Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday August 18, 2008
TWENTY UNUSUAL PLACES YOU CAN VISIT ON LONG ISLAND
Contact: Kristen Matejka
Director of Marketing and Communications LICVB&SC
HAUPPAUGE, NY –(August 18, 2008)- What do Tiger Woods, an historic military installation and a Big Duck have in common? Each is part of just some of the unique places you can visit on Long Island.
Long Island has a long history of attracting interesting characters to its shores, and has always been closely tied to the center of American cultural life. Actors, politicians, poets, and artists have long been drawn here and there are several sites of historical significance; but Long Island is also home to some modern day venues that are intriguing in their own right. Following is a mix of both you can enjoy.
1. Bethpage Black
Visit Bethpage Black, home of the 2002 and the upcoming 2009 US Open. Walk where golf’s best, including Tiger Woods, have done battle. The course’s slope rating is one of the highest in the northeast and it is one of the last courses designed by master golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast. It is said by many to be his finest work. The narrow fairways, high roughs, well placed bunkers and small greens help to make this an extremely formidable course make it a course that should be played only by low-handicap golfers.
2. Camp Hero
Camp Hero State Park in Montauk encompasses 415 acres of diverse landscape including heavily wooded areas, a long expanse of beach front along the Atlantic Ocean, and an historic military installation. During World War II, the park was made to look like a fishing village, when in fact it contained docks, seaplane hangars, barracks, and other buildings vital to the protection of U.S. shores. There was also a torpedo testing facility, a radar tower (still on-site) and it was used as a training facility and a target range, with guns being fired at offshore targets.
3. The Big Duck
Ride along Route 24 and you will see people slowing down to turn their heads and say ‘Did you see that?’ to one of the country’s best examples roadside architecture, The Big Duck in Flanders. At 18 feet wide, 30 feet long, this charming white duck welcomes visitors, sharing Long Island’s rich duck farming history. It was built in 1931, by Riverhead duck farmer Martin Maurer as a store to sell his Peking ducks to passing motorists. Now it is a gift shop selling duck souvenirs, and other "duck-a-bilia.”
4. Long Island Seals
Another aquatic native on Long Island is seals. The Coastal Research & Education Society of Long Island's (CRESLI) plans walks December though May. Various types of seals can be seen in their natural habitat, but do not attempt to approach them on your own. Go for a guided walk or cruise from places such as Point Lookout and Montauk Point State Park.
5. Shark Dive
For a more up close and personal experience with one of nature’s fiercest creatures, submerge yourself in the 120,000 gallon Lost City of Atlantis Shark Exhibit at Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead, in a secure cage as more than ten sharks and exotic fish surround you. Divers are provided with everything they need for their dive, including wetsuit, scuba gear, and an underwater mask that allows underwater communications. You do not need to be a certified diver to go on this unique adventure
6. America’s Oldest Cattle Ranch
Visit the oldest working cattle ranch in the United States at Deep Hollow Ranch in Montauk, owned by fifth generation descendants who have managed the ranch since the 1800s. There are group and living history tours available in horse drawn carriages; hear stories of Captain Kid, Chief Wyandanch, Teddy Roosevelt, and others. Or go horseback riding along Montauk's rugged cliffs and ocean shoreline.
7. Horse Racing’s Most Prestigious Race
Belmont Park Race Track in Elmont is the site of the annual Belmont Stakes, the third leg of horse racing’s prestigious Triple Crown. It is where horse racing history and several horseracing legends made their name. Secretariat, a chestnut stallion won the 1973 Triple Crown, becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years, and set still standing track record at 2:24. Also Man o' War, is considered by most to be the greatest thoroughbred racehorse of all time where he won 20 of 21 races competed in. War Admiral, his offspring, was the 1937 Triple Crown winner. Come see the memorials and tributes to these great horses at Belmont Park.
8. NY’s Oldest Lighthouse
Montauk Lighthouse on Long island is the oldest lighthouse in New York State and the fourth oldest in the country. Built in 1796, it still serves as an active aid to navigation under the United States Coast Guard. It stands 110-ft tall with a distinguishable red and white stripe with a light that can be seen over a distance of 19 nautical miles. There is a Lighthouse museum which displays a collection of historical artifacts and documents. Tours are available, including the 137-step climb to the beacon.
9. The Summer Whitehouse
Visit Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in Oyster Bay, home of Theodore Roosevelt, one of America’s best-loved presidents. Built by Theodore Roosevelt in 1884-5, this 23-room Victorian mansion was his "Summer White House" from 1901-1909. Seasonal guided tours are available as well as exhibits and audio visual programs on Roosevelt's family life and career. It is also the final resting spot of the late President at nearby Young’s Cemetery.
10. Walt Whitman’s Birth Place
At the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site & Interpretive Center in Huntington you can see the home of one of America's greatest poets. The home features unique nineteenth century furnishing and unusual architecture. Also on-site are exhibits of more than 130 portraits of Walt Whitman, original letters, manuscripts, artifacts, and a schoolmaster's desk. There are various events thought the year and a birthday celebration every year. There is a picnic facility, a museum shop and bookstore.
11. The Home of Abstract Expressionism
Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner, two of America’s foremost Abstract Expressionists, lived in Springs on Long Island and in their home here, created some of their most well-known pieces. The house contains their furniture, hundreds of jazz records and the artists' personal library. The most exciting element is Pollock’s art studio where visitors can stand amidst paint-splattered walls and floor where he actually created much of his art. Nearby is the cemetery where both artists are buried under two large boulders. Guided tours are available by reservation.
12. Transportation Before Gasoline Cars
Travel though the ages and learn about the history of transportation at the Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages. Discover a national treasure in historic Stony Brook. This nine acre setting contains three museums featuring changing exhibitions in American Art, history, and the best collection of horse-drawn carriages in the United States. Enjoy lovely gardens and a fountain framed by historic buildings and the museum gift and book shop. Various unique rooms at the museum are the blacksmith shop, 19th and 20th-century art, schoolhouse, miniature room, and many others.
13. Aviation From It’s Beginnings to the Moon
Long Island has shaped aviation history from Lindberg’s first solo trans-Atlantic flight at Roosevelt Field to Grumman Corp.’s Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) and F-14 fighter jets. At the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, you can see Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis” and the test LEM, along with an El Al cockpit, an IMAX Theater Show, and a full historic spectrum of planes.
14. Vintage Control Tower
The American Air Power Museum in Farmingdale tells of Long Island’s rich aviation history. Operational World War II aircraft fly from a landmark hangar that was once part of Republic Aviation. Vintage army vehicles bring visitors along the flight line and up to an historic control tower as fighters, bombers and transport aircraft take to the air. The museum's D-Day flight experience allows individuals to fly with Airborne re-enactors on board a C-47. Ground exhibits include tributes to women and the Tuskegee Airmen POW's.
15. Planetarium and Observatory
The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium in Centerport, on the grounds of the elegant Vanderbilt historic mansion, includes a 238-seat, state of the art planetarium with various sky shows throughout the year. It is one of the largest and best-equipped in the United States. There is also an observatory with a professional-grade 16-inch reflecting telescope.
16. Amazing Air Show
Every Memorial Weekend at Jones Beach State Park is the famous Jones Beach Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show, where an historic spectrum of aviation machinery perform along with a precision performance by the U.S. Thunderbirds or Blue Angels. This free show is attended each year by hundreds of thousands of people who enjoy the surf, the sand and the sound of jets on Long Island.
17. A Sunken Forest
Visit the National Park Sea Shore at Fire Island and leave your car and the bustling city behind and enjoy over 26 miles of beaches and high dunes. Find an abundance of nature and woodlands. Visit the Sunken Forest where 300 year old trees stand dwarfed by the North Atlantic winds that bear down on the park in the winter, not allowing the trees to grow any higher than the dunes that protect it. Enjoy miles of boardwalk and trails and gorgeous, white sand life guarded beaches.
18. Top-Rated Water Park
Splish Splash in Riverhead is rated one of the top five water parks in America. With over 96 acres and 18 water slides, there is something for every member of the family, from the lazy river to shotgun falls to Alien Invasion. Rent a cabana for a day or relax by one of the several pools. There is a children’s park and shows.
19. Napa Valley of the East
Long Island Wine Country on the North Fork transports you to a place where over 30 Long Island wineries open their doors, offering their bounty to visitors. Come sample the latest award-winning vintage, or take a fascinating cellar tour and see how vintners have perfected their craft. Enjoy lunch at a fabulous local restaurant or plan to spend the evening at one of the quaint area inns. North Fork wineries have developed a following of their own.
20. The Miracle Mile
Visit Long Island’s version of Rodeo Drive at the Miracle Mile in Manhasset. Shop some of the most excusive and notable high end stores as Tiffany & Co., Fendi, Gucci, Prada, and many more. There are various fashion shows, events, and charity fundraisers throughout the year.
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The Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission (LICVB&SC) was established in 1979 as the official tourism promotion agency for the destination’s travel and tourism industry. Based on Long Island in Hauppauge, NY, the LICVB&SC contributes to the economic development and quality of life on Long Island by promoting the region as a world-class destination for tourism, meetings and conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and related activities. For more information about Long Island, please contact the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission by calling
Press Contact Email: kmatejka@discoverlongisland.com
330 Motor Parkway, Suite 203, Hauppauge, NY 11788
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