public is The 1905 Huntington Sewing and Trade School. One of America's first vocational schools, it is now the Library Resource Center and Archives (open to the public) and an office for the Huntington Historical Society.

Huntington Militia Arsenal
425 Park Ave.
631-351-3244
View militia equipment on display in the original 1740 arsenal and see the life of the common soldier during the Revolution as today's Militia gives demonstrations.
Oakdale
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
Montauk Hwy., Oakdale
631-581-1002
www.bayardcuttingarboretum.com
Established in 1887 by William Bayard Cutting, this preserve covers almost 700 acres of land! Take nature walks on the grounds and view beautiful flower displays. Visit the mansion to tour the museum, which contains displays of stuffed birds, Indian artifacts, and more.
Port Jefferson
Village of Port Jefferson - Shore Front Area
631-473-4724
www.portjeff.com
Features shops, boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores.
St. James

Suffolk County Parks & Recreation - St James General Store

Sayville
Sayville Historical Society
39 Edwards Street
631-563-0186
Old Edward's Homestead has been restored to its 1785 condition and includes exhibits of photographs, quilts, whale oil and gas lamps, and other local history artifacts. The General Store continues to sell old-fashioned merchandise.
Smithtown
The Caleb Smith House
Rte. 25A, Smithtown Historical Society
631-265-6768
Administered by the Smithtown Historical Society, The Caleb Smith House functions as a museum and as the Society's headquarters. This Federal-style house originally stood on Jericho Turnpike in Commack built by Caleb Smith II in 1819) and was moved to North Country Road in 1955.
Stony Brook
The Museums at Stony Brook
1200 Route 25A
631-751-0066
http://www.longislandmuseum.org/
The museums open year round at Stony Brook include The Margaret Melville Blackwell History Museum, The Dorothy and Ward Melville Carriage House, The Art Museum (with the works of William Sydney Mount on display), and The Museums Historic Buildings and Grounds. Programs for adults, families and children are held at The Museums year round.

Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences
State University of New York at Stony Brook, Earth and Space Sciences Building
631-632-8230
Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences at Stony Brook University
The Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences provides science education programs to the public through lectures, seminars, exhibits, films, publications, and special projects. Open year round, admission is free.
West Sayville
Long Island Maritime Museum
86 West Ave.
631-HISTORY (447-8679)
http://www.limaritime.org/
Open year round, the Long Island Maritime Museum includes changing boating and marine exhibits as well as a local small craft collection and 19th century oystering vessel and restoration workshops.

Eastern Suffolk County

Calverton
Peconic River Herb Farm
2749 River Rd.
631-369-0058
http://www.prherbfarm.com
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Peconic River Herb Farm strives to educate the public about growing plants as a crop and keeping the land of Long Island beautiful. The farm also features garden demonstrations and classes as well as herbs and herbal products.
East Hampton
Guild Hall of East Hampton
158 Main St.
631-324-0806
http://www.guildhall.org
Guild Hall is a fine art museum, a professional theater, and a community education center that features lectures, art exhibitions, films, and special events year round.

Home Sweet Home Museum
14 James Lane
631-324-0713
Built as the home of poet and playwright John Howard Payne in 1680, the home now serves as a museum open to the public April-November. The museum features special exhibits, windmills, 18th century china, herb gardens, and more!
Eastport
Shrine of Our Lady of The Island
258 Eastport Manor Rd.
631-325-0661
http://www.montfortmissionaries.com/olisland.phtml
Constructed in 1972 by the Monfort Missionaries, the 18-foot granite statue of Our Lady and Child rests on a large boulder overlooking the Great South Bay. Also on the 65 acres where the shrine is located are 150 juniper bushes representing the rosary. Pilgrims from near and far come to the Shrine to pray.
Greenport
Shore Front Area
The Greenport shore front area features many historic points of interest, quaint shops and restaurants, as well as a scenic view of the harbor.
Montauk
Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum
2000 Montauk Highway
631-668-2544
http://www.montauklighthouse.com
Built in 1796, Montauk Point Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in New York State. The museum is located in the former keeper's home (there is also a gift shop on the premises). For a small fee, climb the 137 spiral steps to the top of the tower.
Riverhead
East End Arts Council
133 East Main Street
631-727-0900
http://www.eastendarts.org
The East End Arts Council facility is contained in two historical residences, known as the Benjamin and Corwin homes. The Arts Council programs include year-round gallery exhibitions, and the presentation of professional performances including dance, children's theatre, and
concerts/music festivals.

Hallockville Museum Farm
6038 Sound Avenue
631-298-5292
http://www.hallockville.com
This 1765 home captures the essence of traditional Long Island farming and life. The barn features 19th century farm equipment and the farmer's workshop. Open year round.

Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation
469 East Main Street
631-369-9840
http://www.riverheadfoundation.org
Atlantis Marine world is one of the largest aquariums in New York State. New in 2000, the aquarium features over 80 exhibits including "The Lost City of Atlantis". Located there is The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, which runs a program to rescue and help the Long Island's sea creatures as well as activities for public enjoyment such as, cruises and walks.

Suffolk Historical Society Museum
300 West Main Street
631-727-2881
http://www.suffolkcountyhistoricalsociety.org/museum.html
Learn all about Suffolk County's history and view Indian artifacts, crafts, furniture, whaling, fine arts, and more. Open year round.

Tanger Outlet Center
Tanger Drive at Long Island Expressway Exit 73
631-369-2732
http://www.tangeroutlet.com
Go shopping at 200 authentic brand name outlet stores with no sales tax on clothes or shoes!

Sag Harbor
First Presbyterian Church
Old Whalers' Church, 44 Union St.
631-725-0894
Built and organized in 1766, the church has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Whaling Museum
200 Main Street
631-725-0770
http://www.sagharborwhalingmuseum.org
The Whaling Museum is located in an mansion established in 1845 and has many historic items on display including a boat collection, ship models, whaling towns and artifacts, oil paintings, and more.
Shelter Island
Shore Front Area
Go shopping at the boutiques and old-fashioned general store. Dering Harbor, within Shelter Island, offers a scenic shoreline drive.
http://www.shelter-island.org

Mashomack Nature Preserve
Route 114
631-749-1001
http://www.shelter-island.org/mashomack.html
The Preserve covers nearly 2,100 acres and is home to many species of plants and animals including several rarities. Activities include group
tours and nature walks. You can also visit the gift shop and visitor's center for souvenirs and information.

Haven's House
16 South Ferry Road (Route 114)
631-749-0025
A local museum/historic site. The Haven's family home since 1743, has also served as a general store and town meeting hall.
Southampton
The Parrish Art Museum
25 Jobs Lane
631-283-2118
http://www.parrishart.org
Features changing exhibits as well as an impressive permanent collection. The museum runs a lively schedule of exhibitions, lectures, films, concerts, and art classes.
Southold
Custer Institute
1115 Main Bayview Rd.
631-765-2626
http://www.custerobservatory.org/
Custer Institute is a public observatory that sponsors programs on various astronomical and science topics. Saturday evenings the observatory
telescopes are open for the public to look through (weather permitting).

Indian Museum
1080 Main Bayview Rd.
631-765-5577
http://www.southoldindianmuseum.org
The Indian Museum is open year round and includes a large collection of Native American artifacts. There is a small suggested donation for adults and children.