Long Island Scenic Drives
An Island Getaway
It’s time to celebrate! To indulge, pamper and rediscover yourself in the most colorful season of all. What better place to begin your getaway than in the heart of Long Island, near the birthplace of Walt Whitman who wrote the inspiring, “Song of Myself”. Consider an early morning appointment at Spa Adriana in Huntington where the Mayan-influenced architecture and replicas of Mayan art help to provide a peaceful atmosphere.
Feeling revitalized makes shopping that much more fun, right? Hop in the car and turn up the tunes while you wind your way along the shore up Hwy. 25A to the village of Stony Brook, which is stocked full of favorite shops.
No doubt shopping works up an appetite, so head to local favorite Brook House Restaurant (631/751-4617) for a late lunch. Save room for steaming fresh apple pie and famous ice cream. You can walk it off later when you head back to Hwy. 25 to the town of Cutchogue, where the autumn wonderland at Wickham’s Fruit Farm awaits. Acres of gorgeous produce, shelves of gourmet goods, country home favors and mouth-watering aromas have lured travelers for years. Hop on a hay ride and share stories of childhood haunts and autumn adventures.
Cheers! Late afternoon in Long Island’s wine country calls for a tasting. Compare your preferences at any one of several award-winning wineries like Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead or Castello di Borghese and Peconic Bay Winery right in Cutchogue. Don’t worry about driving, book your own “private B & B wing” right in Cutchogue at Vintage Bed & Breakfast, surrounded by fall splendor on three wooded acres. After a full day of bargains, relaxation and delicious fare, you’ll ease right into the hammocks, hanging under a rooftop of stars, before turning in for the night.
Rise and shine with a full gourmet breakfast! Take a quick hike on the grounds or work out in the lower level exercise room. ‘Rejuvenation’ is the word of the day, so first stop is just up Hwy 25 in the village of Greenport, where you can browse in the quaint shops and gather gifts and ideas. You’re right at Hwy. 114, so head to the ferry bound for Shelter Island and beyond all the way to Sag Harbor, another shoppers’ paradise. Feeling nostalgic for the sea’s history? Stop in the Whaling & Historical Museum (631/725-0770). Head further down Rte. 114 to East Hampton for an intimate glimpse into the life of legendary artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. The house and museum are set near the water, revealing much of the island’s lure to generations of artists.
After absorbing the multi-hued display, let your eyes continue their feast with a drive along Hwy. 27, further up the shore. Stroll the grounds of the Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge (631/286-0485), 35 acres of virtually untouched seashore where fall offers the best opportunity to spot several rare migratory birds. Continue your drive northward through Napeague and Hither Hills State Parks all the way to the tip of the Island. Sharing the view from Montauk Point with a close friend puts a special stamp on a friendship. Few places evoke the mystery, strength and timelessness of the Montauk Lighthouse. Let your imaginations play as you climb the steps then scan the horizon in search of pirate ships, castaways, mermaids and other secrets of the sea.
Hwy. 27 will take you all the way back down the island so you can coast while catching up. Stop for a late lunch at Southampton Publick House, where you can satisfy your craving for more signature comfort food and hot Autumn Apple Pie. And if you just can’t seem to let the trip come to an end, nearly every exit leads to another state park, wildlife preserve, sunny beach or welcoming spot for you and your friends to share!