Long Island, NY

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We feel so lucky when our travels take us to visit relatives. Two recent long island road trips (and photos from last year's Memorial Day Weekend trip when the Vermonters were with us) were no exception. The northshore, characterized "The Gold Coast" by Nelson DeMille in a novel of the same name, is really golden. Great little towns, harbors, beaches, independent restaurants and shops and, it's Vivian's home.



Getting to Long Island, we mostly use the NYS Thruway, the Throgs Neck Bridge, the LIE and the Northern Turnpike; however, we have crossed back and forth to Port Jefferson from Bridgeport, CT via a ferry boat, and once even took the Orient Point Ferry to New London. On the Ferry to New London, we passed by another Nelson DeMille landmark "Plum Island." Who knows what goes on there. Said to be secret government research!

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Photos

Kayaking in Northport Harbor
Really love renting double kayaks - Wes does much of the paddling while I shoot pictures.

A Boat Named Lady Vivian
So co-incidental! This cruiser is docked at Britannia Marina in Northport. This facility is open to the public - we rented kayaks, bought flip flops, and had lunch here at The Whale's Tale which specilizes in a fresh & local menu. The marina is less than a mile from TT&V's home.

Northport Yacht Club
Three private Yacht Clubs, with tons of boats on moorings in the harbor, grace the scene along with many beautiful waterfront homes. So nice to see a community from the perspective of the water.

Lobster Boat, Northport Harbor
These fishermen were loading lobster pots from the dock at the base of Main Street, Northport. Very picturesque, New England looking village.

Dusk Northport Town Dock
The gazebo at the end of the Northport public dock is quite an icon. Great place to relax and watch the boaters go by while waiting for the sunset.

Copenhagen Bakery, Northport
Wes loves the Danish and other pastries baked here!

Eagles Nest, Vanderbilt Mansion, Centerport
This is on our "to do" list. There is a mansion tour, planetarium, and marine museum. It was only open for school groups the day we dropped by.

Sagamore Hill
This photo is from the web site.

Great Porch, Sagamore Hill, Oyster Bay
This is where Teddy Roosevelt raised his family - we had the best National Park Service docent for our tour.

Copper Beach, Sagamore Hill
Most of the trees were planted by TR. He didn't plant trees on the great lawn in order to preserve the view all the way to Oyster Bay.

The Shipwreck, Bayville
We had a great lunch on the patio. Wonderful huge salt water aquariums inside the tavern. This restaurant is right across the street from the public beach. We got there for the aftermath of a storm - workers were shoveling sand off the patio with snow shovels - it had blown from the beach, across a huge parking lot, across a broad street, and into the courtyard.

All of us at the beach, Northport
This is a town beach with a restaurant, great playground and other amenities.

Community Fair, Memorial Weekend
This annual event benefits the YMCA of Huntington.

Port Jefferson
This is a great little harbor town. The ferry goes to and from Bridgeport, CT. Saves a little time and the one hour ride was especially fun as the family (2 boys) from Vermont were with us.

Comments

[Mark and Jean]

Belmont
Since your down that way, are you going to the Belmont tomorrow?

[Silver Back Cuda]

Belmont
No Belmont for us - we got home from LI and have tons to do right here! Are you and Jean going?

[Jill]

LI Girl
Once in a while I miss LI, like when I see photos like this! ( ;

[Mark and Jean]

Belmont
Yes, I just finished handicapping the 13 race card and am headed for "Ticketmaker" at drf.com to finalize my wagering strategy. Of course it will probably rain and ruin my plans.

[Nancy]

Beautiful!
Love these shots! Looks like a great weekend!