We were in New York twice before, in 1985 when I lived in the city and in 2008 in Albany (one of the best BNEA’s). We never explored Long Island until this trip. A very interesting Adventure as you can see from the photos.
Belmont Park Racetrack (Their Website)
There are very few attractions that disappoint but none more than this. The track holds 70,000 people and if there were even 1000 here on this day I would be surprised. It was a long day made longer because there were only two food stands and the betting was digital and confusing.
Coe Mansion and Planting Fields (Their Website)
The Coe Mansion is located on a 409 acre property and is one hundred years old. Read about it on their website. We took a tour of the house and had a terrific docent. leading it.
While we were wandering the grounds we chanced upon a watercolor class painting a flower. Bruce naturally struck up a conversation and commanded me to photograph them.
Flowers were in abundance which is natural since it is a garden destination
The Cradle of Aviation Museum (Their Website)
Bruce always finds at least one attraction that he knows I like and I like aviation museums. From Hill Air Force Museum to the Pima Air Museum we have been to dozens. This is one of the best. It is worth a trip to Long Island if you are an aviation buff. Besides one of the most interesting displays, it has an IMAX theater bigger than Long Island.
Long Island Music Hall of Fame Museum (Their website)
It is early in the Adventure and the map took us to the wrong place but we finally found this wonderful small museum. The exhibits are top notch and if you’re a Billy Joel or Joan Jett fan you will love it here. The cherry on top are is the staff. “Nice” is too restrictive of a review. “Excellent” is better. Lili, Denice and Steve were our guides and we had a terrific time with them,
Queens Botanical Garden (Their Website)
We did this on the way to Belmont Park Racetrack. Some great flowers, lots of Chinese women dressed in red and a few airplane photos.
Shelter Island Mashomack Preserve (Their Website)
A short $26 ten minute ride on a small ferry takes you to Shelter Island. It is a scenic drive to the Preserve and it’s worth the trip to me. Bruce was unimpressed although he did like the turkey.