News

Look Book Luncheons Return for Spring Series!

News | March 27, 2023

Spring styles have sprung! Foodies and shopaholics unite for a three-part series of luncheon fashion shows in Stony Brook Village. Each part of the series will take place from 12:30pm to 2pm at a different restaurant (Mirabelle Restaurant at Three Village Inn, Luca Modern Italian Restaurant the Country House Restaurant) and each will feature different Spring styles from Madison’s Niche, Mint, Chico’s, Loft, and Ecolin Jewelers. $35 per person at each restaurant for a prix fix lunch.

As guests enjoy their lunch, models will stroll through the restaurants, sharing information about the
Spring fashion and accessories they are wearing. The three-part series will take place at separate dining locations – On May 4, at Mirabelle Restaurant at the Three Village Inn, on May 11 at Luca Modern Italian Restaurant, and May 18 at the Country House Restaurant.

To make your reservation, contact the restaurants directly. Mirabelle Restaurant can be contacted at (631) 751-0555 and is located in the historic Three Village Inn, at 150 Main Street in Stony Brook Village. Luca Modern Italian Restaurant’s phone number is (631) 675-0435 and is located at 93 Main Street in Stony Brook Village. The Country House Restaurant’s phone number is (631) 751-3332 and is located at 1175 North Country Road in Stony Brook

SPRING APPRECIATION DAY RETURNS TO STONY BROOK VILLAGE!

News | February 27, 2023

STONY BROOK, NY: February 24, 2023 – The Ward Melville Heritage Organization and Stony Brook Village’s Spring Appreciation Day returns on April 16 with live music, a car show, a petting zoo and scavenger hunts with prizes from 12-2pm. This event is free to the public.

Throughout Stony Brook Village there will be something for everyone: Rocking Horse Farms will be set up in front of the Rustic Loft with a variety of animals for children to pet. The Mustang and Shelby Club of Long Island car show will take places between 11am and 3pm and be located in the parking lot behind the Post Office. They will display both classic Mustangs and the latest Pony cars that Ford has to offer. Automobiles from between 1964 – 2022 will be on display, including some special edition Mustangs like the classic Shelby GT500, GT350 and the iconic Boss 302. Brenda and Burke will be performing original and cover songs in the genres of R&B, Roots, Blues and Contemporary Acoustic at the Stony Brook Post Office. The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO)’s Youth Corps will be offering scavenger hunts around Stony Brook Village. Each person to return a completed scavenger hunt will be entered into a raffle to win Discovery Wetlands Cruise tickets. The Stony Brook Grist Mill (c. 1751) will be open for tours ($4 for adults, $2 for children, cash only) of the inner mechanical workings and history of the building, and shopping in the Country Store.

Spring Appreciation Day is sponsored by Goldfish Swim School and Suffolk Speech.

The Buzz is Back!

News | January 23, 2023

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

BLACK FRI-YAY IN STONY BROOK VILLAGE

News | November 4, 2022

Black Friday returns to Stony Brook Village Center on Friday, November 25. Shop Black Friday deals all day long throughout the village, with carolers, live music, and a petting zoo from 2pm to 4pm, as well as the opening of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Rocking Horse Farms will be set up in front of the Rustic Loft with a variety of animals for children to pet. Burke and Brenda will be performing original and cover songs in the genres of R&B, Roots, Blues and Contemporary Acoustic at the Stony Brook Post Office. The Celestial Holiday Carolers will be performing holiday music throughout Market Square (shops between Luca Modern Italian Restaurant and Harbor Cleaners). Black Friday deals will be available all throughout the open-air center. A full list of Black Friday deals and sales will be available online at stonybrookvillage.com mid-November.

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame will be open to the public. The upstairs exhibit space will feature a permanent “Hall of Fame” with plaques and exhibits recognizing the over 100 and growing inductees. The main exhibit space will be the first rotating exhibit “Long Island’s Legendary Club Scene: 1960’s – 1980’s”.

Black Friday in Stony Brook Village is sponsored by News 12 Long Island.

LOOK BOOK LUNCHEONS RETURN FOR FALL SERIES!

News | October 25, 2022

Foodies and shopaholics unite for a three-part series of luncheon fashion shows in Stony Brook Village. Each part of the series will take place from 12:30pm to 2pm at a different restaurant (the Country House Restaurant, Luca Modern Italian Restaurant and Mirabelle Restaurant at Three Village Inn) and each will feature different fall styles from Mint, Chico’s and Loft. $35 per person at each restaurant for a prix fix lunch.

As guests enjoy their lunch, models will stroll through the restaurants, sharing information about the fall fashion they are wearing. The three-part series will take place at separate dining locations – On November 3, at the Country House Restaurant, on November 10 at Luca Modern Italian Restaurant, and November 17 at Mirabelle Restaurant and Tavern at the Three Village Inn.

To make your reservation, contact the restaurant directly. The Country House Restaurant’s phone number is (631) 751-3332 and is located at 1175 North Country Road in Stony Brook. Luca Modern Italian Restaurant’s phone number is (631) 675-0435 and is located at 93 Main Street in Stony Brook Village. Mirabelle Restaurant can be contacted at (631) 751-0555 and is located in the historic Three Village Inn, at 150 Main Street in Stony Brook Village.

NO TRICKS, JUST TREATS – ANNUAL HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL RETURNS TO STONY BROOK VILLAGE!

News | October 4, 2022

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO)’s Annual Halloween Festival returns on Monday, October 31 from 2pm to 5pm for its 32^nd year with music from WALK 97.5, trick-or-treating throughout Stony Brook Village Center, dancing and games for children, Scarecrow Competition announcements at 4pm and a Halloween parade, led by Monster Merlin! This event is FREE.

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

News | September 8, 2022

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.

COLOR & CANVAS – LONG ISLAND’S FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR AT WMHO’S BREWSTER HOUSE

News | August 31, 2022

STONY BROOK, NY – August 31, 2022; Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) in rediscovering the lives of Long Island’s 19th century free Black, Native-Black, and Black-White people on Saturday, September 24 at their in-person program, William Sidney Mount and Long Island’s Free People of Color at the Brewster House. Two sessions, 1:00pm – 2:30 and 2:30pm – 4:00pm. $8 per person. Books are available for purchase. Limited seats available, registration required.

The Three Villages may be the only community in America with a world-famous hometown artist who painted people of color during the mid-1800s. The Brewster House (c. 1665) was the focus of Mount’s Long Island Farmhouses now hanging in the Metropolitan Museum of art, and it is believed that many of the people featured in Mount’s work lived on the property and worked for the Brewster family.

Presenting ground-breaking research, authors Katherine Kirkpatrick and Vivian Nicholson-Mueller will reveal the names and life stories of the agricultural laborers, domestic workers and musicians who posed for Mount from their book The Art of William Sidney Mount: Long Island People of Color on Canvas. This event will also highlight co-author Vivian Nicholson-Muller who is a descendant of Andrew Brewster, the model who posed for The Bone Player. After a presentation, participants are encouraged to ask questions and are invited to tour the historic Brewster House (c. 1665), owned by the WMHO.

DON’T JUST HANG AROUND – REGISTER FOR THE SCARECROW COMPETITION!

News | August 26, 2022

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s 32nd Annual Scarecrow Competition is back! Register as an individual, group or professional and create a scarecrow masterpiece. First place winners will receive a cash prize. Registration and entry fee of $30 due by Friday, September 23rd.

Vote for your favorite scarecrows between October 1 and October 26. Ballots can be found in all shops and eateries in Stony Brook Village and must be returned to shops no later than October 26th to be counted. Winners will be notified on Friday, October 28th by 5pm and will be announced during the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Halloween Festival on October 31st.

Registration for this event is required. You can pick up a registration form at any of the shops in Stony Brook Village, or you can download it digitally by clicking HERE!

To enter this competition, please return the completed registration form to the Ward Melville Heritage Organization – P.O. Box 572, Stony Brook, NY 11790, with the entry fee of $30.

For more information on the Scarecrow Competition, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) or the Halloween Festival, please call the WMHO at 631-751-2244.

LONG ISLAND MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT HALL OF FAME EXTENDS WMHO’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

News | August 9, 2022

LONG ISLAND MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT HALL OF FAME EXTENDS WMHO’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Crowds for the WMHO’s Summer Concert Series on the Village Green.

STONY BROOK, NY: August 9, 2022 – The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) is proud to announce an extension to their Annual Summer Concert Series on the Village Green to include a concert with the Sound Symphony on August 28th at 7pm. This is a FREE concert sponsored by the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF). Ernie Canadeo, LIMEHOF Chairman, will make exciting announcements about the Hall of Fame and the red carpet grand opening in November.

The Sound Symphony, an orchestra comprising of about 50 pieces, will perform a combination of light classical songs, movie themes and Broadway tunes. Additionally, a vocalist will performs opera songs. The Sound Symphony was created in 1984 by Long Island musicians for Long Island communities.

LIMEHOF’s first physical facility is anticipated to open in November of 2022 at the WMHO’s Educational and Cultural Center (ECC). The ECC was designed for interactive programs and events; such as performances, exhibits and classes. In fact, the Great Room on the first floor has 28-foot ceilings. There will be a permanent “Hall of Fame” with plaques and exhibits recognizing the over 100 and growing inductees, as well as areas for a library, classrooms for educational programs and master classes, and a theater. The main exhibit space will contain a rotating exhibit theme, and the layout and first exhibit, “Long Island’s Legendary Club Scene: 1960’s to 1980’s” is currently being designed by world-renowned visual designer Kevin O’Callaghan.

The Summer Concert Series will take place in front of the Stony Brook Post Office in Stony Brook Village, located at 129 Main Street in Stony Brook. For more information on the Summer Concert Series, call the WMHO at (631) 751-2244. For more information on LIMEHOF, visit their website here.