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Six things to do in Stony Brook

Written by Lon Cohen  |  10. October 2019

Stony Brook Hospital and Stony Brook University dominate in most peoples’ minds when they think of this hamlet but it is so much more. You’ll want to come back again to enjoy it all. Below are six things to do when you’re in Stony Brook.

 

Avalon Park & Preserve

 

An 8-acre park and 76-acre preserve with winding paths that lead to beautiful grass and flower meadows, through wooded trails, duck ponds, and sculptural artwork integrated into the environment. According to their website, hikers can observe massive oaks and American beech, black birch, red maple, and hickories, dogwoods, sassafras, spice bush and re-sprouting American chestnut. The diverse understory includes many species of ferns and wildflowers, native to the area and typifying Long Island’s woodland heritage. The preserve also provides habitat for numerous woodland animals such as rabbits, squirrels, red fox, box turtles, and many bird species. There are wood-decked paths and natural trails. Leashed dogs are welcome.

 

Long Island Museum

 

A complex of museums and grounds that celebrate history and art on Long Island and beyond. The carriage museum has an expansive collection of historic vehicles that tell the story of transportation before the automobile. According to its website the Long Island Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate, dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults and children with an understanding of Long Island's rich history and diverse cultures. On the grounds are crochet-bombed trees. Also visit the one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop and store.

 

Stony Brook Village Center

 

An historic commercial center of New England-style shops and restaurants. The website explains that the center was the brainchild of Ward Melville and is recognized as the first planned business center in the United States.There is a sweeping village green and the structure forms a crescent shaped design. A mechanical eagle on the Post Office pediment flaps its wings every hour on the hour from 8am  to 8pm daily. There are a lot of quaint shops in the center. A particular standout is Robinson’s Tea Room. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner and serve British High Tea daily. You’ll definitely want to enjoy a scone with your tea. If tea isn’t your thing, stop by Crazy Beans or Fratelli’s Italian Eatery.

 

The Jazz Loft

 

Museum featuring exhibits, jazz performances and educational programs. It is said this performance space has set the bar for jazz on Long Island with more than a hundred performances a year including many grammy-award winning artists. Advancing the Jazz Loft’s mission of preservation is 6,000 square-feet of exhibition space featuring original jazz memorabilia spanning 100 years celebrating not only the music, but art and photography as well throughout their many galleries open to the public. Stop by to see music history and catch a great show.

 

Staller Center

 

Located in the center of Stony Brook University campus, the Staller Center offers live performances and entertainment of all types, including movies, and dance, music, and theatrical performances. Check their calendar for all of the upcoming world-class events.

 

The Stony Brook Grist Mill

 

A working mill, the Stony Brook Grist Mill, is listed on the National and New York State Register of Historic Places. Open to the public for guided tours with the miller on Saturdays and Sundays, 12pm – 4:30pm, April through mid-October. When built, the mill is said to have been the center of community life where people exchanged news and gossip as they waited for the miller to grind their grain. It had been in commercial operation as late as the 1950s.

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