Search Results for: walking tour

UNWIND & UNCORK HISTORY: A WALKING TOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE WMHO’S STONY BROOK GRIST MILL

STONY BROOK, NY – September 2, 2022; Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) in a new walking tour experience, Unwind & Uncork History: The Story of Wine & the Stony Brook Grist Mill on Friday, September 30 at 3pm. $25 per person, includes bottle of authentic Catawba wine from Lake Side Emotions Wine Boutique and program. All participants must be 21 or older. Registration required.

In this walking tour experience, tour-goers will “uncork” the stories of the Stony Brook Grist Mill (c. 1751), the sight of Long Island’s very first vineyard. This will include a tour of the Stony Brook Grist Mill, the scandalous story of Edward Kane, his Lakeside Wine Company, and a brief lesson on wine. The tour will begin at Tranquility Park (also known as T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park) across from the Stony Brook Grist Mill, and will end at Lake Side Emotions Wine Boutique, which gained its name from Kane’s Lakeside Wine Company.

To learn more about the Unwind & Uncork History program, to register and to learn more about the WMHO, call (631)751-2244.

SPIRITS, SEANCES AND STAR-CROSSED LOVERS RETURN TO SBV

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization is continuing the Secrets of Stony Brook Village Walking Tours, leaving from the Stony Brook Post Office every Wednesday through October 21^st at 2:50pm. Tickets for this event are $5 per person, reservations are recommended.

Participants will learn the unheard history of Stony Brook Village. The tour includes the restoration of the village by the Melville family, Jonas Smith, Long Island’s first millionaire who called the Three Village Inn home, the Stony Brook Grist Mill and Long Island’s first vineyard, the myth of the Hercules figurehead and all of the stories in between.

The success of the Secrets of Stony Brook Village Walking Tours has resulted in the emergence of the Secrets and Spirits of Stony Brook Village Walking Tours, taking place on Wednesday, October 28^th and Thursday, October 29^th at 2:00pm and 4:00pm on each day. Participants will get the inside scoop on the spirits who lived, loved, died and still reside in Stony Brook Village – like Mark and Sarah, two star-crossed lovers who lived by the harbor in the early 1800s. Other spirits include famed painter William Sidney Mount and his séances, the traveling ghost of Jonas

Hawkins, the “Lady in White” at the Stony Brook Grist Mill and many more. Tickets for the Secrets and Spirits of Stony Brook Village Walking Tours are $12 per person. Reservations are recommended. Both walking tours are in part inspired by the works of Edward Lapham, Secrets of Stony Brook and the Forgotten Christmas that were published with funding from Ward Melville in the 1930s and early 1940s.

The ‘spirits’ can continue after the walking tour, as the Mirabelle Tavern at the Three Village Inn (c. 1751), and the Country House (c. 1710) will be offering Secrets and Spirits of Stony Brook Village ticket holders drink specials with the purchase of food items.

To learn more about the Secrets and Spirits of Stony Brook Village, to reserve your tickets and hear about our safety precautions, call the Ward Melville Heritage Organization at 631-751-2244.

Fall in LOVE with Stony Brook Village!

Do you need a break from reality?

Experience the change of the seasons while you stroll through the quaint colonial styled Stony Brook Village. Adventure through Avalon Park and Preserve. Get the scoop on the village’s history in a Walking Tour. Kayak or paddleboard through Stony Brook Harbor and visit the Stony Brook Grist Mill’s waterfall. Explore Stony Brook on a bike ride. Bike to the Hercules Pavilion and the T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at seven different eateries. Visit 35 exciting shops and boutiques.

Vacation packages include room accommodations at the historic Three Village Inn, and a $50 dinner voucher toward the Mirabelle Restaurant and Tavern.

Package vacation rates starting at $194!

Click here to see more information about the Fall in Love with Stony Brook Vacation Packages!

The Buzz Around Town

Shining sun, blue skies and summer vibes! I am so happy that summer is in full effect! There are so many fun, interesting things to do in my favorite place, Stony Brook Village…But there is one in particular which I have found particularly exciting – the Walking Through Time…Walking Tours!

I did some digging around the Village to find out any tidbits I could about this elaborate, moving performance…Here is what I found out:

This adventure through Stony Brook history includes tour guides that are dressed in period costumes and speak in the 1^st person. As each group is led to different location, they will get to meet three extremely interesting and important women that played a role in the history of the village that we all love so dearly – Mrs. Emmet, Mrs. Smith and Miss Louise.

The tours will be taking place on Saturday July 20^th (rain date Sunday July 21^st), Wednesday July 31^st (rain date Thursday August 1^st), Saturday August 10^th (rain date Sunday August 11^th), Wednesday August 21^st (rain date Thursday August 22^nd) and Saturday September 14^th (rain date Sunday September 15^th). There will be two sessions on each of those dates – the first tour begins at 1:00pm and the last tour begins at 3:00pm. Regular tickets are $15, Premium tickets are $20 and include the Journey Through Time Summer Exhibit at the Educational and Cultural Center. Reservations can be made by calling 631-751-2244. I found the poster here!

The tour starts at the historic Grist Mill with Mrs. Alida Emmet. Mrs. Emmet brings life to the Grist Mill and its adjacent Mill Pond’s incredible history (which may or may not have been the location of the very first vineyard on Long Island!). She leads the group down the street to the All Soul’s Church explaining the creative architecture and history of the building. In her last role, Mrs. Emmet leads the group to the Hercules Pavilion to meet Mrs. Jonas Smith.

Mrs. Smith elaborates on the nautical history – including the romantic myth – of the Hercules Pavilion and its relationship with the “perfect” American made vessel, the U.S.S. Ohio! As she walks the tour over to the Three Village Inn, she explains the unimaginable wealth of her husband, Jonas Smith. With Mrs. Smith, the revolutionary history of the Inn, also known as “the Old Homestead” is explored.

This is where Mrs. Smith leaves the tour group to Miss Louise – Mrs. Melville’s go-to woman. Miss Louise explains the dedication of the Melville family to the Stony Brook area, as well as the creation and development of our home away from home, Stony Brook Village! The tour will end outside of the Stony Brook Post Office – but I heard that with the purchase of a premium ticket you get to go to one last destination – the summer exhibit at the Educational and Cultural Center – Journey Through Time. This exhibit is a collection of how our lives have changed since 1939, the perfect way to finish our walking tour!

The Buzz Around Town with Suzie Q

Blue skies and bright sunny days! Summer is almost here – which means that Father’s Day is just around the bend! I decided to visit my favorite place – Stony Brook Village to enjoy the incredible weather.

I can’t believe that it’s time to fire up the grill! My father has always loved cooking al fresco and Madison’s Niche has some of the most unique BBQ platters and sauce sets. I also saw a beer cap display box that would be perfect because he loves to save the bottle caps of his favorite brews from Brew Cheese! Speaking of brews – the shop also had unique beer bottle candles!

There’s something so special about fresh and warm days – they always inspire me to buy fresh flowers. While in the Village Florist, I spotted a variety of ceramic truck vases. Speaking of trucks, the Village Coffee Market is selling k-cups in a small truck!

Some men are all about the outdoors – While I was at the Mirabelle restaurant for lunch, I noticed that The Three Village Inn has a package designed with them in mind – “Dad’s Nature Getaway Package”! Included is a one-night stay in the inn, a ride for two on the Discovery Cruise a wine and cheese plate, complimentary drinks and breakfast!

Speaking of the Discovery Wetlands Cruise, the cruises are scheduled to be running until the end of October. They even have a number of photography cruises throughout the season! If you need binoculars, make sure to stop by Camera Concepts and Telescope Solutions. They also astronomy workshops that are starting in July for those who love the nighttime stars!

I thought about taking my Dad out for a lunch-date at The Country House for their “Scotch Special” featuring a variety of malts and surprising him with tickets for the Educational and Cultural Center’s summer exhibit Journey Through Time, starting July 14^th through September 29^th. This event features the nation, Long Island and Stony Brook over the last eight decades. It surely shows the changes! Or perhaps he would prefer reservations for the Walking Through Time Walking Tours, taking place on select dates from July through September. The tours will give the history of the area from the 18^th Century through the 21^st Century. The purchase of a premium ticket would even include entry into the Journey Through Time exhibit!

If you are worried that your gift may go unused, Gift Certificates are always available at the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s office located at 111 Main Street and can be used at any location in the village.

Ciao for now!

– Suzie Q

The Buzz Around Town with Suzie Q

Full throttle into spring! I don’t know about you, but it always seems to me that the spring weather awakens so much joy in my life. Perhaps it’s the sunny days and fresh air, but it is such a wonderful time to spend a day in my favorite place!

Speaking of my favorite place, I recently visited Stony Brook Village – I need to share with you what a wonderful experience I had with my Great Aunt Elizabeth at Robinson’s Tea Room. We met for a light lunch and a perfect cup of tea to discuss the family brunch we would be having to celebrate Mother’ s Day! While we were there we noticed a flyer presenting a Musical Theatrical Performance of Ethel Merman and Zero Mostel. Aunt Elizabeth didn’t stop talking about how nice the luncheon and performance would be. What a perfect Mother’s Day present for her…I’ll have to come back and reserve two tickets for us soon since they only perform from May 8^th to June 13th!

After our lunch, we walked into Chocolate Works – I noticed a flyer that said during the entire month of May, with a reservation, you could decorate your own chocolate houses with little colorful chocolates! Looking to satisfy my own sweet tooth, I found the most adorable and delicious chocolate tulips. While on the subject – when we passed by Village Florist, I
was so struck by the beautiful spectrum and assortment of colorful flowers, I had to stop in for a bunch of orange tulips and magenta daisies!

The colors don’t stop at flowers either – Chico’s, Loft and Mint have the most vibrant, floral and fun selections of blouses and dresses! I’ll be back to pick up a particular floral blouse to give to my godmother! Madison’s Niche had the most enticing spring displays – with aromatic candles, unique home décor items and a relaxing selection of perfumes, lotions and soaps. That reminds me of the truly wonderful treatment I had at Blue Salon and Spa.

I was so excited when I remembered the newest addition to the village – Premier Pastry Shop! With an assortment of delightfully tasty treats like macaroons, cakes, cake pops, breads and brownies, I knew I would have to visit before our brunch to pick up a delicacy for dessert!

I noticed two particularly exciting events being showcased that would be taking place from July through September. Walking Through Time is a walking tour that’ll showcase all of the historical happenings from the 18^th century to today! If you purchase “premium tickets”, it includes admission to the summer exhibit located at the Education and Cultural Center – Journey Through Time, showcasing just how much our lives have changed since 1939!

For an incredible day with mom – the Discovery Wetlands Cruise beings on May 16^th! Mom may like a cruise though Stony Brook Harbor and the wetlands. Afterwards, treat mom to a delightful culinary experience at Pentimento’s, Three Village Inn or The Country House – Make sure you call ahead to reserve a table!

While window shopping, I noticed that Camera Concepts and Telescope Solutions is providing one free Astronomy class with the purchase of any of their telescopes! If giving the world to mom isn’t enough this Mother’s Day, you can give her the stars too!

Ciao for Now…Suzie Q

The Buzz is Back!

Well…Hello there!

Welcome back to the Buzz Around Town with me, Suzie Q: Where you get all of the need-to-know scoops on everything in Stony Brook Village!

I hope you haven’t fallen too far into that post-Holiday slump…but even if you have, I know exactly what you need to recharge: a day in our favorite place, Stony Brook Village! Let me tell you about my visit this past weekend:

My bestfriends and I decided to start our day off with coffees. We met at Crazy Beans for a quick caffeine fix. I ordered a gingersnap latte off of their winter specials; the sweetness of the gingerbread and cookie flavor worked perfectly with the cinnamon syrup and coffee – it warmed me up on this chilly day!

While we sipped, we discussed our plan for the day: some shopping (I did not tell my husband about this part), a visit to the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, lunch and a stroll through the village.

I knew exactly where our first stop would be: Madison’s Niche!

On our way to the shop, we passed by the newest restaurant in the village, Luca. They weren’t open yet as it was morning, but we still looked at the menu and peeked through the windows. We were enamored by the sleek gold embellishments, modern marble bar and rustic wood logs that separated the rooms. We decided immediately that this was where we needed to go for lunch. I made a 1pm reservation on their website with my phone.

As we entered Madison’s Niche, I was awed by the varieties of home décor: with themes of coastal oasis, modern home, southern living and cozy spaces…plus, everything in between. I found the perfect gift for my sister’s birthday party next week: a bar tool set and a marble charcuterie board. I made a mental note that I’d have to stop by Lake Side Emotions Wine Boutique before leaving to complete her gift.

Before I could leave the store, my nose caught a whiff of the most delicious smell. It was a diffuser with scents bergamot, marine and jasmine…which I purchased as a gift…for myself!

We stopped inside Loft before leaving the Market Square section of the village. There, I found the most beautifully colored velvet pants. They match my new blouse from Mint that I picked up last week, and my jacket and scarf from Chico’s!

After our short shopping spree, we headed over to the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. As soon as we walked through the front doors we were met with floor to ceiling of all things music and entertainment.

The main exhibit on the first floor currently showcases Long Island’s Legendary Club Scene between the 1960s and 1980s.

Walking through the exhibit is very much like doing a club crawl, and features clubs such as My Father’s Place, Hammerheads, and Mad Hatter among others, where bands such as Twisted Sister, Zebra, Joan Jett and so many more played.

The permanent “Hall of Fame” upstairs features artifacts from musicians, awards, apparel and other items from some of the over 120 inductees, a mix of musicians and entertainers. My parents would absolutely love this new addition to the village! Before leaving, I stopped by their front desk to purchase a gift certificate for their anniversary.

By the time we were finished taking in the museum, it was almost time for our lunch reservation. We had a few additional minutes to spare so we leisurely strolled passed the shops in the Inner Court section of Stony Brook Village, right by the waterfall. Blue Spa caught my eye. I decided to stop in and see what specials they were running for the month.

Did you know that Blue uses Eminence Organic Skin Care? I love that the company uses “sustainable farming and green practices to create natural, organic and biodynamic products”.

The Fire and Ice Facial caught my eye – it’s perfect for sensitive skin that needs soothing. The winter wind has really been doing a number on my face, so this is just what I needed! I booked an appointment for later in the week and left with a smile on my face – I can’t wait to feel beautiful, inside and out!

I could barely contain my excitement when we got to Luca. From the moment you enter through their doors, you can tell that this is meant to be a dining experience. The waitress let us know the specials of the week, and all about their menus. All of their produce is grown on Long Island, as well as locally sourced oysters. All of their cocktails are crafted by their skilled bartenders – They even have modern and traditional takes on classic drinks!

We ordered our drinks, for myself an espresso martini (yes, I am a caffeine fiend). Myself and another friend selected the two plates for our two-course lunch (which is served Wednesday through Sunday, 12pm – 2:30pm, by the way), while the other opted to do only one dish. I chose the capunti and the tagliatelle.

The capunti is made of bite sized pasta that is bathed in a delicious pesto with broccoli rabe, pine nut and pecorino (pictured). It hit all of the flavor notes, savory and refreshing at the same time.

After my first bite, I made it a point to save room for dessert. The tagliatelle is made of a long, wide pasta that is wrapped in the best Bolognese I have ever had. The beef, pork, pancetta and parmesan make this dish incredibly satisfying.

We had our leftovers wrapped and ordered coffees for the table and dessert to share: the tiramisu, hazelnut chocolate cake and maritozzi. Each bite was everything you want from a dessert, flavorful and perfectly sweet.

Our coffees even came with a delicious bite of pistachio biscotti that they make in house as well. We enjoyed ourselves so much and had such a wonderful time we all decided to come back for dinner next week on Tuesday at 5pm with our husbands (dinner is served Tuesday through Thursday 5pm – 9:30pm, Friday and Saturday, 5pm-10pm and Sunday, 4pm-9pm).

As we strolled through the village we noticed that there was an Audio Experience of Stony Brook Village created by the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) that was free to enjoy. We scanned the QR code and were brought to a screen that featured different stops around the village. We decided to learn more about Post Office.

It seems that a new stop was added and features the history of the Hercules Pavilion too! There are a lot of things I learned in this section of the Audio Experience that I never knew about our favorite place!

We decided to stop into Village Florist and Events to get a bouquet made. The winter blues have already begun to take effect in my household. A colorful arrangement always cheers us up! I had forgotten all of the cute items the Village Florist has – mugs, candles, décor, garden items and more. I need to remember that for my next visit. Before leaving, I stopped into Lake Side Emotions Wine Boutique to add a bottle of wine to my sister’s gift. I love that this shop was created for people who care about the wine that they drink!

I can’t help but reflect on my day: it was filled with so many magical new experiences. Stony Brook Village always delivers a full heart and an even fuller stomach!

XOXO, Suzie Q

Plan A Fairytale Wedding In Stony Brook Village

There are few places where you can plan a story-book wedding with everything that you need to create a perfectly magical day. Romantic Stony Brook Village on Long Island’s scenic north shore has stunning photo locations, historic reception hall venues, accommodations for out-of-town guests and plenty of things for visitors to do.

And there are several options for bachelor and bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners and pre-wedding spa and beauty treatments. The shops at the Village Center in Stony Brook also include a florist and jeweler, as well as several shops for party favors or bridal party gifts.

You’ll find some of the most scenic places on Long Island for wedding photos in Stony Brook Village, including the Village Green overlooking the harbor; the historic Grist Mill, Avalon Park and Preserve and T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond and Park (where you might have some graceful swans swimming in the backdrop). You can call ahead to the Ward Melville Heritage Organization to schedule and coordinate photos at any of these locations(631 751-2244).

Stony Brook Village is the perfect location for a magical ‘destination wedding.’ If guests arrive by train they can take a quick taxi or Uber ride to the Village, where they won’t need a car for the rest of their stay since everything is within walking distance.

The historic c.1751 Three Village Inn, with its warm and cozy atmosphere, has 21 guestrooms and country cottages, along with reception seating for 200.

“We have guests come from all over because they can stay for the entire weekend,” said Dan Lafitte, general manager at the Estate at Three Village Inn. “We do over 100 weddings a year, including destination weddings where the brides and grooms plan an extended experience.”

The Three Village Inn garden area, ideal for wedding ceremonies and photos, recently won the award for Most Ornamental Garden by the local Historical Society. The understated elegance of the entire estate “makes it feel like you’re getting married in your own country home,” Lafitte said.

Other hotels and accommodations are available just a few miles from the Village Center.

Weekend Guest Activities

If guests will be staying the weekend there are several things for them to do while other preparations are going on. You could arrange a Discovery Wetlands Cruise on the Ward

Melville Heritage Organization’s 27-passenger pontoon boat, which cruises through the 88-acre wetlands preserve for a 1 1/2-hour tour. Or they can take a self-guided bicycle tour with TEB Bike Rentals in the village, or go paddling in the harbor with Stony Brook Harbor Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals.

Guests will also find plenty of shopping in the charming Village Center with shops that include Ben’s Garden, Stony Brook Chocolate, Chico’s, Mint, Loft, Madison’s Niche, Rocky Point Jewelers West, Crushed Olive and Village Coffee Market.

They’ll also be able to explore history at the c.1751 Stony Brook Grist Mill; take a scenic walk through Avalon Preserve; or visit the Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages, known for its collection of over 200 carriages and its extensive array of work by famed painter William Sidney Mount, and over 4,000 other paintings, sculptures and prints. According to legend, a visit to the Hercules Pavilion near the waterfront will ensure that your wish to be married within the year is granted.

They can also check ahead for evening performances at the Jazz Loft and the Staller Center for the Arts or arrange visitation to some of the other historic properties in the area, including the c. 1665 Brewster House and c.1709 Thompson House, both tied to the ‘Washington Spy Ring’ (depicted in AMC’s Turn series).

Rehearsal Dinners and Bachelorette Parties

Rehearsal dinners can also be planned right in the Village. The Country House restaurant, voted ‘Most Romantic Restaurant on Long Island’ by AOL City Guide is always elaborately decorated, and is a beautiful location for rehearsal dinners or small weddings with reception seating for 100 guests.

There are several other restaurants in the Village Center, including Pentimento with its beautiful garden in the back and Mirabelle Tavern at the Three Village Inn, that are ideal for rehearsal dinners.

Bachelorette parties or luncheons can also be arranged at several unique venues. For example, Robinson’s Tea Room offers prearranged luncheon events, along with British High Tea served with fresh baked desserts, scones or a savory assortment.

For a unique experience you’ll find gourmet cheeses from around the globe paired with high-end micro brewed craft beers, among other specialties at Brew Cheese. Or Sweet Mama’s in the Village Center offers guests a warm but modern, country cottage atmosphere.

For a musical party, arrange to go to the Jazz Loft, featuring a treasure trove of memorabilia including instruments, diaries, autographed pictures, original sheet music, and even an orchestra stage that was constructed from the original Roseland Ballroom, along with performances Thurs. to Sun.

Or you can treat your wedding party to salon and spa treatments at Blue Salon and Spa. They offer facials, massage, hairstyling and make-up services. Some of the women’s clothing shops in the Village, including Loft, Mint and Chico’s, will also arrange small bachelorette shopping parties.

Wedding Favors and Pre-Wedding Arrangements

Tasteful and useful wedding favors and bridal party gifts can be found at several local shops in Stony Brook Village. Crushed Olive can create custom gourmet favors including olive oil from around the world, balsamic vinegar, sea salts, jams, jellies, mustards, olives and olive related products.

At Stony Brook Chocolate, you can have custom favors created with many different shapes and molds to choose from. Chocolates can be individualized with your own imaging or messaging, including your photograph replicated on chocolate using sugar paper.

CCTS-Camera Concepts and Telescopes offers a unique, one-of-a-kind bridal party gift idea: Your photography printed on aluminum. Ranging in size from 4×6 to 12×18, the look is sharper and more dimensional than a standard photo, according to CCTS owner Jeff Norwood, and makes for a lovely keepsake.

Local couples will be surprised to find all the services they need to plan a perfect wedding in Stony Brook Village.

Open House Country Flowers and Interiors, which has consulted with influential clients and celebrity patronage and has had work featured in several media outlets, offers brides romantic, one-of-a-kind floral and interior decor to create a magical wedding day setting.

The Village Center even has something for the littlest members of the bridal party. Cottontails children’s shop has the most beautiful flower girl dresses, complete with wreathes and headdress, purses, hair pins and sashes that can be changed to match the wedding party colors. They also have catalogs to easily order other styles, along with little suits and shoes for boys in the wedding party.

Choose your wedding or engagement rings at Rocky Point Jewelers, and create the perfect bridal bouquets and floral arrangements at Village Florist. Village Florist also creates fabulous floral wedding ceremony and reception decor. Stony Brook Village has everything needed to create a memorable wedding experience.

For more information, visit www.stonybrookvillage.com

By Kristen Matejka