By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com
Ironically, it is high gas prices rather than concern for COVID-19 that may well encourage Long Islanders and city dwellers to unleash their pent-up demand to travel, to discover the treasures close to home. Discover Long Island, is obliging by highlighting the many car-free, walkable, appealing destinations across Long Island – easily accessible by the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and other mass-transit, or within a couple of gallons of gas away. The official tourism marketing organization for the region unveiled 10 top picks for tire-less travel experiences that should be on everyone’s 2022 bucket list – from the famous car-free beach haven Fire Island to a fairy-tale colonial village with an intriguing past, to biking amid Gilded Age splendor. Long Island’s car-free destinations are featured on www.DiscoverLongIsland.com/LIRR – a one-stop-shop for tire-less travel information.
The campaign aims to inspire an expected tidal wave of visitors to explore the wide range of attractions across Long Island – Manhattan’s easily accessible beachfront backyard – encouraging locals and out-of-towners alike to take advantage of these affordable travel opportunities without the worry of car-rental shortages or skyrocketing gas prices and discover hidden gems, open space oases, and iconic landmarks, right off an LIRR stop.
“The LIRR serves as a crucial transportation artery for Long Island and remains key to our economy and recovering tourism industry – underscored by our nation’s growing gas crisis. Thanks to the LIRR and a network of ferries filled with nostalgia, no car is needed to have a bucket-list Long Island getaway featuring an award-winning wine country, historic waterfront downtowns and much more,” said Kristen Jarnagin Reynolds, President & CEO of Discover Long Island. “We’re seeing a hunger for new experiences and no hassle travel and Long Island provides ideal opportunities for both. Visitors and locals alike can seamlessly explore the many wonders and hidden gems right outside New York City that will make you feel a world away.”
As part of their longstanding partnership, the MTA is cross-promoting Discover Long Island’s car-free experiences and working with the tourism organization to develop and promote Long Island getaway packages. (See MTA’s current deals on daytrip destinations, outdoor activities and events at https://away.mta.info/deals)
The campaign also highlights Long Island hoteliers that offer their guests free shuttle services to ensure a seamless transportation experience, as featured in the MTA Away article 8 Carefree (and Car-Free) Overnight Escapes on Long Island.
For access to exclusive deals at the small businesses and attractions throughout the downtown communities showcased – including Fire Island, Long Beach, Huntington, Port Washington, Greenport, and Riverhead – download the Discover Long Island’s free Downtown Deals Travel Pass.
Suggested destinations include:
Fire Island: A World-Famous Car-Free Haven: The barrier island of Fire Island sits just off the coast of Long Island’s southern shoreline and is accessible only by ferry, which visitors can catch with a quick shuttle from the Sayville or Patchogue LIRR stop. You get around by foot, bike, wagon and golf cart at this car-free beach haven. The 32-mile long island is known for its pristine beaches, a relaxing ambiance, vibrant restaurants and nightlife and for being one of the world’s most popular LGBTQ+ destinations. Fire Island consists of 17 resort communities including private homes and overnight accommodations. Climb 182 steps to the top of the historic Fire Island Lighthouse, take a guided canoe tour through the Salt Marsh, enjoy public marinas for boating and fishing, camp at Watch Hill, or spend the day at one of the lifeguarded beaches. Find unique gifts and keepsakes at Hanalei and Kula’s boutique in Ocean Beach. Be sure to stop by CJ’s, home of the rocket fuel for a sip of Fire Island’s famed specialty drink.
Gold Coast: Bring a Bike for a Gilded Age Excursion: Long Island’s historic Gold Coast is home to stunning grand estates set against pristine gardens and shimmering coastlines. Tour the mansions of the Roaring Twenties where industry tycoons (including the Vanderbilts and Guggenheims) reigned supreme and served as the inspiration behind The Great Gatsby. Stay overnight at the luxurious Oheka Castle, often serving as a set for major Hollywood productions. Take the LIRR to Port Washington, Oyster Bay, and Port Jefferson to easily access eight Long Island estates for a Gilded Age experience, some of which include Sands Point Preserve, Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, Planting Fields, Old Westbury Gardens and more. Some locations require a short walk, bike ride (bring yours on the train), or rideshare from the station. (Details at https://away.mta.info/articles/8-stunning-gold-coast-estates-for-a-gilded-age-escape/
Experience the Seaside Charm of Port Jefferson: Throughout this walkable village right off the LIRR, the salty sea breeze fills boutiques, wine glasses chime from open-air bistros and the marina sunset greets families as they stroll by Ralph’s ice cream parlor. Stay overnight at Danford’s Hotel & Marina – the nautical New England style retreat has waterfront views of the Long Island Sound and dockside dinning. Take a photo with Long Island’s angel wings, build a wooden boat at the Bayles Boat Shop or take a serene walk at the McAllister Park Pirate’s Cove. Diverse dining options include traditional East Coast eats at PJ’s Lobster House, SaGhar for Indian cuisine with a Western twist, Prohibition Kitchen for a New American menu in a trendy atmosphere. Don’t miss Roots Kava Bar for a custom tea blend and ancient rituals.
Discover New England Style Stony Brook Village: The Epicenter of the Culper Spy Ring: Be transported back in time as you walk from the LIRR station to Stony Brook Village, a waterfront shopping district in a colonial New England setting complete with white clapboard buildings. Fun fact: Stony Brook was the epicenter of The Culper Spy Ring during the American Revolution, made famous by AMC’s hit drama TURN. President George Washington traveled to the area in 1790 by horse-drawn carriage to thank Long Island supporters and the spy ring for their help in winning the war. Stay overnight at the historic Three Village Inn built in 1907 which has six cottages named after Revolutionary War spies that overlook the harbor. Tour the Stony Brook Grist Mill used by farmers throughout the 18th – 20th centuries. Grab a kayak from Stony Brook Harbor Kayak and Paddle Board rentals for a water tour of the historic mills. For a hands-on activity, Stony Brook Chocolate offers workshops for customers to make seasonal artisanal chocolate creations. Check out the The Jazz Loft for some after dinner entertainment. To explore what’s beyond the village car-free, Stony Brookside Bed & Bike Inn offers complimentary bikes to guests.
Explore the ‘City by the Sea’: Long Beach: With mile after mile of inviting sands, Long Beach certainly lives up to its name. This barrier island community is just 45-minutes from midtown Manhattan. Long Beach is an upbeat coastal retreat with LGBTQ+ pride, a vibrant surfing community, regular beach volleyball, free summer concerts, food trucks, and fishing piers. This bustling beach town is best known for its iconic 4.5-mile boardwalk rebuilt after Superstorm Sandy in 2012, which is once again teeming with quirky shops and classic eateries, cyclists and runners. Head to Skudin’ Surf School & Shop for surf lessons, board rentals, and cool gear, snap a photo in front of the Instagrammable Long Beach Osprey Wings. Don’t worry about toting heavy beach gear either, Beach Comfort will deliver rental equipment right on the beach. Stay overnight at the Allegria Hotel, a chic boutique delivering a dose of Miami style that boasts a rooftop pool with breathtaking views of the Atlantic as well as the NYC skyline.
Port Washington: Easily Accessible by Train or Boat: Step off the LIRR platform into a historic, waterfront destination where history, luxury and serenity intertwine. Reserve a party yacht with Long Island Boat Rentals; take a private tour of Long Island’s North Shore and iconic Manhattan landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. Stop by the Port Salt Cave for a little R&R before heading to a live performance at Landmark on Main Street Theatre. The intimate six-room boutique hotel, Fathoms Hotel & Marina, is conveniently located at the end of the Main Street strip.
Explore Huntington Village, a microcosm of Manhattan: The area where British troops camped following the Battle of Long Island during the American Revolutionary War is today one of the most popular cultural meccas on Long Island. Named by USA Today as one of the best places to view fall foliage, Huntington also boasts a chic downtown with harbor front dining at Prime, local brews from Six Harbor Brewing Co., live entertainment at the nationally acclaimed venue The Paramount, and cultural exhibitions inside the Heckscher Museum of Art which showcases more than 2,500 pieces of American and European artwork dating back to 1534. Revive Health Studio is the place to go for boutique skincare and holistic services like TuneBed sessions or Red-Light Therapy. The Hilton Inn & Suites Downtown Huntington opening this spring is located directly on Main St. and walking distance from beloved attractions.
Head to Riverhead for Family Fun & Local Brews: This bustling downtown not far from the North Fork wine region, is walking distance from the Riverhead LIRR station. Visitors will find family-friendly activities, watersports, craft brewery experiences, and attractions to fascinate history buffs. Stop by the Long Island Aquarium for hands-on learning about local and world marine life. The fully operational distillery Montauk Distilling Co. is just one of nearly a dozen breweries located on the Riverhead Ale Trail where visitors can take tours, enjoy tasting rooms, and shop for locally made products. The Hotel Indigo East End provides guests with free shuttle services, on-site dinner & drinks, as well as posh rooms and décor.
Greenport – Named by Forbes as One of the 11 Prettiest Towns in America: Located at the tip of Long Island’s North Fork and right off the last stop of the LIRR’s Greenport Branch, is the walkable harbor front village of Greenport, an adorable historic district and marina filled with live music, charming, vintage boutiques, and restaurants with outdoor terraces. Its close proximity to Long Island Wine Country and farmland makes Greenport a visitor favorite. Grab a lobster roll at Claudio’s, a staple of Long Island summers and relax with a fresh brew at Greenport Harbor Brewing housed in the town’s original firehouse before a walk around Mitchell Park, where kids can take a spin on a 100-year-old carousel (there’s also ice skating in the park in winter) or learn about the rich maritime heritage of Long Island’s East End at the East End Seaport Museum. Chic boutique hotel, The Menhaden, offers complimentary bicycles and shuttle services for its guests with its exclusive Moke (arrange for rides in the Moke in advance through the hotel’s concierge).
Experience the Nautical Mile then Head to the World-Famous Jones Beach: Take the train to Freeport and hop on the N.I.C.E Bus to the Nautical Mile. The combination of restaurants and workboats, open-air bars and fish markets, live music and foghorns on the Nautical Mile provides a blend of nautical charm and street fair revelry. Take the N.I.C.E Bus to the Jones Beach Boardwalk from the Freeport LIRR stop – one of NY State’s greatest escapes. In addition to swimming, surfing, sunbathing, mini golf, fishing piers and more, the boardwalk provides access to WildPlay Adventure Park where visitors can test their limits. Catch a live A-list performance in the region’s only outdoor amphitheater, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater.
Bike riders can enjoy the Ellen Ferrant Memorial Bikeway, a multi-use path that runs from Cedar Creek County Park to Jones Beach State Park along the Wantagh State Parkway and then connects to the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway which goes to Captree State Park.
Other favorite bike rides: the Bethpage State Park bikeway (which has been extended north) and goes south primarily along the Bethpage State Parkway to Merrick Road. Bethpage State Park – https://parks.ny.gov/parks/108/details.aspx
And heads up! A brand new, North-Shore Rail Trail is expected to open in May in Suffolk.The 10-mile bike path is built atop a former Long Island Railroad right-of-way between Cyrstal Brook Hollow Road in Mount Sinai to Wading River Manor Road in Wading River, and generally run parallel Route 25A. The trail will connect local recreational areas, schools, businesses, residential areas and athletic fields. It will provide a safer alternative for residents to walk, run and bike. The project will be a green transportation alternative that will reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and encourage healthier lifestyles. The trail’s close proximity to many locally-owned businesses along NYS Rt. 25A will enhance the local economy and promote the ecotourism hub that includes the Tesla Science Museum, New York State RCA Park and downtown revitalization of Rocky Point.
(See more bike trails and routes at Bike Long Island, http://www.bikelongisland.com/where-to-ride-maps)
The campaign includes robust promotion of attractions and destinations accessible by mass transit across Discover Long Island’s 10 prolific social media accounts, consumer newsletters, Insider’s Blog, and The Long Island Tea podcast.
To learn more, call 631-951-3900 or visit www.DiscoverLongIsland.com.
Adventure Park at Long Island Announces 2022 “Glow in the Park” Schedule
Wheatley Heights, NY – The Adventure Park at Long Island, the area’s largest zipline and climbing adventure experience, has released tickets for its 2022 season of “Glow in the Park,” with the first event on Saturday April 2, 2022 from 6 to 10pm.
The 14 trails at The Adventure Park consist of various challenges in the trees, including bridges, tightropes, ladders, and 34 ziplines. Participants wear harnesses with clips that connect to the trail’s safety system, ensuring that they are always locked on to the course until they reach the end. The main trails are designed for ages 7 to adult, and an Adventure Playground provides a low-to-the-ground adventure experience for little climbers ages 3-6.
During the popular Glow in the Park events, guests zipline and climb to high energy music and colorful glowing lights, which have been upgraded for this season. Every Glow in the Park event has a different music theme, from 70s, 80s and 90s to Country, Top 40 and Movie Themes.
“Guests of all ages enjoy visiting the Park during these special nights,” added Park Manager, Phil Insalaco. “The forest is magically lit up with different color lights, and it is a whole different experience than climbing during the day.”
Tickets for Glow in the Park, and all the Park’s activities, are available on the Park’s website, myAdventurePark.com/LIAP. Participants may choose day or evening timeslots.
Non-climbing participants are admitted free of charge to share the experience on the ground and enjoy the property’s nature trails, picnic tables and community firepit.
For a 2022 schedule, https://myadventurepark.com/location/wheatley-heights-ny/hours-calendar/.
The Adventure Park at Long Island is located on the Henry Kaufmann Campground on Long Island (75 Colonial Springs Road, East Gate in Wheatley Heights NY). Guests are encouraged to book ahead on the Park’s website or by calling 631-610-9500. For further details and updates, visit myAdventurePark.com/LIAP, or 631-983-3844.
Photo: One of the prettiest soft white sand beaches in the world is reachable by mass transit from Manhattan or with less than a gallon of gas by car for Long Islanders, at Jones Beach State Park, one of many car-free, walkable, bikeable destinations on Long Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
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