Five Things to Do In: Stony Brook, New York

Throwing out your travel itinerary has its draws. Frank and Jennie Melville weren’t planning on vacationing in Stony Brook. Instead, it seems, Stony Brook found its way into their schedule. The couple and their family ditched their Hamptons vacation plans after boarding the wrong train and ending up in this town on the north shore of Long Island. Rather than hopping on the next departing train, they unpacked their bags and decided to purchase a summer home. The Melville family was eventually involved in the creation of the Long Island Museum of American Art, History and Carriages, the creation of Stony Brook Village Center and the donation of the land to New York State where Stony Brook University is now located.

Wondering what could have possibly possessed the Melville’s to nix their Hamptons holiday in favor of a getaway in Stony Brook? Visit the town and discover for yourself. If you insist on drafting a list of things to do before your trip, these five attractions will help get you started:

Stony Brook Village Center
Created by Frank Melville’s son in 1941, Ward, the Stony Brook Village Center was recognized as the first planned shopping center in America. It includes a sweeping village green and crescent shaped design. Visitors today can explore the idyllic walking village surrounded by historic sites, more than 35 shops and seven restaurants, including Three Village Inn, c. 1751, and the Country House Restaurant, c. 1710, which was inhabited by British troops during the Revolutionary War. Don’t leave without checking out the mechanical eagle on the Post Office pediment—it’s been flapping its wings every hour on the hour for nearly 70 years.

“Discovery” Wetlands Cruise
The 35-passenger "Discovery," the Ward Melville Heritage Organization's pontoon boat, sails from May through October. The boat takes 1½ hour cruises through Stony Brook Harbor to the surrounding 88-acre wetlands preserve at West Meadow Creek. A naturalist from Stony Brook University Marine Sciences Center is onboard to describe the wildlife and vegetation that make up the preserve.

Stony Brook Grist Mill
Circa 1751, this is Long Island’s most completely equipped working grist mill and country store. Open from April through November, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated as a New York State Revolutionary War Heritage Trail site. Noteworthy activities include, "The Dusty Program," which allows visitors to experience what life was like as an 18th-century miller and "The Art and Science of Hydraulics."

Hercules Pavilion
This Stony Brook landmark is home to the figurehead and anchor from the U.S.S. Ohio, the first ship launched from the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1820. The figurehead overlooks Stony Brook Village and Stony Brook Harbor. Behind the pavilion is the whale boat used during the Peary expedition to the North Pole.

WMHO Educational & Cultural Center
This new, 8,000-square foot community center hosts events and activities for the whole family all year. Performing arts, theater, dance and music are part of the center’s repertoire. The Educational & Cultural Center also features video-conferencing programs with topics like coastal ecology, history and literacy.

Stony Brook is a Gozaic partner. Have you visited Stony Brook? Write a review and share photos on Gozaic.

Photos top to bottom: All images courtesy of Ward Melville Heritage Organization, Stony Brook Village Center. Stony Brook Village summer. Stony Brook Village nighttime. Stony Brook “Discovery” Wetlands Cruise. WMHO Educational & Cultural Center’s Math Midway exhibit, on display through July 6.