48 Hours On Long Island, New York
Must-See Attractions
While exploring Long Island, you will find everything from historic sites to vineyards and quiet restaurants to museums. Plus, your getaway to Long Island will put you close to everything there is to do in the New York City. Chances are, no matter what you are looking to do during your getaway, you are sure to find something on Long Island. Those looking for a unique experience will want to visit the OHEKA Castle in Huntington, New York. Built back in 1919, the Castle is now a full-service hotel and is home to many weddings and other social gatherings. Not only does this site offer a lot of historic value to the area, it is home to one of the area's finest restaurants. Tours of OHEKA Castle are available, and the grounds of the Castle are open to the public.
Take the train from Long Island MacArthur Airport to the city where you can see everything from atop of the World Trade Center. The train ride will take about one hour to reach the city and trains depart approximately every four hours. While at the World Trade Center, you will be able to see the 9/11 Memorial, explore museums, grab a bite to eat and spend the afternoon shopping.
Those who love a glass of wine will want to stop and experience the variety of wines available at Duck Walk Vineyards. Even those who do not drink wine will enjoy tours of the vineyard and winery. Duck Walk Vineyards covers more than 50 acres of land and features a Normandy-style chateau. It is definitely something you won't want to miss while on Long Island.
Go see the birthplace of the man who wrote famous poems such as "Song of Myself" and "Oh Captain! My Captain!" Walt Whitman was born on Long Island in 1819 and has written many famous works of art that have redefined American literature. While there, you can explore the historic home and grounds. Tours and education programs are also offered through the museum.
You will be able to explore everything from a luxurious mansion to bird exhibits and a planetarium to historical exhibits, or learn about Long Island's past while at the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium. Plus, you will be able to get a glimpse into the luxurious life of the Vanderbilt family.
There are a few different self-guided tours that will help enhance the experience you will have during your 48-hour getaway to Long Island. The Official Guide of Long Island Wine Council will take you to the different vineyards found in the area. Tours at most vineyards are free, but there is a fee for tasting a glass of wine.
Those who enjoy riding a bike and exploring will want to take the self-guided bicycle tours available through East End Bike Tours. These bike tours will take vacationers on hourly, daily or weekend-long self-guided excursions on Long Island. Self-guided tours will include a map of the area and the helmet and bicycle rental. Single and tandem bicycles are available.
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Long Island is home to many places for vacationers to go shopping. While there, you will find everything from luxurious shops to quaint boutiques and galleries to small museum shops. There is such a variety available that everyone is sure to find something they need or want to purchase while visiting the area. Popular places to shop on Long Island include the shops at Stony Brook Village, Americana Manhasset, Walt Whitman Mall, Oyster Bay and the Tanger Outlets in Deer Park or Riverhead.
Places To Stay
There are more than 350 different places to stay while visiting Long Island. Accommodation options include beachfront condos, cottages, hotels and bed and breakfasts. Popular places to stay while visiting Long Island include Swan View Manor, Southampton Long Island Hotel, Inn at Great Neck, Garden City Hotel and Ocean Resort Inn.
While visiting Long Island, you will be able to experience a variety of different cuisine options. Restaurants in the area feature everything from seafood to casual dining and Italian to exquisite desserts. Popular places to eat while visiting Long Island include Bryant Cooper Steakhouse, La Coquille Manhasset, Il Mulino, Grasso and Canterbury Ales Oyster Bar and Grill.
Getting Around
There are many different ways to get around while visiting Long Island. You will find everything from airports to railroads to subways to buses. All of these offer a way for tourists to get to and from Long Island and navigate their way around while they are there. Bus service is provided by Nassau Inter-County Express throughout Nassau County and the Huntington Area Rapid Transit will take visitors throughout the Town of Huntington.
The Long Island Railroad offers transportation to and from various stops on Long Island. Those wanting to travel by water will be able to take ferry boats to Shelter Island, Block Island, Fire Island and Montauk.
Long Island can offer a fun and exciting destination to escape to for 48 hours. You will be able to explore, learn and experience new lifestyles not available anywhere else in the country.