Five Must-See Long Island Attractions

Long Island, NY. The aforementioned island emerges at a point southeast of Manhattan. While it encompasses the NYC boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn and counties of Nassau and Suffolk, the latter are often disassociated as far-off suburbs, and rarely recognized by tourists as a worthwhile place to venture. However, a short trip by car, or on the Long Island Railroad, accessible from Manhattan and Queens, can take a visitor into a world unexpected of typical New York. As the largest island in the contiguous United States, this 118 mile strip of land boasts numerous small private and publicly funded museums, popular nightlife, eateries and cafes, and beautiful beaches.

1. The Nassau County Museum of Art. One Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor, NY, 11576 (516) 484-9337

Located in a Georgian Revival Style Mansion over a century old, the museum boasts 145 acres of wild and formal gardens, over which large scale sculptures dot the landscape, by such artists as Richard Serra, Alexander Calder, and Tom Otterness. Doing a complete museum exhibition change approximately every three months, for two whole weeks the museum closes its doors to surprise returning and new visitors with a complete overhaul. The current exhibition, Norman Rockwell , fills both floors of the museum with hundreds of original paintings, drawings, and vintage magazine covers of the beloved artist, including the popular Four Freedoms poster series and his famous original April Fool's painting (most well known as a cover for the Saturday Evening Post).

The Nassau County Museum of Art offers a small café and gift shop, which welcomes the work of local artists, as well as the Ridder MiniArt Museum for Children, geared at works that engage children's love of art. The MiniArt Museum has on permanent display Astolat Castle, by Elaine Deihl, a nine-foot high 1/12 scale representation of a castle with scale furniture, faux marble, and working lights. The museum has become one of the largest outdoor sculpture gardens on the east coast, as one as the most popular suburban art museum in the country (in terms of attendance).

2. The Cup Coffeehouse. 3268 Railroad Avenue, Wantagh, NY, 11793 (516) 826-9533

Just off Sunrise Highway and across from the Wantagh Train Station, The Cup is easily accessible, and a great place to relax! Upon entering, atmosphere is punctured with cushy, mismatched couches, flowing curtains and funky chairs, and popular with all ages.

This small coffeehouse features a delicious menu of sandwiches and salads and is most well known for their extensive menu of desserts, frozen drinks, coffees and teas. Certain nights of the week are reserved for entertainment, such as open Mic Nights and Psychic Readings. Local fine artists are proudly welcomes and exhibited, their works rotated monthly.

3. The Nautical Mile. Woodcleft Avenue, Freeport, NY, 11520

Without a specific address, this mile-long stretch of street that runs alongside the Woodcleft Canal is unmistakable. Wide brick sidewalks and antique streetlamps provide ample space and lighting for exploring. There is something for everyone here, with seafood restaurants, Irish Pubs, roped-off clubs and bars stretching onto the docks. EB Elliot's and Otto's Sea Grill are two popular spots, or if you're in the mood for Japanese, seek out Bonito Hibachi for a different experience! During the busy season, most stay open into the early morning hours.

Quaint shops and boutiques dot the stretch, enticing passersby for a peek. Parking is plentiful but congested at peak hours; a perfect reason to park at the start and enjoy the promenade walk! In recent years the Mile has become more family-oriented and friendly, opening The Crow's Nest 18-hole Miniature Golf Course and the Sea Breeze Park. The park features four miles of boardwalk, benches, and boat slips, and has become a popular spot to fish and enjoy the view.

4. Americana Manhasset Mall. Northern Boulevard at Searingtown Road, Manhasset, NY, 11030

When it comes to high-end shopping, this Long Island mall can't be beat. This strip of over sixty specialty stores and restaurants features the likes of Coach, Cole Haan, Tiffany and Co. and many more recognizable names. Americana offers special amenities and concierge services, including Personal Shoppers, for your convenience.

An open-air mall, it is a beautiful walk in the breeze from store to store on a warm day, and the surrounding mall lot makes parking easy and convenient. Stop for lunch at Cipollini's, where the butternut squash ravioli is hand-made to perfection. Open until 6 P.M. every day except for Thursday (8 P.M.), so come early!

5. Fire Island.

If you're looking for a road trip, Fire Island is a beautiful expanse of land and beach. Not actually an island, it is connected to Long Island via the Robert Moses Beach, which are connected via beach and boardwalk. Cars are not allowed on the island for non-residents, so if the long walk makes you uneasy, a ferry is available from Bayshore, Long Island, to various points.

With few year-round residents and the lack of cars, this island is a unique summer getaway. In a positive sense, this has caused Fire Island to refrain from much of the commercialism surrounding mainland beach towns. For example, there is NO restaurant located there with a dress code! Whether you prefer Flynn's in Ocean Bay Park, or Tequila Jack's in Robin's Rest, you are welcomed just as you are! While there are an extensive number of home rentals available monthly and weekly, the hotel and bed and breakfast accommodations are limited. Due to the location, many hotels, restaurants and bars are open only seasonal, so be sure to book early and check. Every location is near the beach!

www.fireisland.com
www.americanamanhasset.com
www.thenauticalmile.us
www.thecupcoffeehouse.com
www.nassaumuseum.com