New York City: 8 Great Ways To Sightsee by Boat

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Pioneer sunset cruise (photo: SoStSeaportMuseum)

Here’s a sampling of some boat rides with terrific views that will help you experience the city in a whole new light, along with some fantastic sightings of Lady Liberty!

FREE (& ALMOST FREE) BOAT RIDES WITH GREAT VIEWS

Staten Island Ferry
Whitehall Ferry Terminal, 4 South St.; www.siferry.com; Free, year-round

(photo: Staten Island Ferry)

Think of this pleasant 25-minute ride as a mini-cruise with some of the world’s best views--the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor and lower Manhattan. On Staten Island, get out and explore all the wonderful sights such as the Alice Austen House Museum (www.aliceausten.org) showcasing photography in a lovely setting, the Tibetan Museum (www.tibetanmuseum.org), and the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Garden (www.Snug-Harbor.org).

Governors Island Ferry
Battery Maritime Building, 10 South St.; www.govisland.com
Open Daily, year-round; Ferry: Free, Sat & Sun before noon. Otherwise, $5, except seniors, kids, military

Gov Island (photo: J.Carnegie)

This 7-minute ferry ride whisks you from Manhattan (& Brooklyn on the weekends) to a little bit of nature with spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan. After 200 years as a military base, Governors Island is now a lovely public park. The former barracks, for the US Army and Coast Guard, make it look a bit austere, but all the new recreational features are fun to discover and, almost every weekend, there are entertaining activities, concerts, and events. 

NYC Ferry
https://www.ferry.nyc

(photo: NYC Ferry)

For just the price of a subway ride ($2.90) you can travel on the East River between Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx--even to Rockaway beach & soon to Coney Island. Get off and explore the offerings at specific stops or just stay on and enjoy the ride. From the 17th to the 19th century, ferries traversed the city's waterways but, as bridges and tunnels were built, the ferries were fazed out. Now, they're back in full-force and a thrill to ride. The major hubs in Manhattan are at East 34th Street and Pier 11 near Wall Street & the So St Seaport.

FREE BOAT RIDES, PLUS EXERCISE

These kayaking and rowing options are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, but you need to reserve them in advance, so sign up early. (You also must know how to swim.)
Kayaking on the Hudson

The Downtown Boathouse; downtownboathouse.org; May-Oct; Free, Weekends & Weekday Evenings (Pier 26, North Moore St. & Pier 101 on Governors Island, currently closed due to pier repair) 
On the weekends & week nights, The Downtown Boathouse offers free kayaking on the scenic Hudson River. The equipment—boats, paddles, life jackets—and instructions are free. Wear shorts or a swimsuit.
Kayaking in Brooklyn: Pier 2, Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse

(photo: Downtown Boathouse)

June-Sept; Free, Sat & Sun, afternoons; Wed & Thurs evenings.

Row Your Boat – Manhattan
Village Community Boathouse, Pier 40, Hudson River Park, at W. Houston St.; www.villagecommunityboathouse.org
April-Nov; Free, every Sunday at noon & Wednesdays, 5:30pm
The Village Community Boathouse offers free, group rowing sessions. The aim is to provide safe, public access to the city’s fantastic waterways and to introduce people, especially kids, to the joys of rowing and boatbuilding. 

NOT FREE BUT STILL WORTH IT BOAT RIDES
In addition to interesting exhibitions, the South Street Seaport Museum offers wonderful boat rides:
W.O. Decker - Tugboat
South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St; Pier 16; May - Oct; Sat & Sun; Fee, Boat ride + Museum Admission 

(photo: SoStSeaportMuseum)

We think of tugboats as the "worker bees" of the waterways. This one (refit with a diesel engine) was built in 1930 when steam tugs were a common sight in New York Harbor. Today, enjoy a bit of history on a truly-enjoyable, 75-minute ride on the W.O. Decker, the last-surviving, New York-built, wooden tugboat. Delight in stunning views of the lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

(photo: SoStSeaportMuseum)

Pioneer - Schooner Sail
South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St; Pier 16; May - Oct; Sat-Sun Daytime Sail & Wed-Sat Sunset Sail; Fee, Boat ride with/or without Museum Admission (2-hour cruises) Enjoy an afternoon or sunset sail on this historic vessel, first launched in 1885. Bring a picnic lunch or dinner and revel in the sights of New York Harbor.

There are lots of ways to enjoy the great outdoors right in New York City!

Top 10 Reasons To Visit Park City, Utah All Year Long

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Park City in the Wasatch Mountain Range (photo: Ashley Olson)

Park City, Utah is known for some of the best ski and snowboarding resorts, but there’s a range of fantastic activities all year long. In spring, summer & fall, there’s hiking, biking, golf, great music & festivals, Olympic experiences, and top-notch restaurants & bars. Plan a visit to this inviting location in ski season and all-year round:

1. Check Out the Coolest Town - Park City 

Silly Market, Main Street (photo: Park City Chamber)

A former silver-mining town, Park City was incorporated in 1884 and has preserved its old-time charm. This quaint, little town is worth exploring with its historic houses and more than 150 bars, restaurants, and cute shops. Stroll along Main Street to discover its traditional charm and modern offerings. Then, stop for some award-winning whiskey at the High West Distillery & Saloon (www.highwest.com), maybe the only ski-in distillery & gastro-saloon in the world.

2. Have an Olympic Experience - Utah Olympic Park

Flying Aces (photo: Utah Olympic Park)

Start with a guided tour, then experience an exhilarating bobsled ride on the same track used during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Other activities for the whole family include: extreme tubing, alpine slide, ropes courses, ziplines, etc. And, every spring/summer weekend, be sure to see the thrilling Flying Ace All-Stars Freestyle Show: Olympians, National Team skiers & snowboarders perform acrobatic feats as they soar in the air and land in a special aerated pool. Truly amazing!

3. Do Silly Stuff
Park Silly Sunday Market (Sundays, June –Sept, 10am-5pm) - Browse this street fair on Main Street for gifts, gourmet food, live music, and free kids' activities.

Hiking (photo: Mark Maziarz)

Park City’s main ski resorts have plenty of fun activities in the summer. Ride a ski lift when there’s no snow: 

Deer Valley Resort (Summer: June-Sept) - Offers 3 scenic ski-lift rides to mountain biking & hiking areas; outdoor concerts and lots of family fun. 
Park City Mountain (Summer: June-Oct) - Take the ski lift up & back down to Main Street. For a little more excitement, ride the Alpine Coaster (like a roller coaster with mountain scenery), Alpine Slide (a luge-like track), or the ZipRider® (zip line). Plus, golf and a mountain-biking park. 
Woodward Park City (Year-round) – An 125-acre, action-sports center with indoor & outdoor activities for the whole family.

4. Take a Terrific or Terrifying Tour

(photo: Park City Ghost Tours/Erick Hutchins)

In the late 1860s, the silver ore in Park City’s mountains attracted prospectors from around the world, but the boom years ended in the 1930s, and the treasure became the fabulous snowfall. Learn all about it on an interesting tour: Historic Walking Tours; Park City Ghost Tours; an All-Seasons Adventures Mountain Bike Tour; or, on this self-guided: History & Mine Route Tour.

5. Hear Marvelous Music
Park City Performing Arts (https://www.parkcityinstitute.org) - All year long, enjoy a variety of musical & cultural offerings (some free, some for a fee) in the Eccles Center and the great outdoors. In the summertime, bring a blanket & a picnic basket for the contemporary music series: Concerts on the Slopes at Canyons Village at Park City Mountain. Or, listen to classical music & opera in this beautiful, outdoor setting at the Deer Valley® Music Festival. 

(photo: Deer Valley/Mike Tittel)

The Egyptian Theatre - Hear great bands & fun musical theater at this historic venue.

6. Enjoy Some Fabulous Festivals
After 40 years in Park City, the Sundance Film Festival had to move to a larger locale. But, don’t fret, there’s still the Park City Film series & other fun festivals: Kimball Arts Festival (August) - The oldest continuous-running arts festival in the west, featuring artists, live music, food trucks & fun! Song Summit (August) - The mountains provide a scenic backdrop for this unique gathering: music, food & wellness. Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival (Sept) - Enjoy local craft brews, food, & live music. Park City Wine Festival (Spring/Fall) - From the West Coast to France, 50+ wineries are featured at the Grand Tastings.

7. Delight in the Great Outdoors: Hike, Bike, Golf, Fish, Ride Horses & Hot Air Balloons

(photo: Blue Sky Utah)

Park City has over 400 miles of free, public trails for hiking, biking & horseback riding. Also, great golf courses (public & private) and plenty of rivers for fishing.
Ride a Horse - Go on horseback riding tours all summer & horse-drawn sleigh rides in winter. Go Fly-Fishing - Try fly-fishing with an expert guide at Utah’s famed, trout stream, the Provo River with Trout Bum 2. Play a Round of Golf - Play a few holes at one of the best, public golf courses in the region, Park City Golf Club. Get a Bird’s Eye View - Get an overview of the whole situation from a hot air balloon.

8. Expose Yourself to Art - Galleries Galore 

Art Galleries (photo: Park City Chamber)

Park City has nice art galleries with a wide selection of work on display from paintings to nature photography. For the Friday Night Gallery Stroll, galleries stay open late from 6-9pm on the last Friday of every month. That includes the Kimball Art Center, a wonderful modern art museum.

9. Take Your Pick of Pubs & Restaurants
Whatever your taste or price range, Park City’s award-winning restaurants offer something for everyone, plus craft breweries, distilleries, pubs, etc. Try these: 
Boneyard Saloon (1251 Kearns Blvd; www.boneyardsaloon.com) - Hang out with the locals over some handcrafted brews & wood-fired American fare. This lively sports bar also has live music on their lovely rooftop patio in the summertime. Davanza’s (690 Park Ave; www.davanzas.com) - Great pizza, tacos and burgers. 350 Main New American Brasserie (350 Main St; www.350main.com) - Fine dining in a casual, friendly setting. 
Savor the Summit (June) – An annual outdoor dinner party on Main Street; participating restaurants set up tables along the street for an evening of gourmet food, craft cocktails & live music.

10. Choose from a Range of Accommodations
If you’d like to stay in style or just rent a bare-bones condo, Park City has a wide selection of lodgings from budget to luxurious:

(photo: Stein Eriksen Lodge)

Goldener Hirsch Inn (https://thegoldenerhirsch.com) – This lovely inn with an award-winning restaurant has the feel of an Austrian ski chalet with just 20 rooms, it’s ideal for a group of friends and/or family. A favorite spot with celebrities keeping a low profile. There’s also a contemporary expansion with 40 addition luxury rooms.
Stein Eriksen Lodge (https://www.steinlodge.com) - This five-star hotel was created by Norwegian, Olympic gold-medalist Stein Eriksen. It’s got fabulous vistas and the best Sunday Brunch in town.
Park City Lodging (https://www.parkcitylodging.com) – Offers a range of fancy lodgings and inexpensive-but-nice vacation rentals.

Make Your Trip Easier:

Bird's Eye View: Skywaller Balloons & Bigfoot Balloons

Park City is in the Wasatch Mountain Range at about 7,000 feet (2,133 m) in elevation. To acclimate, drink lots of water & take it easy the first few days. Be mindful of Park City's Mountainkind™ philosophy, rooted in the idea that how one treats a place is just as important as the experiences one takes from it. Gifts: It’s nice to bring home items made by locals!
Getting There: Fly into the newly-renovated Salt Lake City International Airport, just 25 miles (40 km) from Park City. No need to rent a car, there’s Airport Shuttles, Uber & Lyft.
Getting Around: A car isn’t necessary in Park City, there’s free public buses & a bike share. Also, many hotels offer free shuttles. Start packing!

The Cool Cultural Scene in the Northern Berkshires, MA: 7+ Artsy Reasons To Go

By Jacquelin Carnegie – (Pittsfield, MA)

The Berkshires (photo: Abby Leadbetter)

Culture lovers already flock to the Southern Berkshires in Massachusetts for concerts at Tanglewood in Lenox and dance performances at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket. But venturing a few towns north--to Pittsfield and Williamstown--opens up another world of artsy possibilities. Even after summer is over, the cultural activities continue.
Taking the Pits Out of PITTSFIELD
Back in 1998, First Lady Hillary Clinton came to town on a Save America’s Treasures tour and gave a shot-in-the-arm to blighted Pittsfield. The town’s subsequent revitalization has been tied to the arts--and what an impressive transformation it is. Architecturally, Pittsfield is not a charming New England town like Lenox or Stockbridge, but it makes up for that with all its’ cultural offerings.

1st Fridays (photo: Karl Volkman)

Taking It To The Streets
First Fridays at Five

Downtown Pittsfield, MA (May-Sept, 5pm-8pm; Free)

Once a month, a big street fair jazzes up Pittsfield’s main drag in the Upstreet Cultural District. There are bands playing, a variety of food stalls, and tons of entertaining activities for young and old. In addition to what’s going on in the street, shops, art studios, wine bars, and cafés stay open late. It’s also a great opportunity to chat with the friendly locals.

First Fridays ArtsWalk

Karen Andrews Asian Fusion

Downtown Pittsfield, MA (May-Sept, 5pm-8pm; Free) -- Who knew there were some 50 artist studios in downtown Pittsfield? On First Fridays, there’s art on display not only in the galleries and studios but in all sorts of places: restaurants, bagel shops, the Berkshire Medical Center, The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, and loads of other off-beat spots.

The Write Stuff

Arrowhead

Melville’s writing desk 

(photo: Pablo Sanchez)

780 Holmes Rd., Pittsfield, MA; Tel: 413/442-1793; www.mobydick.org (Open: May-Oct, Thurs-Mon, 9:30am-5pm, visit by Tour. Tours available off-season by appointment; Fee)

Here’s something else you might not have known--Herman Melville wrote Moby Dick, and several other works, while living here from 1850 to 1863. Melville’s former home, restored by the Berkshire Historical Society, is now a National Historic Landmark and open to visitors.

It’s Showtime!

Barrington Stage Company

30 Union St., Pittsfield, MA, Tel:
413/236-8888; barringtonstageco.org

Debra Jo Rupp, Dr. Ruth 

 ©Barrington Stage

Founded in 1995, the not-for-profit company, housed in a renovated 1912 vaudeville theatre (plus several new buildings), produces award-winning plays and musicals, and finds innovative ways to attract new audiences and introduce young people to theatre. The new productions at Barrington Stage are so terrific they often transfer to Broadway (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, American Son), but you can see them first, right here!

The Colonial Theater - Berkshire Theater Group

111 South St., Pittsfield, MA; Tel: 413/997-4444; www.thecolonialtheatre.org

The Colonial Theater

The Colonial, designed in 1903 by noted architect J.B. McElfatrick, was a popular Vaudeville theater. After years of neglect, it’s been beautifully restored to its Gilded Age grandeur and now provides a stunning venue for top-name stars for concerts, comedies, musicals, and family entertainment all year long.

A Museum With More

Berkshire Museum

39 South St., Pittsfield, MA; Tel: 413/443-7171; www.berkshiremuseum.org 

(Open: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 12pm-5pm. Fee)

Opened in 1903 by Zenas Crane as an art and natural history museum, the Berkshire Museum’s collection includes everything from fine art to fossils, an aquarium to ancient artifacts, and objects from every continent. In addition to nifty special exhibits, the museum hosts lots of creative events. 

A Fistful of Festivals
Here are a few examples:

February: 10X10 Upstreet: a contemporary arts festival. April: Pittsfield CityJazz Festival: annual jazz fest. 

Dining Options: There’s a huge selection of all kinds of restaurants, cafés and wine bars on North Street in the Upstreet Cultural District.
Spend the Night: Holiday Inn or Hotel on North.

Williamstown, MA 

(photo: Daderot)

Getting There: Drive or from New York (Port Authority Bus Terminal) take a Peter Pan bus to Pittsfield; about 4 hours, but worth it! Seasonal weekend train service: Amtrak's The Berkshire Flyer will run Fri/Sun from May to October.

WONDERFUL WEEKEND IN WILLIAMSTOWN

About a half-hour from Pittsfield, this quaint little town, home to Williams College founded in 1793, has some terrific cultural institutions you won’t want to miss. 

Must-See Art Collections

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute

225 South St., Williamstown, MA; Tel: 413/458-2303; clarkart.edu

(Open: Tues-Sun, 10am–5pm; daily in the summer. Fee)

Sterling & Francine Clark Art Institute

(photo: Betty Sartori)

Sterling Clark, heir to the Singer sewing machine fortune, moved to Paris in 1910 and, along with his wife Francine, began acquiring an extraordinary collection of Impressionist and Old Master paintings. These masterpieces form the core of the Institute’s permanent collection. Opened in 1955, as both a museum and research center, The Clark’s original neoclassical building is now surrounded by modern additions by internationally-renown architect Tadao Ando. In addition to the artwork and special exhibits, other offerings include: live music performances, talks, and lectures. There are also walking trails on The Clark’s 140 acres of beautifully-landscaped forests and fields. (Plus a great gift shop!)

Eyes by Louise Bourgeois

 (©WCMA, photo: Arthur Evans)

Williams College Museum of Art

Rt. 2, 15 Lawrence Hall Dr., Williamstown, MA; Tel: 413/597-2429; wcma.williams.edu 

(Open: Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm; Free) 

This lovely little spot is considered one of the finest college art museums in the country with 13,000 works that cover the history of art. But, WCMA is best known for modern and contemporary art, especially its collection of American art from the late-18th century to the present.

The Stars are Out

Williamstown Theatre Festival

Rt. 2, 1000 Main St., Williamstown, MA; Tel: 413/597-3400; wtfestival.org

Blythe Danner, The Blue Deep

(photo: T. Charles Erickson) 

Every summer, for almost 70 years, the Festival brings top actors to this tiny town to perform in exciting versions of the classics and new works by gifted playwrights. It’s worth a trip to Williamstown to see a production. It’s also fun to spot big-name stars eating in the local cafés. (Sadly, no summer program in 2026 as the Festival will become biennial.)

Dining Options: Along Spring Street, in the center of town, there are lots of nice little shops, galleries, and eateries. 

Spent the Night: Plenty of charming accommodations.

Getting There: Drive or from New York (Penn Station), take an Amtrak train to the Albany station (about 2 ½ hrs, with stunning views of the Hudson River along the way). Then, a taxi or car service to Williamstown, about an hour. (Abbott Limo Service: 413/243-1645)  Also, bus connections run between Pittsfield and Williamstown.

Part II: Long Island, NY - Discover 10+ Great Reasons To Visit the North Shore

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Oheka (photo: Stefen Turner)

While The Hamptons is considered the hotspot, there are so many wonderful areas to explore on Long Island that you can visit time-and-again and still find more cool places to discover. The North Shore of Long Island was home to some of the wealthiest Americas, known as the "Gold Coast." (Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby takes place here.) These are some spots that are definitively-worth seeing:

THRILLS FOR KIDS & ADULTS
Cradle of Aviation
51 Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City, NY; Tel: 516/572-4111; www.cradleofaviation.org
This terrific museum chronicles the history of aviation from hot air balloons to space travel. With over 75 real airplanes and spaceships, plus docents that have flown in war time and/or as commercial pilots, a visit to this museum is truly an inspiring, educational experience. In addition, Long Island’s contribution to aerospace, science, and technology is highlighted.

Long Island Children’s Museum
11 Davis Ave, Garden City, NY; Tel: 516/224-5800; www.licm.org
LICM gives kids hands-on experiences to learn and explore through fun, inventive, interactive exhibits and programs, including art and theater.

HOME SWEET MAGNIFICENT HOMES
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

(photo: Courtesy Sagamore Hill)

12 Sagamore Hill Rd, Oyster Bay, NY; Tel: 516/922-4788; www.nps.gov/sahi
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, it served as the "Summer White House." This magnificent house has 23 rooms, furnished with hunting trophies, gifts from foreign dignitaries, artworks, books, and other electric pieces from the Roosevelts' collection. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, it can be visited on a guided tour. Sagamore Hill sits on 83 beautiful acres that can also be explored.

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
180 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, NY; Tel: 631/854-5579; www.vanderbiltmuseum.org

(photo: Courtesy Vanderbilt Museum)

The Vanderbilts were once the wealthiest family in America. Their fortune came from Cornelius Vanderbilt’s monopoly of the shipping and railroad industries. This magnificent, 43-acre waterfront property was once the home of William K. Vanderbilt II, Cornelius’ great grandson. Now, it‘s part of a museum complex: The Mansion – On a guided tour, visit the stunning, 24-room, Spanish-revival mansion decorated with antique furnishings and art collected during Mr. Vanderbilt’s world travels. The Museum Wings – See the impressive, natural-history items from Vanderbilt’s worldwide, specimen-collecting expeditions. The Planetarium – Exciting programs for education & exploration of the universe.

AMERICAN HISTORY ON DISPLAY
Washington Spy Trail: During the American Revolutionary War, under the orders of General George Washington, Major Benjamin Tallmadge formed a spy ring based on Long Island: The Culper Ring--farmer Abe Woodhull, pub landlady Anna Strong, and fisherman Caleb Brewster--an unsuspecting group of his friends, worked undercover to oppose the British occupation of New York. If you're a fan of American history, Alexander Rose’s book, Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring, or the TV series, TURN, you’ll be thrilled to visit some of the actual sites on the North Shore such as:

(photo: Courtesy Raynham Hall)

Raynham Hall Museum
20 W Main St, Oyster Bay, NY; Tel: 516/922-6808; raynhamhallmuseum.org
Raynham Hall was the home of Robert Townsend, “Culper Junior,” who as a merchant with a Manhattan-based shipping firm, went to coffee houses and social events in the city, eavesdropping on the British without arousing suspicion.
The Brewster House
18 Runs Rd, East Setauket, NY; wmho.org

During the American Revolution, Joseph Brewster used the house as a tavern, entertaining British troops. His cousin Caleb Brewster, a frequent visitor and member of the Culper Spy Ring, was an experienced seaman tasked with transporting the intel gathered across the Long Island sound to Connecticut where Tallmadge was stationed.

MORE TO EXPLORE
Some of the famed North Shore “Gold Coast" mansions are now garden-museums:
Planting Fields Arboretum - Coe Hall, a 65-room Tudor Revival mansion, sits on 409 acres of formal gardens & woodland paths.

Coe Hall (photo: Courtesy Planting Fields Arboretum)

Old Westbury Gardens - Westbury House, a 44-room English manor house, has over 200 acres of traditional, formal gardens.
Sands Point Preserve - On the original Guggenheim Estate, there are four mansions: Castlegould; Falaise; Hempstead House; Mille Fleur.

Where To Stay:
The Mansion at Glen Cove (200 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove, NY;
www.glencovemansion.com) – This 1910 Georgian mansion, now a hotel, has 187 guest rooms & suites, a lovely pool, spa, and 55-manicured acres.

(photo: Courtesy Glen Cove Mansion)

Oheka Castle (135 West Gate Dr, Huntington, NY; www.oheka.com) – Built in 1919, this magnificent French-style chateau restored to its original grandeur, is now one of the Historic Hotels of America® and on the National Register of Historic Places. If you can’t afford to stay, come for a tour and/or have a delicious meal here.
Getting the Most Out of Your Trip: Discover Long Island – Find accommodations, places to dine & terrific itinerary suggestions.
Getting There: Each one of these places is accessible by train (LIRR) & then a taxi ride, in a succession of day trips. But, if you’d like to visit several places in one trip, it’s more practical by car.

Part I: Long Island, NY - 10+ Artsy & Cool Things To Do in The Hamptons

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Pollock-Krasner House (photo: Helen A. Harrison)

It’s time to discover or re-discover some lovely places. While The Hamptons, on the South Fork of Long Island, New York, is often thought of as just a playground for the super-rich, there’s an amazing amount of culture from great art museums to magnificent, public gardens, plus impressive, historic buildings and, also, some terrific vineyards! Here’s a sampler to get you started.

THE HAMPTONS - East Hampton, Southampton, Bridgehampton, etc.
To-Do List: Check out lovely gardens & museums; Visit local historic sites; Do a Wine Tasting; Hike in surrounding parks & nature conservancies; Go Horseback riding; or Boating & Fishing; Enjoy a Beach Day: Coopers Beach (Parking fee; facilities: concession, bathhouse, chair & umbrella rentals); Shop at local & designer boutiques; Dine in a variety of great eateries…and so much more!

EAST HAMPTON – ART & NATURE ON DISPLAY
LongHouse Reserve
133 Hands Creek Rd, East Hampton; Tel: 631/329-3568; www.longhouse.org
(Open: April-Dec: Wed-Sun, Jan-March: Sat & Sun: 12:30pm-5pm; Fee)

Buckminster Fuller's Fly's Eye Dome (photo: Gary Mamay)

Without a doubt, LongHouse is one of the most enchanting sculpture gardens you'll ever have the pleasure to visit. The fantastic variety of plantings combined with a selection of groovy artwork make for a truly divine experience. The 16-arce estate was the home of renowned textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen, hence the gardens—which he designed—have the look of expertly-patterned fabrics: a stunning mix of colors, textures, and forms. Strategically placed within the gardens are magnificent pieces by eminent, artistic creators such as Buckminster Fuller, Yoko Ono, Ai Weiwei, Sol LeWitt, Willem de Kooning, Dale Chihuly along with new artworks by Daniel Arsham, John Giorno, Beverly Pepper, & Prune Nourry. While there are several permanent pieces, the artwork changes from season to season as do the blooming plants & flowering trees. So, each time you return, you’ll see something new, but you won’t want to leave in the first place!

Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center
830 Springs Fireplace Rd., East Hampton; Tel: 631/324-4929
https://www.pkhouse.org

Pollock-Krasner Studio (photo: Helen A. Harrison)

(Open: May-Oct; Thurs-Sun; Visit by guided tour, online reservation required in advance; Fee)

This area of Long Island was once a place where emerging artists could find an affordable, tranquil spot to live and paint. In 1945, the husband-and-wife artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner moved into a fisherman’s house built in 1879 with no central heating or indoor plumbing. Every time Pollock sold a painting, improvements were made to the house. Eventually, he turned the barn into his studio where he did many of his famous “drip” paintings such as Autumn Rhythm, Blue Poles, & Lavender Mist. After his death, Krasner used it as her studio. If you’re a fan, it’s a thrill to be in the rooms “were it happened.” Even if not, it’s fascinating to learn more about the modern, American artists’ community in eastern Long Island.

The Leiber Collection

LongHouse (photo: Robert Fu)

446 Old Stone Hwy, Springs, East Hampton
http://www.leibermuseum.org
(Open: Wed, Sat-Sun, 1pm-4pm; Reserve Free tickets/donations in advance)

This lovely, little jewel box gallery and sculpture garden was created for the delight of the community by the extremely-successful, handbag designer Judith Leiber and her modern-artist husband Gerson. It’s a charming spot to enjoy a moment of peace & quiet…and art!

SOUTHAMPTON – HISTORY ON DISPLAY
Southampton History Museum
Tel: 631/283-2494 x 5; https://www.southamptonhistory.org

Halsey House (photo: J.Carnegie)

The “museum” is not one building, but a collection of historic sites offering insight into daily life at different periods in Long Island’s history:
Halsey House & Garden

249 South Main St (Open: July-Aug, Sat; or By appointment, Fee)

Built around 1683, 17th- & 18th-century furnishings & household items are on display in this lovely, saltbox-style, farmhouse with a Colonial herb garden.
Rogers Mansion

17 Meeting House Lane (Open: June-Dec, Wed-Sat, 11am-4pm; Fee)
This Gilded Age mansion remained in the William Rogers’ family through eight generations. Today, it’s decorated with furnishings from the Victorian (1837-1901) and Edwardian eras (1901-1910).
On the grounds, an Old Southampton Village has been recreated with historic structures including: a 1790 blacksmith’s shop, an 1825 barn, an 1830 one-room schoolhouse, an 1880 paint store, an 1890 carpentry shop, and a newly-restored 1890 carriage house now a thrift shop offering vintage items, furnishings & nicknacks.

Pelletreau Silver Shop, 80 Main St (Open: Year-round, Wed-Mon, 11am-6pm)
This 1686 trade shop was made famous by Elias Pelletreau, an acclaimed silversmith and celebrated patriot. In addition to crafting tankards and flatware, during the Revolutionary War, he organized the local militia. The tradition of silversmithing carries on today with the shop’s latest occupant, metalsmith and jewelry-designer Alyssa Saccente, offering pieces for sale as well as workshops in jewelry-making.

MORE TO EXPLORE

Coopers Beach (photo: Peetlesnumber1/WikiCommons)

Parrish Art Museum
279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill; parrishart.org
(Open: Thurs-Mon, 11am-5pm; Fee) - Modern, American artists featured in a Herzog & de Meuron designed building on 14 acres with outdoor sculpture.
Dia: The Dan Flavin Art Institute
23 Corwith Ave, Bridgehampton; https://tinyurl.com/5amkhrkp

(Open: Fri-Sun, 12-3pm; 3:30-6pm; Free) - For Flavin fans: 9 fluorescent light sculptures on display.
Bridge Gardens
36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton; https://tinyurl.com/yvf22k84
(Open: Daily, 10-4; Free) - Five acres of manicured gardens.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard
139 Sagg Rd, Sagaponack; https://www.wolffer.com
(Open: Daily, 11am-6pm: Online reservations in advance; Fee) - Offering casual to sophisticated wine tastings.

Where To Stay: In The Hamptons, there’s every kind of accommodation imaginable. Here’s a good place to start:
Southampton Inn

91 Hill St, Southampton; Tel: 631/283-6500; www.southamptoninn.com
This 90-room Inn is right in town, but has the feel of a resort with: all-weather tennis courts, a heated pool (May-Oct), a croquet lawn, badminton & volleyball, along with a shuffleboard court, bike rentals & a shuttle to Cooper’s Beach. The beds are Tempur-Pedic, the WiFi is free, and kids & pets are welcome. Also, Claude’s, an on-site restaurant, is open for breakfast & weekend brunch

Dine: There are all kinds of eateries offering several different cuisines. Here are a few recommended by the locals:
Union Burger Bar
40 Bowden Sq, Southampton; Tel: 631-377-3323; https://www.unionburgerbar.com

This laidback spot is a great place to hang out with the locals, enjoy a fabulous burger made from antibiotic free, 100% Black Angus Beef (as well as tasty vegan & vegetarian options), and be welcomed with open arms by the super-friendly wait staff. If you’re in the mood for sushi, there’s also the adjoining Union Sushi Steak.
Golden Pear, Southampton, East Hampton & Bridgehampton;
https://www.goldenpearcafe.com
Fellingham’s Sports Bar, 17 Cameron St, Southampton;
http://www.fellinghamsrestaurant.com
75 Main, Southampton; https://75main.com
Sip & Soda, 40 Hampton Rd, Southampton; http://sipnsoda.com
 

Pelletreau Silver Shop (photo: J.Carnegie)

Getting There: Drive, it’s about 2hrs from New York City, when there’s no traffic jams. Or, relax and take the Hampton Jitney bus. In Southampton, there’s an Enterprise car rental right at the Jitney stop (395 Country Rd, 39A). The train is less expensive, but less frequent, LIRR.

There are so many wonderful areas to explore on Long Island that you can visit time-and-again and still find more cool places to discover. Next stop: North Shore.