I was born and raised on Long Island so when I was invited by Macaroni Kid National to join dozens of other Macaroni Kid publishers from around the country on a press trip hosted by Discover Long Island a couple of weeks ago, I was naturally very excited to go and eager to re-discover and share my love for Long Island with each of you!
While I already had intimate knowledge of some of the places we visited I was curious to return to some of these places years later to see what, if anything, had changed. I moved off of Long Island in 2004 so whenever I return to visit friends and family I certainly notice some physical changes like expanded roadways or new businesses that have opened. However for the most part, things are pretty much in tact, and some places, even feel frozen in time. And that held true for this visit as well.
When I travel to Long Island (as I did for this press trip), I always travel via the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry. I used to work at Danfords Inn & Marina, the large hotel adjacent to the ferry dock in Port Jefferson. Every single time I pull in via ferry, the familiar sights, sounds and smells transport me back in time to when I was a teenager, waiting tables by the water and hanging out "down port" with my friends. I was traveling for work this visit and had no time to visit friends although that didn't stop me from texting them once I stepped ashore to say hello and promise that I'd catch them on my next voyage across the sound.
The press trip was centered in and around Stony Brook Village, nestled on Long Island's north shore in Suffolk County, about a 15-minute drive west of Port Jefferson. I was running a bit late, however had I had more time I would have first taken a stroll through Port Jefferson as it is by far, one of my favorite places on Long Island. Like Stony Brook, it too has its own history and a number of shops, restaurants and tourist attractions all conveniently located within walking distance from the ferry. Port Jefferson is a wonderful day-trip idea if you ever want to get away for the day or an afternoon. You can even park your car in Bridgeport and walk on the ferry (instead of driving your car), spend the day in Port Jeff and then hop on the ferry to come back home to Connecticut. I've done that countless times over the years to meet up with friends both with andwithout my kids.
So after a quick drive through Port Jefferson I met up at the Stony Brook Village Shops with about a dozen or so other Macaroni Kid publishers from all over the country who signed up for the same press trip (many other publishers visited other areas of Long Island before we all gathered together in Montauk for our Annual Publisher Meet-Up Conference the next day).
The Stony Brook Village Shops is home to about 35 independent shop owners including both national chains and smaller, mom and pop businesses. I had discovered that some of the shops had changed hand since my last visit several years ago, but many are still there such as some of my favorite places like The Three Village Inn and The Country House.
Three of my favorite places I had the chance to visit on this press trip were:
The name says it all. Beer, wine and cheese lovers will unite and celebrate all that is brew and cheese at this cozy little shop. Free daily tastings and samplings of their gourmet cheeses from around the globe and micro-brewed craft beers!
Step inside and you will not be able to resist the sweet scent of hand-crafted Belgian chocolates. From simple yet decadent truffles to elaborate creative pieces of chocolate art, there’s something for every chocolate lover in your family.
I think this was my favorite. I had always dreamed of opening my own tea house and after visiting Robinson’s I certainly left with plenty of inspiration should I decide to do it one day. The atmosphere for high tea was cozy and quaint. I especially enjoyed the wide selection of teas. The Coconut Macaroon was the perfect pairing with the three-tiered plates filled with delicious scones, finger sandwiches and low-sugar desserts. In addition to high tea they offer light breakfast, full lunch, light dinner plus private parties including kids’ birthday parties complete with craft activities and a chocolate fountain. Worth a visit!
There are several other fun shops to explore…browse them all here!
Nearby Historical Sites (photos above in carousel)
Down the street from the shops is a historic Stony Brook Grist Mill. Built in 1751, the working Grist Mill is open from May through October on weekends from noon to 4:30pm for visitors. While I remember visiting the mill as a child, I was surprised to realize that I had never been on a tour. It was very interesting to learn the process of how grain was ground into flour and I thoroughly enjoyed walking the simple, yet beautiful grounds to capture photos that, had they been taken back in 1751 would probably have conveyed similar emotion. This site is well worth the $2 adult/$1 child admission. If you visit, be sure to stop in the charming country store to bring home a memento.
Not far from the Grist Mill, is Avalon Park & Preserve. Nature-lovers of all ages will enjoy exploring acres and acres of easy-to-walk trails, huge oak trees, wildflower meadow and even a beautiful labyrinth. The park was created by its founder, in memory of his son back in the late 1990’s. At the entrance to the park is a large duck pond, which I remember visiting as a child, teen and young adult. I was brought back to my youth when we were hiking and crossed over Rhododendron Road. This road gets its name from the bushes that grow all alongside it. I remember driving 20 minutes from my hometown just to drive the Rhododendron Road loop to see it in full bloom (June/July). I will definitely be planning a trip to Avalon with my kids when we visit Long Island next summer to share that memory with them!
In leaving the shops, I reflected on the inherent beauty of the village and how it is surrounded by unique historical sites just steps away from breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound. Had I closed my eyes, reversed time by a couple of decades and opened them, the view would be the same. I love this area of Long Island and as I walked down Harbor Road I couldn’t help but imagine how fun it would be to bring my kids to discover it for themselves and for me to re-discover and experience it with them. I mean, does this sunset get any more beautiful?
If you want to hear and learn more about visiting Long Island, search hashtags #MKdiscoversLI and #MKMeetup on social media to read reviews from other Macaroni Kid publishers.
In addition, you can visit www.stonybrookvillage.com and www.discoverlongisland.com.
Disclosure: Publisher received complimentary accommodations for one night as well as several meals and activities to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received and all opinions are her own.
