Cristina & Andrew
Things To Do
Oheka Castle
Looking for a Gatsby feel? Go check out Oheka Castle - you can take a tour of this Gold Coast mansion so long as you make a reservation in advance! A century ago, financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn built OHEKA CASTLE in the middle of a 443-acre plot on the highest point on Long Island in Cold Spring Harbor for an estimated cost of $11 million ($158 million in today’s currency). At the time of its construction, the French-style chateau was—and still is today—the second-largest private residence ever built in America. During the Gilded Age of the 1920s, Kahn used the 109,000-square-foot, 127-room estate as a summer home where he hosted lavish parties and regularly entertained royalty, heads of state, and Hollywood stars. There is also a restaurant in the Castle where you can make reservations to dine for lunch or dinner!
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
All of Cristina's field trips as a child were here, but it was never any less magical (especially the planetarium!). It is definitely a must-see! William K. Vanderbilt II's will provided for donation of his property to the county, with provision that the mansion and grounds be used for a museum for his marine, natural history, and ethnographic collections; the natural history institution was established during 1950. Developing a museum that interprets Vanderbilt's life, times, and collections, the county constructed a planetarium on the grounds during 1970. Vanderbilt's enclave was constructed in three installments. The first project was the building of a 24-room Spanish revival mansion designed by famed New York architecture firm Warren and Wetmore, one of two firms responsible for designing and constructing New York's Grand Central Terminal, another product of the Vanderbilt family execution. The duration of the three stages lasted from 1910 to 1936.
Huntington Village
Check out the village where Cristina and her friends spent most of their weekend nights during their teenage years. You could see a concert at the Paramount if you have time, get a "Cold Slice" at Little Vincent's Pizzeria, or just walk around and find a multitude of great Restaurants. Some of Cristina's favorites are Besito's, Honu, Meehan's of Huntington, Sapsuckers, and Prime (a steakhouse), and Bistro Cassis! *Please note, as of 2021, Book Revue has, sadly, now closed for good.
Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury Gardens, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the former home of John S. Phipps, his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps and their four children. Completed in 1906 by the English designer, George A. Crawley, the magnificent Charles II-style mansion is nestled amid 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes. Westbury House is furnished with fine English antiques and decorative arts from the more than fifty years of the family's residence. Tickets need to be purchased in advance if you want to visit!
Jones Beach State Park
Perhaps New York's most famous beach - and where most Long Islander's spend their summers. Make sure you go to Field 4 or 6 - if it's beach season, the other beach fields are more expensive, as they are generally for Town Residents only!
Sagamore Hill (Theodore Roosevelt's 'Summer White House')
Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt's time in office, his "Summer White House" was the focus of international attention. Explore 83 acres of natural surroundings and historic buildings and become inspired by the legacy of one of America's most popular presidents.
TWA Hotel
Andy and Cristina took their engagement photos here. In 1994, the TWA terminal became a New York City landmark, and it reopened as a 60's themed hotel and given new life. They have two bars, a restaurant, and you can even go enjoy a drink in "Connie", a restored Lockheed airplane. If you'd like to travel back to the 60's for dinner, this is the place to do it!
Sand City Brewing
Andy and I love to go here and try their beers when we're visiting my family. They have two taprooms - one in Northport Village near the water, and their newer one in Lindenhurst! Fun Fact: One of Cristina's high school teachers is one of the owners!
Long Island Farm Brewery
Cristina and Andy found this place while they were just driving around one day! The beer is good but please note - they don't do flights, only full pours!
Necromantic Brew Co
New York State's First (and so far, only) completely Gluten Free Brewery. If anyone has any Gluten Free dietary needs, supposedly the beer is so good, you can't tell it's gluten-free!
South Shore Craft Brewery
Andy and Cristina found this brewery while going to see her Aunt and Uncle....and ended up taking them for their first brewery experience here too!
The Brewers Collective
Andy and Cristina went here once and Andy immediately loved most of the beers he tried here. They like to experiment with their beers, so check them out!
Del Vino Vineyards
Not really in the mood for beer? Check out Del Vino Vineyards - their small plates are delicious and the wine is good - especially their wine slushie on a a nice warm sunny day!
Montauk Point
If you feel like taking a long drive, head out to Montauk, the easternmost tip of Long Island (often referred to as 'The End"). It is known for its beaches, and for its historic Montauk Point Lighthouse.
Steve's Piccola Bussola III
My absolute FAVORITE Italian Restaurant. Be warned though - portions are huge! You can also have a family style dinner, or have everyone order a la carte. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended.
Umberto's of New Hyde Park - Wantagh
If you came to New York, and didn't get a slice, did you really come to New York? Regardless, the pizza is excellent (Cristina's favorite is Margherita, Andy really loves their Grandma). Generally, you can get in without a reservation, but you may be waiting a bit. They also have a portion of the restaurant where you can order "to go" and eat there.
Swell Taco
Please note - the restaurant entrance is in the parking lot - not on the main street. No reservations required.
Salted. On The Harbor
SALTED is a cute little restaurant right in Northport Village. After dinner, it's a nice place to walk around and enjoy the harbor - there's even places to get ice cream, and a brewery (Sand City Brewing - their Northport Location) within walking distance!
Popei's Clam Bar
All seafood! It's a little divey - but the seafood is excellent!!!
Greco BBQ
This place looks delicious although Cristina and Andy haven't had a chance to try it yet. Garden City is also a really nice place to walk around - and you can even check out the Garden City Hotel!
The North Fork
Check out some of the wineries on Long Island's North Fork if you've got a whole day to spend winery hopping!
Motion Craft Brewed
Want a place to decompress after church? Come hang out here and relax before catching the bus back at the hotel!