Mention New York and towering skyscrapers, bustling business crowds or perhaps the Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks come to mind. Initially desirable farming land in 1648, Plainview gets its name for its view of the Hempstead Plains from Manetto Hills. How original, we know. Massive development has since seen it become a suburban town, providing visitors and residents alike with quiet and fun.
Here are the top 10 things to do in Plainview, NY:
1. Visit Long Island’s only open historical site
The Walt Whitman Birthplace Historic Site honors Walter Whitman, who is widely recognized as America’s greatest poet. The man was quite the hero, having been a journalist, teacher, clerk and a volunteer nurse during the Civil War. The site has three segments: the museum, Interpretive Center and Gathering House. There are exhibits, guided tours and a poet-in-residence that continues to keep the spirit of Whitman alive.
Walt Whitman Birthplace Historic Site
Address: 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd, Huntington Station, NY 11746, USA
2. Relax on Jones Beach
Want a little sunbathing on the beach? Plainview has it too. Jones Beach is on Long Island’s southern coast. There are several entertainment features for visitors there, from a beachfront stretching 6.5 miles (10.4 km) to a theatre, which is the place to go for music concerts, with acts like Kings of Leon and John Mayer lined up to play in 2017.
Jones Beach
Address: 1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, NY 11793, USA
Website: Jones Beach
3. Explore the abandoned mansion
Let your trip take a turn for the mysterious. This place was once a wealthy home by one Edwin Paul Shattuck. Following his death and several failed development attempts, it became forgotten, left only as a memory of what once was. As with every abandoned building, there is mystery abound, with rumors of hauntings and supernatural sightings. If you’re in the mood for some mystery and adventure, do come by and see the mansion for yourself.
Abandoned mansion
Address: Manetto Hill Preserve off Washington Avenue, Plainview, NY, USA
4. Scale new heights
Literally. If you’re a daredevil, we can’t help you here. But if you’d like to experience the same thrills with maximum safety, Island Rock Climbing is a state-of-the-art indoor rock climbing facility. Developed by Solid Rock Wall Systems with more than 9,000 sq ft (836 m2) of climbing area, it is the closest to the actual thing, minus all the safety risks. Available for climbers for different ages and varying skill levels.
Island Rock
Address: 60 Skyline Dr, Plainview, NY 11803, USA
Website: Island Rock
5. Journey back in time
Travel back in time at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Visitors will be able to visit a 19th-century American village and observe how people lived between 1765 and 1865. There are 51 preserved buildings, although only 20 are open to the public. Visitors will find displays of carpentry, tinsmithing, woodworking and blacksmithing. The most popular events here are the re-enactment of the Civil War and old-time baseball games, which visitors can play using 1860 rules and equipment.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Address: 1303 Round Swamp Rd, Old Bethpage, NY 11804, USA
Website: Old Bethpage Village Restoration
6. Take a stroll in Syosset-Woodbury Community Park
Come in the morning or evening, when the park is at its most beautiful. Syosset-Woodbury Community Park is a neighborhood park that is one of the best places for some quiet time. There is an ice skating rink for the winter and a public swimming pool in the summer. This place is popular among photographers for nature shots, which means it’s also every bit as Insta-worthy.
Syosset-Woodbury Community Park
Address: 7800 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797, USA
7. Spend a day with the kids at White Post Farms
If you’re traveling with the little ones, this is the perfect family destination. Both educational and fun, there’s plenty to do here. There are plantation fields, like pumpkin patches, and an animal farm that has been voted the top petting zoo on Long Island. The farm’s highlight is the annual Fall Farm Festival, a traditional country fair that boasts hayrides, games, pumpkin picking and other fun-filled family activities.
White Post Farms
Address: 250 Old Country Rd, Melville, NY 11747, USA
Website: White Post Farms
8. Learn to ride a horse
Come learn how to ride a horse at the Bethpage Equestrian Center. The lessons are for all ages and held in groups or privately. Visitors will learn to ride both English and western styles, while also learning basic horse care, and how to groom, saddle and bridle a horse. There are also trail rides available, offering picturesque views of the Bethpage State Park and its accompanying golf course.
Bethpage Equestrian Center
Address: 499 Winding Rd, Old Bethpage, NY 11804, USA
Website: Bethpage Equestrian Center
9. Hike through Muttontown Preserve
Muttontown Preserve is a 550-acre (222 hectare) space that is among the most beautiful preserves in Nassau County. The terrain is relatively flat, so casual hikers and families can enjoy the preserve together. Most times of the year, Muttontown Preserve is populated by natural inhabitants like ducks, indigo buntings and deep blue birds. The best way to appreciate the place is to head to the Muttontown Lane entrance and start from there.
Muttontown Preserve
Address: Jericho-Oyster Bay Road, East Norwich, NY 11732, USA
Website: Muttontown Preserve
10. Get behind the wheel of a supercar
If exploring an abandoned mansion or going rock climbing isn’t enough excitement, then this will be. Velocity Driving lets you take the wheel of a supercar, with options like the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, Ferrari California and 2016 Nissan GT-R. Whether you’re fulfilling a dream or your need for speed, it is an experience of a lifetime that can’t be missed.
Velocity Driving
Address: 81 Sheer Plaza, Plainview, NY 11803, USA
Website: Velocity Driving
Another side of New York
It isn’t the New York City often depicted on screen, but Plainview offers an alternate side that some would even prefer. There is just as much excitement, with plenty of history, scenery, entertainment and adrenaline pumping activities. It may yet become your new favorite American city.