Smithtown, located on Long Island, New York, was first settled in the 1600s. The name comes from a local legend saying that after Richard Smith rescued a Native American chiefs daughter, he was granted all the land that he was able to circle in one single day on a bull. The legend claims Smith chose to ride the bull on the longest day of the year, thus acquiring the area known today as Smithtown! Today Smithtown has a lot to offer tourists and visitors, and it is well-worth exploring! This list will cover some of the best things to do on your next visit to Smithtown!
1. Participate in a wine tasting at Harmony Vineyards
Recently named one of the best five wineries on Long Island, Harmony Vineyards is a wine lover’s paradise. The tasting room at Harmony Vineyards is open daily for tours and events. The mansion on the property was originally built in 1690, and it now is on the Register of National Historic Places. Harmony Wines also hosts the best brunch in the region which attracts locals from all over Long Island! Taste the local flavors of Long Island wine at Harmony Vineyards!
Harmony Vineyards
Address: 169 Harbor Road, Head of the Harbor, NY 11780
Website: Harmony Vineyards
2. Explore the Caleb Smith State Park
There are only two state nature preserves located on Long Island, and Caleb Smith State Park is one of them! Escape from the hustle of busy city life in one of the many varieties of habitats in this beautiful park. On the property is a nature museum which showcases local wildlife like the great blue heron, red fox, flying squirrel, and river otters. There are also a plethora of hiking trails that include rare plants like the Indian Pipe and the Pink Lady Slipper. This park is a local gem!
Caleb Smith State Park
Address: 581 West Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
Website: Caleb Smith State Park
3. Discover nature at Hoyt Farms
Located a short drive from Smithtown in Commack, NY is Hoyt Farms Nature Preserve. This preserve is a great place to go hiking in the summer or cross country skiing in the winter since it’s open to the public all year. Hoyt Farms has a hands-on nature center that focuses on educating guests of all ages about the local wildlife and plant species. There is also a water playground open during the warmer months, making Hoyt Farms one of the best places to spend a hot, summer day!
Hoyt Farms
Address: 200 New Highway, Commack, NY 11725
Website: Hoyt Farms
4. Learn about conservation at Sweet Briar Nature Center
The Sweet Briar Nature Center is a private non-profit that aims to educate the community about the importance of environmental conservation. Sweetbriar isn’t your average nature center! They have unique opportunities to see nature up close such as the seasonal butterfly house which has a wide variety of butterfly species. There is also a rainforest room which emphasizes the importance of conserving the worlds limited rainforests. The rainforest room features all the sights, sounds, and smells of a real rainforest! Visit the Sweet Briar Nature Center to learn more about the importance of conserving this world we all share!
Sweet Briar Nature Center
Website: Sweet Briar Nature Center
5. Eat at Maureen's Kitchen
Maureen’s Kitchen has a cult-like following in Smithtown for serving the best breakfast and lunch in town! They make just about any kind of pancakes you can think of, from blueberry to chocolate chip to pistachio. Maureen’s Kitchen likes to experiment with traditional Long Island favorites like their cannoli stuffed french toast! Whether you come for the pancakes, company, or just to eat one of the many delicious desserts, you won’t leave Maureen’s Kitchen hungry!
Maureen's Kitchen
Address: 108 Terry Rd, Smithtown, NY 11787
Facebook page: Maureen’s Kitchen
6. Step through time at the Blydenburgh Park Historic District
Blydenburgh Park, a community park, was recently listed on the register of historic places for their 18th-century structures! This historic district is formed of eight buildings in total including the mill complex and the Blydenburgh Farmhouse. This district is a great place for a walk, and the surrounding greenery is picturesque. Guided tours of the historic buildings are available weekly if you wish to learn more about the original opperations of the buildings.
Blydenburgh Park Historic District
Address: Greenbelt Trail, Smithtown, NY 11787
Website: Blydenburgh Park Historic District
7. Attend an event hosted by the Smithtown Historical Society
The Smithtown Historical Society recognized the rich cultural history of the Smithtown region in Long Island, and they wish to preserve and share this history with members of the local community. The Smithtown Historical Society hosts a number of exciting events year round to encourage community involvement and education! You can visit the Main Street location to gain insight into Smithtown over the past three centuries, from early American farm life to 19th-century Long Island. In addition to the historic buildings and artifacts, the historical society hosts highly anticipated annual events such as the Civil War encampment, Old Time Base Ball, and farm to table dinners.
Smithtown Historical Society
Address: 239 E Main St, Smithtown, NY 11787
Website: Smithtown Historical Society
8. Take a stroll in Blydenburgh County Park
The Blydenburgh County Park offers guests picturesque views of the Nissequogue River and Stump Pond as well as opportunities for bird watching! This park is the perfect place for outdoor activities for all levels of adventure enthusiasts! There are rowboat rentals and fishing spots for those looking for a relaxing day on the Stump Pond, while there are advanced hiking and horseback riding trails for adventure seekers.
Blydenburgh County Park
Address: Veteran’s Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11788
Website: Blydenburgh County Park
See the best of Smithtown!
Smithtown is a great place to explore if you love nature, wildlife, and culture! From the Sweet Briar Nature Center to regular events hosted by the Smithtown Historical Society, there is something here for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to the see the best of Long Island with a trip to Smithtown!