7 Things To Do in Oyster Bay

Postcard Courtesy of the Oyster Bay Historical Society

C&T's Empire Insider will give you the ins and outs of what to do, what to see, and where to see it in all corners of New York state.

Originally posted in AAA's Car & Travel, July/August 2015 

AAA.com/EmpireInsider
By: Andrew G. Rosen

Oyster Bay is often revered as the crown jewel of the opulent North Shore. With deep historical ties, including President Theodore Roosevelt taking up residence in the region, it’s no wonder the area is consistently a must-visit for Northeasterners. The stellar water quality of Oyster Bay helps produce mouth-watering oysters, representing up to 90 percent of the oysters and up to 40 percent of the hard clams harvested in all of New York State.

Planting Fields Greenhouse
Photo by Meredith Maus

1. With over 400 acres of rolling lawns and woodland paths, Planting Fields Arboretum offers a gorgeous collection of horticulture, much of which is unique to the area. Coming soon is the new “sensory garden” where an interactive pool and sheltered outdoor room promise to deliver tranquility and beauty to all who visit.

Sailboats loading at the WFC
Photo by Meredith Maus

2. Once a hub for manufacturing WWII minesweepers for the U.S. Navy, The WaterFront Center is now an environmental education and recreation not- for-profit community center. After renting a kayak or paddleboard, be sure to check out the historic Christeen, the oldest surviving oyster sloop in North America (sunset and harbor sails are offered).

Sagamore Hill NHS
Photo by Meredith Maus

3. One visit and it’s easy to understand why Theodore Roosevelt, the only U.S. president born in New York City, made Sagamore Hill his “summer White House.” Technically in Cove Neck, east of Oyster Bay Cove, the recently rehabilitated home (as of press time, expected to re-open in mid-July) serves up a slice of history.

Flight Tasting at OBBC
Photo by Meredith Maus

4. The nautical-themed tasting room at the Oyster Bay Brewing Company is standing room only, but after a craft beer flight, who cares! Watch them brew their hoppy IPA or crisp amber ale on premises or fill up your empty growler and enjoy from the comfort of home.

Photo Courtesy Audubon New York

5. Originally designed to provide a protected environment for songbirds in the 1920s, the 12-acre Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center was donated to the public by the president’s cousins in his name. Visitors leave with a greater respect for the natural world after enjoying hands-on environmental education programs.

Photo Courtesy Oyster Fest Facebook

6. We had to talk about the oysters, no? The annual Oyster Festival (Oct. 17–18, 2015) attracts over 200,000 people who partake in oysters— raw, fried and stewed. As the East Coast’s largest waterfront festival, you’ll find entertainment, rides, crafts and over 60 food options (just in case oysters aren’t your thing).

Photo by Meredith Maus

7. Rooted in the community since the early 1900s, Bonanza’s is more than your average walk-up snack window. Enjoy a chili dog (it’s boiled!), gooey cheese fries and cool off with creative homemade Italian ice flavors such as margarita, PB&J and cake batter. No wonder this place has been a community staple for generations.

Best of Long Island - Support our Local Businesses, Organizations, & Service Providers!

The 10th Annual Bethpage Best of Long Island!

The voting period is now open.  Voting is permitted once a day until December 15th!

Vote to let everyone know all that the downtown of Oyster Bay has to offer! 

Nominees from Oyster Bay:

click on the links to vote!

            Arts & Entertainment

o   Annual Event/ Festival – Oyster Bay Oyster Festival, New York AutoFest

o   Celebrity Impersonator – James Foote/ Theodore Roosevelt

o   Museum – Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

o   Public Garden – Planting Fields Arboretum

Automotive

o   Foreign Auto Dealership – BMW of Oyster Bay

o   Long Island Collectible Car Club – New York AutoFest

o   Motorcycle Shop – 20^th Century Motorcycles

Education

o   Catholic School – St. Dominic College Prepatory High School

o   School Principal – Cecilia St. John, St. Dominic’s Elementary School

Health, Wellness & Beauty

o   Assisted Living - Harbor House; Oyster Bay Manor

o   Day Spa – Blue Water Spa

o   Skin Care – Blue Water Spa

Home & Garden

o   Appliance Store – Appliance World

o   Architect – Oyster Bay Drafting

o   Barbeque Store – Appliance World

o   Roofing Company – Oyster Bay Roofing

Nightlife & Spirits

o   Craft Beer Brewery – Oyster Bay Brewery

Services

o   Dry Cleaning Services – GreenSleeves Cleaners

o   Environmental Organization – Friends of the Bay

o   Gold Buyer – Coin Galleries of Oyster Bay

o   Republican – John Venditto

o   Taxi Service – Oyster Rides Taxi; Oyster Bay Limousine & Taxi

Shopping

o   Antique Store – The Attic Door

Sports & Activity

o   Recreation Center – Oyster Bay Community Center

o   Skate Shop – L-Industrie Long Boards

o   Water Sport Rental – The WaterFront Center

Weddings

o   Honey Moon Travel Planner - Cruise Planners; Oyster Bay Travel

Camelia House Weekend at Planting Fields, February 25 and 26, 2012

like us on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2012 Planting Fields, All rights reserved. You signed up either at Planting Fields or at our website PlantingFields.org Our mailing address is: Planting Fields 1395 Planting Fields Road Oyster Bay, NY 11771 Add us to your address book

Celebrate the Holidays at Coe Hall Mansion in Historic Oyster Bay

like us on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2011 Planting Fields, All rights reserved. You signed up either at Planting Fields or at our website PlantingFields.org Our mailing address is: Planting Fields 1395 Planting Fields Road Oyster Bay, NY 11771 Add us to your address book  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Planting Fields, Fri, 12/9, 5:30pm

The New York Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the seventh Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay, NY.

The tree lighting will take place on Friday, December 9, 2011. Arboretum gates will open at 5:30PM and the tree lighting will take place at 6:00PM sharp. As in previous years, we will light the magnificent thirty-five foot Japanese Umbrella Pine, which is located on the south side of the Camilla Greenhouse. The event will feature several special guests, including Santa and carolers. Guests will have the opportunity to view the first floor of Coe Hall. In addition, guests will be able to view the spectacular poinsettia display in the Main Greenhouse. The Main Greenhouse display will feature several hundred poinsettia plants comprising forty varieties of poinsettias. Don’t forget to visit our beautiful Periwinkles café in the Visitor Center and enjoy a great snack.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see Planting Fields in all its’ winter splendor. Both the grounds and the building will be open until 8:00PM. Admission is free. For more information, please call Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park at 516-922-9200 or visit our website at www.plantingfields.org. For more information about New York State Parks, visit our website at www.nysparks.com.

Directions: Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park is located in Oyster Bay and can be reached via the Long Island Expressway, Exit 41 North (route 106) to Route 25A west, and then follow signs to the park.

Spend a Day in Oyster Bay, Attractions open Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day

The Oyster Bay Railroad Museum is pleased to announce the "Spend A Day In Oyster Bay" tourist program, which will run from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10AM to 4PM. Whether arriving by train, boat or automobile, tourists will be able to spend an enjoyable day in one of the most picturesque and historic areas on the north shore of Long Island. The program's goal is to market and promote the area historical, cultural, and retail establishments, thereby making Oyster Bay a destination for families, tourists, and visitors.

The "Spend A Day" program is featured in the Long Island Rail Road 2011 "Long Island Getaways" package which includes discounted round trip rail fare and local ground transport provided by Oyster Ride's minivans. The van loop includes the major attractions: Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, Planting Fields Arboretum/Coe Hall, Sagamore Hill, Theodore Roosevelt Bird Sanctuary and Young's Memorial Cemetery. Also included is the use of "electronic wands" for a self-guided audio walking tour to the many historical attractions in the downtown, including the Oyster Bay Historical Society/Earle Wightman House, Raynham Hall Museum, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, and the Waterfront Center.

Tourists will begin their day at the Railroad Museum's Visitor Center, located a 102 Audrey Ave. Here they will receive a complimentary gift bag, a "Spend A Day" value package which includes discount coupons to participating restaurants and retail merchants, historical locations, and area maps.

The program, a long-held goal of many organizations to capitalize on the potential of Oyster Bay as a viable historical destination, is a collaborative effort of the Railroad Museum, Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce, Oyster Bay Main Street Association, LIRR, and the organizations mentioned above. For more information, visit the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum's website at www.obrm.org., or call 516-558-7036 .

Visit the "Secret Gardens" of Long Island's Gold Coast

The "Secret Gardens" of the Gold Coast Open to Visitors During Oyster Bay's First Garden Tour


The Hay Barn at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

Have you ever wanted to see what lies behind the hedgerows of the homes of the famed Gold Coast? You will have the opportunity to do just that, during The Oyster Bay Main Street Association's first ever Garden Tour scheduled for Wednesday, June 15, 2011 from 10:00 am- 4:00 pm. This one-day event will allow you to step beyond the front gates into some of Nassau County's finest home gardens.

You will be led into fanciful gardens, cultivated and tended lovingly by the proud homeowners who have generously agreed to allow public access. Tours of the four selected gardens will be limited to ticket holders and will be led by private hosts.

Suzy Bales, author of 14 books, will be signing her latest book titled "Garden Bouquets and Beyond". Her book signing will be in her garden (which is one of the gardens on the tour) as well as at the tour luncheon, and will benefit the Oyster Bay Main Street Association. Suzy is a former columnist for Better Homes and Gardens, Newsday and The New York Times.

The Garden Tour will be followed by a luncheon catered by Periwinkles Cafe located at the Hay Barn on the grounds of the Planting Fields State Historic Park in Oyster Bay. The luncheon will also feature a lecture by the park's director, Vincent Simeone. The day will conclude with a post-lunch tour of the Planting Fields Rose Garden.

A limited number of tickets are currently available through the Oyster Bay Main Street Association's website, at www.oysterbaymainstreet.org. The cost is $75 per person and includes the guided tours, lunch and lecture. Previously purchased tickets will be issued to participants on the day of the event only, at the starting point of the tour, the Oyster Bay Long Island Railroad parking lot. An additional parking fee of $8 for the Planting Fields State Historic Park is not included in the ticket price.

All proceeds will benefit the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting a thriving downtown district while preserving the historic integrity of Oyster Bay. For more information and other upcoming events sponsored by the OBMSA please view our website at www.oysterbaymainstreet.org.

The 'Best of Long Island' May be Found in Oyster Bay!

Oyster Bay had many winners represented as part of their "Best of Long Island 2011" competition. Planting Fields Arboretum at 1395 Planting Fields Rd received top billing as the "Best Public Garden on Long Island."

The Planting Field Arboretum in Oyster Bay is a former Gold Coast estate with more than five gardens, along with more than 200 beautiful acres of paths and greenhouses. They also show current innovative garden techniques and information on new plant selections.

Other winners included...

Coin Galleries of Oyster Bay with their flagship store at 90 South St in oyster Bay was included on both the "Best Gold Buyer" and the "Best Collectible and Nostalgia Store on Long Island" lists.

Coin Galleries of Oyster Bay has the widest selection of treasures on Long Island. Whether you’re trading something in or treasure hunting. Day after day, they provide Long Islanders with the best price for their possessions.

Photos of the welcoming interior of the Blue Water Spa.

Blue Water Spa at 21 West Main Street made a first-time appearance to the "Best Day Spa on Long Island" list. Owner Rachel Lozina was proud that the business has been such a success in a down economy, since opening in 2008. "We really care about our clients and they expect nothing but the best from us." Among the services they provide include massage, anti-aging facial treatments, body scrubs, and laser hair removal and waxing.

Finally, the Oyster Festival remains a perennial favorite to voters, and was named on the "Best Annual Event/Festival on Long Island" list.

The Oyster Bay Oyster Festival was started in honor of one of Long Island’s most successful residents-Theodore Roosevelt. The festival was started to celebrate Roosevelt’s 125th birthday, and was such a success that it became an annual event. Today it has over 300 food vendors, rides, entertainment and tours of historic ships and vessels. And don’t forget the oyster eating and shucking contest-an even that always draws a large crowd.

Camellia Weekend at Planting Fields Featuring Camellia Expert, Charles Cresson, 2/26 and 2/27

Saturday, February 26th & Sunday, February 27th
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Camellia House and Coe Hall

CAMELLIA HOUSE FREE WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
10:00am Camellia Greenhouse & Coe Hall open
11:00am Vincent Simeone talks about camellias
12:00pm Flautists performance
1:00pm Vincent Simeone talks about camellias
3:00pm Flautists performance
4:00pm Camellia House closes
All day How to paint camellias demonstrations
Periwinkles Café at Haybarn will be open 11:00am - 3:00pm


COE HALL MANSION WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
10:00am – 4:00pm, $5 per person
Members and children are free
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for children and their families included
Children’s crafts and caricaturist at Coe Hall all day
2:00pm – Lecture in the Great Hall
Charles Cresson, camellia expert and horticultural
lecturer, "Growing Hardy Camellias"
Camellia costume jewelry by Kenneth Jay Lane for sale


Choosing Hardy Camellias for Spring and Fall
Recent breeding breakthroughs have transformed the fabled camellia from a southern jewel into a hardy landscape plant. These easily grown evergreen shrubs produce months of bloom in both spring and autumn. On Long Island they thrive in shade, tolerating heat and drought. Learn how to select and grow the best varieties in your garden.

Charles Cresson has been growing camellias outdoors in his garden, near Philadelphia, for 40 years and has been trialing the hardier introductions for over 20 years. He is also a garden designer, consultant, photographer and author. He studied horticulture at the University of Vermont and the University of Bath in England and has worked for the Royal Horticultural Society and W. Atlee Burpee Co. as well as several public gardens. He is the award winning author of 3 books, Charles Cresson on the American Flower Garden, Ornamental Trees and Rock Gardening. In 2001, Cresson was awarded the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Certificate of Merit.


CALL FOR INFORMATION: (516) 922-8682 or email: mbenes@plantingfields.org

Planting Fields to host annual LIAA Arbor Day Event, March 26, 7am-2pm

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce that the Long Island Arboricultural Association will host its annual Arbor Day event at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay, NY. This event is a collaborative effort between New York State Parks, The Planting Fields Foundation, and LIAA.

The Arbor Day event will take place on Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 7am to 2pm. This one day volunteer effort includes pruning and general cleanup of the historic trees and shrubs at the Carshalton Gates, Main Drive, and Taxus Field located on the south west side of the arboretum off Chicken Valley Road. The work also includes the removal of hazardous trees in these areas culminating with the planting of a new tree.

LIAA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education on the care, preservation and maintenance of trees and shrubs on Long Island. The organization also spearheads and promotes proper management practices of trees and encourages research for the protection of trees in the community.

This annual Arbor Day event features over 100 professional arborists, and their families, who volunteer their time to give back to the community. Dozens of trucks, chippers and other arboricultural equipment will be provided for the day’s activities. This massive group effort is estimated in value at over $75,000.

For more information please contact Planting Fields at 516-922-8601 or LIAA at 631-415- 4535.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation operates 178 state parks and 35 historic sites, which host 56 million visitors a year. More information is available by visiting www.nysparks.com, connecting on Facebook, or following us on Twitter.

Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown Oyster Bay!

Oyster Bay is about to have the most active and exciting holiday season in recent memory. Community leaders and public officials will be on-hand to mark completion of the $2.5 million rehabilitation of the Octagon Hotel on Thursday, December 2. This 1850's building, where Theodore Roosevelt conducted his campaign for Governor of New York, will house 6 apartments and 3 retail units. Join us for the Ribbon Cutting & Dedication at 4pm, to be followed by building tours and reception with free food and drink. The Octagon Hotel is located at 67 West Main Street in downtown Oyster Bay.

Late Night Shopping Downtown
Stores will be open late on Thursday, December 2, 9, and 16, to help satisfy all of your shopping needs. Find that unique one-of-a-kind gift. Downtown Oyster Bay has art, anqiues, crafts, collectibles, jewelry, toys, and more.

Free Gift Wrapping
Buckingham's Variety Store at 36 Audrey Avenue will provide free gift wrapping for any item purchased at an Oyster Bay or East Norwich store when a receipt is provided. This will be offerred Thursday, Dec. 2, 9, and 16.

Also enjoy the following special events to be held throughout the month of December.

Wednesday, December 1

Menorah Lighting at the Derby-Hall Bandstand in Townsend Park located at Shore and Audrey Avenues, starting at 5:30pm.

Thursday, December 2


Meet the Maker: Jane Cairns Irvine at Think Long Island First, 5pm-7pm
Renowned glass artist Jane Cairns Irvine will present her glass art at Think Long Island First at 36 Audrey Avenue. Jane runs a successful studio in Glen Head where she creates her own work and introduces students of all ages to the magic of fused glass.

1st Annual Holiday Stroll and Artwalk, 7pm-9pm
Enjoy a stroll through town and visit many of our artists and art galleries that will be open late to satisfy your holiday shopping needs.

Rob Zeller of the Teaching Studios of Art at 115 Audrey Avenue will be conducting a portrait demonstration form a live model, 7pm-9pm. The event is free and open to the public. Artwork of faculty artists Kristin Künc, Bennett Vadnais, Lor Shorin and Jane McGraw Teubner will be on display, as well.

Shangri-la Spa at 63 Audrey Avenue will be hosting a "Meet the Artist Reception" from 7-9pm. A collection of original monotypes and hand-pulled prints, all modern interpretations of the figure, will be on display now through Feb. 18.

Artwork from local area artists will be on display in the Oyster Bay Main Street Association storefront office at 17 Audrey Ave, from 7pm-9pm. Free holiday food and refreshments will be provided.

Friday, December 3

HPS Network Benefit Christmas Concert, 7:30pm
Free concert featuring traditional, modern, and Christmas favorites. Admission is free. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network. To be held at the Oyster Bay High School Performing Arts Center, 150 East Main Street, Oyster Bay

Sunday, December 5

HPS Network Benefit Christmas Concert, 2:00pm
Free concert featuring traditional, modern, and Christmas favorites. Admission is free. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network. To be held at the Oyster Bay High School Performing Arts Center, 150 East Main Street, Oyster Bay

Holiday Tree Lighting, 4:15pm
At the Derby-Hall Bandstand in Townsend Park located at Shore and Audrey Avenues

Monday, December 6

Holiday Party at Blue Water Spa, 5pm-9pm
To celebrate the holidays we are offering an evening of Fun Fun Fun! Mingle with your friends, Meet the Staff, learn about new services. We are offering the following FREE services: Candy Cane Facials, Clarisonic Facial Cleansing Station, Mini Lactic Facial Peels, Oxygen Eye and Lip Infusion, Make up Make overs. Discounts on all our products. Champagne and hors d'oeuvres. And we are raffling off a Microdermabrasion Series (6 treatments) worth $1000! Please call us to RSVP. 516-584-6800 We hope to see you there!

Thursday, December 9

Many stores will be open late!

Free Gift Wrapping
Buckingham's Variety Store at 36 Audrey Avenue will offer free gift wrapping for any item purchased at an Oyster Bay or East Norwich store.

Friday, December 10

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, 6pm
Gates will open at 5:30PM and the tree lighting will take place at 6:00PM sharp. This year, we will light the magnificent thirty-five foot Japanese Umbrella Pine, which is located on the south side of the Camilla Greenhouse. The event will feature several special guests, including Santa and carolers. Guests will have the opportunity to see the holiday decorations on the first floor of Coe Hall. In addition, guests will be able to view the spectacular poinsettia display in the Main Greenhouse. Don’t forget to visit our beautiful café in the Visitor Center and enjoy a great snack. Both the grounds and the building will be open until 8:00PM. Admission is free. For more information, please call 516-922-8600.

Saturday, December 11

Free Horse and Carriage Rides, noon-4pm
Rides will depart every 15 minutes on a first come, first served basis from the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, 102 Audrey Avenue.

Meet St. Nicholas, 12:30pm-2:30pm
St. Nicholas will make a special trip from the North Pole to greet guests at Raynham Hall Museum, located at 20 West Main Street. Children who come with their families will receive stocking stuffer gifts and holiday refreshments. Admission is $12 per family.

Oyster Bay Historical Society Holiday Open House, 4pm-7pm
A program of gospel and seasonal music will be held at the Hood A.M.E. Zion Church located at 137 South Street. This will be followed by a Holiday Reception at the Oyster Bay Historical Society building, located at 20 Summit Street in Oyster Bay.

The Artist Club Gallery Opening, doors open at 2pm, reception 7pm-9pm
The newly opened Artist Club Gallery at 27 Berry Hill Road will have an exhibition featuring work by artists Michael Cavayero, Kathryn Gardner, Odile Montel, and Peter Weeks. This is a "silent auction" gallery where club memebrs can bid for work in person, by phone, or online.

Sunday, December 12

Free Horse and Carriage Rides, noon-4pm
Rides will depart every 15 minutes on a first come, first served basis from the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, 102 Audrey Avenue.

Sunday Barn Brunch, 11am-3pm
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park will hold a Sunday Barn Brunch in the Hay Barn. Live music by Mike Mattia & Friends will be provided. Food will be served buffet style with champagne cocktail. Price is $29.95 for adults and $15 for children under 10. Call Periwinkles Catering for more info 516-922-6700.

Thursday, December 16

Stores will be open late!

Free Gift Wrapping
Buckingham's Variety Store at 36 Audrey Avenue will offer free gift wrapping for any item purchased at an Oyster Bay or East Norwich store.

Saturday, December 18

Christmas with the Roosevelts at Sagamore Hill, noon-4pm
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site will host Christmas with the Roosevelts. Activities will include holiday music performed on a harp and flute by Musica Dolce at the park’s Old Orchard Museum and Christmas carols sung by Close Enough around Roosevelt Home. “Theodore Roosevelt,” as portrayed by James Foote, will share his reminiscences of how the Roosevelts celebrated Christmas, both at Sagamore Hill and in the White House. Ranger-guided tours of the Roosevelt Home will feature information about Christmases past and the festivities that the family enjoyed. Behind the Visitor Center, children will have an opportunity to work with a park ranger to make holiday crafts, and everyone is welcome to partake of complimentary hot cider and hot chocolate will be provided by the Friends of Sagamore Hill. 12 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay, New York. For further information, visit our website at www.nps.gov/sahi, or call 516-922-4788. Be sure to follow us on twitter for updates at http://twitter.com/SagamoreHillNHS.

---

For those who would like to add an event to this list, please contact the Oyster Bay Main Street Association at (516) 922-6982 or visit http://www.oysterbaymainstreet.org/.

Camellia House Weekend @ Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay, Feb 27 and 28

Vincent A. Simeone, Director of Planting Fields Arboretum State Park will talk about the camellias at 12pm and 1:30pm, and Henry B. Joyce , Director of Planting Fields Foundation will talk about the Camellia House at 12:30pm and 2:00pm.

Children's craft programs will be continuous all day between 11:30am and 3:30pm on both days and will include creating paper flowers, fans, and participation in making a mural.

Flutists from Chamber Players International will perform at 1:00pm and 2:30pm both days.

Free Admission. Refreshments Served.

CALL FOR INFORMATION: 516-922-8682

or email: mbenes@plantingfields.org

GOTO www.plantingfields.org

---

Not a member of Oyster Bay Main Street already? Make an online donation and receive a free 1 year membership to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 6 issues of Preservation magazine, and reduced price admission to several historic sites. Join OBMSA Today!

Kenneth Jay Lane "Fabulous Fakes" Exhibition to open at The Manor House, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

Over the last fifty years Kenneth Jay Lane (b. 1932) has been the single most creative and prolific American master of costume jewelry.

In the early 1960’s, after several years spent designing shoes for haute-couture collections such as Christian Dior - sometimes with faux jewels - Mr. Lane began to focus on chic jewelry that was lighthearted and fun. His first work garnered instant success, and it was he who made costume jewelry a widely sought-after accessory. His jewels were worn by Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and today are the choice of movie stars and celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Paris Hilton, the Olsen Twins and Jessica Simpson.

Mr. Lane’s bold designs are inspired by both ancient and contemporary models. His talent lies in his ability to seek out the best designs, to reinterpret them, and to make them available at prices that are a great deal less than those of the originals. Although fabulous fakes, they are so highly esteemed that they have become sought after collectibles, with many vintage pieces selling at top auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s.

The exhibition, the largest retrospective to date, with over 350 jewels, is curated by Henry B. Joyce, Executive Director of Planting Fields Foundation and includes many of Mr. Lane’s most popular and exceptional designs. The show begins in the early 1970s when his avant-garde jewelry was featured by the famous editor, Diana Vreeland, in Vogue Magazine. Lane’s history continues with his revival of several spectacular 1920s Art Deco pieces of jewelry that he began to reproduce in the late 1970s. They included the costume jewelry once made in Paris for Coco Chanel. It was originally designed by the innovative jeweler, the Duke of Vedura. Mr. Lane’s reproductions of Vedura’s glamorous Maltese Cross cuff-bracelet, that had been made famous by Ms. Chanel, was worn 50 years later by Diana Vreeland who made it popular again.

Almost all of the costume jewelry in this exhibition is vintage, made between 1963 and 1993, and is in the personal collection of Kenneth Jay Lane.

NEW EXHIBITION
FABULOUS FAKES
THE JEWELRY OF KENNETH JAY LANE
OPENS APRIL 4TH AT THE MANOR HOUSE
Saturday, April 4 - Monday, August 31
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Daily in the Manor House at Planting Fields
$6.50 Exhibition Fee / $5 Seniors / Members and all children under 12 are FREE
(Ticket price includes admission to The Manor House and Coe Hall’s first floor)
Please call Michelle Benes at (516) 922-8682 or email mbenes@plantingfields.org


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXCLUSIVE TO
OUR MEMBERS
EXHIBITION PREVIEW FOR MEMBERS ONLY
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

FABULOUS FAKES
KENNETH JAY LANE JEWELRY EXHIBITION
AT THE MANOR HOUSE

A special preview for Planting Fields Members – FREE of charge.
Tours of the exhibition with Henry B. Joyce, Executive Director, Planting Fields Foundation and curator of the exhibition, will take place at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served immediately
following – free of charge.

Friday, April 3, 2009
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Tours of the Kenneth Jay Lane Exhibition with Henry B. Joyce, Executive Director, Planting Fields Foundation and curator of the exhibition, will be offered on the following dates:

Thursday, April 30
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Tours are free of charge for Members. Light refreshments will be served immediately following. For reservations and information, please call Michelle Benes, Membership Coordinator, at 516.922.8682 or mbenes@plantingfields.org


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING
Jewelry Making in the Manor House

Come see Fabulous Fakes, the Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry exhibition and let your children be inspired to create their very own costume jewelry! Join jewelry maker Linda Reilly as she demonstrates how to use colorful beads and charms to create necklaces, bracelets and more!

Spring Break Week
Tuesday, April 14 through Thursday, April 16
The jewelry making program is free for Family Membership level or higher.
Non-Members: $10 per person

Jewelry making for 6-11 year old children
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Jewelry making for young adults ages 12 and older
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Space is limited, please call for reservations
Tracy Potavin at (516) 922-8676, or email tpotavin@plantingfields.org

A Celebration of Camellias at Planting Fields, Mar. 8th

Planting Fields Foundation invites you to A Celebration of Camellias, hosted by Henry B. Joyce, Executive Director, Planting Fields Foundation, and Vincent Simeone, Director, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park.

Come see the camellias and learn about their history and cultivation.

Camellia Greenhouse, Sunday, March 8th, 2009, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

FREE admission for Members, $15 Admission for Non-Members. Refreshments will be served.

RSVP by February 27th, Tracy Potavin (516) 922-8676, tpotavin@plantingfields.org.

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, NY, www.plantingfields.org