The hamlet of Stony Brook is a beautiful place in the town of Brookhaven, in New York. This Long Island town was established in the colonial era, and eventually grew first as a resort town and later as a centre of education. This 17th-century coastal village was earlier called Wopowog, by the local native people, referring to the hamlet’s western coastline. The satellite community of Setauket was the first to settle here. Here’s a rundown of 10 best things to do in Stony Brook.
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1. Avalon Park & Preserve
Avalon Park & Preserve is a gem of a place to explore. This beautiful park features stunning walkways and incredible scenery. We suggest you refer to the map, to decide which trail you want to take as there are several options. In general, the park offers paved paths, nature trails, ponds, and a labyrinth for meditation.
Avalon Park & Preserve
Address: Harbor Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
Website: Avalon Park & Preserve
2. Robinson's Tea Room
Robinson’s Tea Room is a lovely restaurant in New York, offering high-tea options. The new owners have recently renovated the place, with stylish decor and impeccable service. In addition, the staff at Robinson’s Tea Room takes a special interest in explaining the tea choices. Come to this place to enjoy a wonderful cup of tea in ravishing bone china teacups.
Robinson's Tea Room
Address: 97 Main St, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
Website: Robinson’s Tea Room
3. Long Island Museum of American Art, History and Carriages
Long Island Museum of American Art, History and Carriages is an interesting place to explore in New York. You can visit it for a reasonable admission fee. This hidden treasure of Stony Brook features much more than you would guess. Before you leave, take a tour of the historic blacksmith shop, the 19th-century one-room schoolhouse, as well as the St. James store. The three quality venues inside the museum are a credit to the Smithsonian and their expert curation.
Long Island Museum of American Art, History and Carriages
Address: 1200 NY-25A, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
Website: Long Island Museum
4. Stony Brook Village Center
Stony Brook Village Center is a commercial centre in New York, created by Ward Melville in the style of a traditional New England village, featuring clapboard buildings. The village flaunts historical and modern structures in the shape of a crescent. It’s a wonderful place to hang out and features scenic shopping and dining areas, along with the harbour, that has a cafe, ice cream parlour, and wine shops.
Stony Brook Village Center
Address: 111 Main St, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
Website: Stony Brook Village Center
5. Stony Brook University
The State University of New York is another famous attraction in Stony Brook. This university is a Space and Sea Grant research university, part of the SUNY system. Correspondingly, the university houses over 200 buildings on a combined area of 11 million square feet (1,021,933.4 square meters) of land. Visit and explore this research university, which is currently led by its council president, Samuel Stanley.
Stony Brook University
Address: 100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
Website: Stony Brook University
6. The Jazz Loft
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Jazz Loft is in a lovely old stone building, near the harbour. Earlier, this place was a garden club, antique store and the Long Island Museum. This pub invites world-famous musicians to perform on the first floor. On the ground floor, you can explore the fascinating photos, artefacts, and manuscripts. The admission fee for an adult is 20 USD and 15 USD for senior citizens. Above all, the Jazz loft is a spectacular music venue and jazz museum, worth a visit.
The Jazz Loft
Address: 275 Christian Ave, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
Website: The Jazz Loft
7. Joel L. Lefkowitz Park at West Meadow Beach
Joel L. Lefkowitz Park, at West Meadow Beach, is a scenic spot for a walk or a swim. The shore beaches are rocky, so make sure to check before you arrive. The best time to visit is at low tide when you can stroll on the sandbars. This beach is also famous for its incredible dawn and dusk, with great sunrises and sunsets. You can ride a bike on the paved paths and take a walk or skate on the Trustees Road. Joel L. Lefkowitz Park is also marked with plenty of local wildlife information.
Joel L. Lefkowitz Park
Address: Trustees Road, Stony Brook, NY 11733
8. Reboli Center for Art and History
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Reboli Center for Art and History showcases paintings, arranged in light-filled spaces. This art gallery was built in an old bank building, across from the Stony Brook Shopping Centre. Reboli was an artist who painted Adirondack chairs and other Long Island subjects. Therefore, the gallery is situated on the bank of a lake, featuring water birds, tranquil surroundings, and Adirondack chairs. Reboli’s paintings are beautiful, detailed and filled with shadow. Do visit the gift shop in the building before you leave.
Reboli Center for Art and History
Address: 64 Main St, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
Website: Reboli Center for Art and History
9. Brew Cheese
Brew Cheese is a picturesque restaurant, famous for its artisanal grilled cheese and craft beer. This place is located on Northport's main street, near the corner of Scudder and Woodbine. You will be welcomed by cosy teak furniture, in a lavish indoor setting. Moreover, Brew Cheese offers food and beers at a reasonable price and their staff is also friendly. Taste the scrumptious cheese-Italian meat platters, sandwiches and variety of beers.
Brew Cheese
Address: 127 Main St, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
Facebook: Brew Cheese
10. Hand and Stone Spa
Hand and Stone is a splendid spa, offering rejuvenation, relaxation and an enjoyable experience. Your masseuse is an expert in identifying and focusing on areas that are in need of a massage. The therapeutic and luxurious massages will provide instant relaxation to those in pain. Try a warm neck wrap, a peppermint scalp massage, or other well-being offerings from the menu.
Hand and Stone Spa
Address: 2300 Nesconset Hwy, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
Website: Hand and Stone Spa
The best of New York
From nature trails, wildlife, farms, parks, beaches and gastronomy, Stony Brook contains the best of New York. Which of these best things have you already done? Tell us about your experience!
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