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Showing posts with label visit Oyster Bay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label visit Oyster Bay. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
They Asked and You Voted...
OYSTER BAY BREWING COMPANY
IS THE
CRAFT BEER BREWERY!!
Congratulations to the Oyster Bay Brewing Company on their impressive win, replacing Blue Point Brewery as the regional winner of the Bethpage Best of Long Island competition!
ACROSS ALL CATEGORIES:
50,717 BUSINESSES WERE NOMINATED
2,050,950 VOTES WERE CAST
AND
479 WINNERS WERE CROWNED
BEST OF LONG ISLAND!
For more information, visit: http://bestof.longislandpress.com
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
7 Things To Do in Oyster Bay
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| Postcard Courtesy of the Oyster Bay Historical Society |
Originally posted in AAA's Car & Travel, July/August 2015
AAA.com/EmpireInsider
By: Andrew G. Rosen
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.
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| 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.
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| 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).
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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).
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| 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.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site Re-Opening!
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| Sagamore Hill, Photograph taken by Meredith Maus |
The pain-staking renovation may not be noticeable to returning visitors - and this is exactly the point.
All of the books, hunting trophies, and furniture were removed from the massive three-story and 28 room mansion during the renovation - which included replacing the roof, repairing the foundation, and rewiring the home's electrical system - and then replaced exactly where they had been.
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| Sagamore Hill National Historic Site during Renovation Photograph by Meredith Maus |
"We hope that if he walked
through the front door right
now, he would think he was
back during the presidential
years."
- Susan Sarna
Museum Curator
The home is now slated to open its doors again to the public and a grand re-opening celebration has been organized by the staff to commemorate this momentous occasion!
Come one, Come All!
To the Re-opening Celebration & Family Festival!
Sunday, July 12, 2015 starting at 10 am
- Reopening address to be presented by Roosevelt family members, public officials, and an appearance by Theodore Roosevelt (portrayed by James Foote)
- 10 AM - Tale of Two Teddies - Children's book author, Kathleen Bart will be signing books in the book store
- 11 AM to 4 PM - Children's Activities
- Arts & Crafts
- Old-Fashioned Games
- Pony Rides
- Rough Rider Enlistment
- 1 PM - "Rough Riders" Cavalry Demonstration
- 2 PM - Sagamore Hill Band - Under the direction of Steve Walker
- 11 AM to 4 PM - Other Performances Demonstrations & Services
- Long Island Band Organ under direction of Michael Falco
- Interactive Photobooth provided by Baltimore Photo Social
- Historic Carriages displayed by Paumanok Driving Club
- Antique Automobiles displayed by Long Island Sound Region: Classic Car Club
- Food & Refreshements will be available through vendors on site
Sagamore Hill's gateway community - Oyster Bay - is also busy prepping for the event. Trolly service will be available from the LIRR station and other parking locations in the downtown to Sagamore Hill to help cut down on congestion at the hill. Great restaurants and businesses will be open for those interested in making it a whole day affair!
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Oyster Bay Community Expo
Are you interested in getting more involved in the community? Have you been looking for a summer internship or volunteer opportunities?
Well then, You should...
the local non-profits,
museums,
Well then, You should...
Join Us Monday, March 30, 2015
4pm - 8pm at the Oyster Bay HS Gym
for the
Oyster Bay - East Norwich Community Expo!
The Oyster Bay and East Norwich Communities are serviced by a number of great organizations and now is your opportunity to get to know them! Sponsored by the Oyster Bay- East Norwich Chamber of Commerce and the Oyster Bay High School Guidance Department, this event brings together:
the local non-profits,
museums,
educational groups,
summer camps,
sports organizations,
houses of worship,
sports organizations,
houses of worship,
charitable organizations,
environmental groups,
emergency service organizations,
environmental groups,
emergency service organizations,
civic and fraternal groups,
local employers, and more!
local employers, and more!
And puts them all under one roof! Giving you the opportunity to see and interact with all the different organizations and find one that meets your interests or those of your child.
All residents and parents are invited and encouraged to attend this free event. Meet the groups - and the people behind them - that invest in our community. Take the time to share your ideas and learn how to get more involved!
Some of the local organizations participating are:
Atlantic Steamer Fire Co, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Community Preparedness, Friends of the Bay, General Utilities, Life Enrichment Center, Mill Neck Manor, North Shore Assembly of God, North Shore Community Church, North Shore/ LIJ Hospital, Oakcliff Sailing, OB-EN Boys & Girls Club, OB-EN Chamber, Oyster Bay Civic Association, Oyster Bay Fire Co. 1, Oyster Bay High School Booster Club, Oyster Bay Historical Society, Oyster Bay Main Street Association, OB-EN Public Library, Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, Oyster Bay Rotary, Sagamore Junior Sailing of Sagamore Yacht Club, St. Dominic's CYO, Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center, The WaterFront Center, and the Youth & Family Counseling Agency...
All press requests and inquiries can be sent to the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, OBENchamber@gmail.com or 922-6464.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Where You Shop Matters - Support Our Community
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| Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Market December 6, 2014 Hosted by the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce Photographs Courtesy of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association |
With the holiday season upon us, we want to stress the importance of shopping locally to support our local business owners, who are our friends and neighbors, and to support the downtown as a whole. According to the 3/50 Project for "every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures." It was encouraging to see the success of American Express' Small Business Saturday as well as that of the Holiday Market set up by our Chamber of Commerce during the Christmas tree lighting last weekend. We would love to see this trend continue throughout the holiday season!
To make sure a portion of your purchases go to support the Main Street Association please click the banner to the left and you will be taken to the AmazonSmile website.
After selecting to support the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, you can continue to shop as normal and Amazon will take care of the rest. Make sure that upon returning to shop that you visit the AmazonSmile website: smile.amazon.com to ensure your eligible purchases have twice the impact!
Happy shopping!
Hope your holiday season is merry and bright!
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Best of Long Island - Support our Local Businesses, Organizations, & Service Providers!
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!
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
o Foreign Auto Dealership – BMW of Oyster
Bay
o Long Island Collectible Car Club – New York AutoFest
o Motorcycle Shop – 20th
Century Motorcycles
o Catholic School – St. Dominic College Prepatory
High School
o School Principal – Cecilia St. John,
St. Dominic’s Elementary School
o Assisted Living - Harbor House; Oyster
Bay Manor
o Day Spa – Blue Water Spa
o Skin Care – Blue Water Spa
o Appliance Store – Appliance World
o Architect – Oyster Bay Drafting
o Barbeque Store – Appliance World
o Roofing Company – Oyster Bay Roofing
o Craft Beer Brewery – Oyster Bay Brewery
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
o Antique Store – The Attic Door
o Recreation Center – Oyster Bay
Community Center
o Skate Shop – L-Industrie Long Boards
o Water Sport Rental – The WaterFront
Center
o Honey Moon Travel Planner - Cruise
Planners; Oyster Bay Travel
Monday, July 21, 2014
Visit Oyster Bay: A Natural Treasure and an American Classic
COMMUNITY TABLE:
Oyster Bay
First published in the Winter 2014 edition of Edible Long Island
December 1, 2013 | By Su-Jit Lin-Desimone | Photographs by Doug Young
A Natural Treasure and an American Classic.
However, in the sleepy village of Oyster Bay, many seedling pearls have been started since its founding, softly polished to a sheen with the richness of its history, accented by the new growths in their periphery, which are only beginning to take their own shine. Together, they meld into one lovely prize, long dormant in this quiet harbor on the North Shore.
Teddy, Dearest
Ubiquitous as its name is, Oyster Bay is much less famous for its oysters, only now making its way back onto menus in this reawakening town, than it is for its favorite Roosevelt—I mean, resident.
Every native Long Islander knows that Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the 26th president of these United States, was a born-and-raised Long Islander. It’s a point of pride readily boasted about, in much the same way as we feel obligated to be able to recite Billy Joel lyrics at the drop of a hat. However, in his hometown, the commanding presence of this great leader is palpable, and here, this interesting piece of trivia becomes a point of entry into a passionate community of self-made historians. In fact, Roosevelt was the inspiration behind the 30-year-old Oyster Festival, the largest outdoor festival on Long Island, whose origins can be traced back to a humble local parade honoring his contributions. No matter the food served or goods sold, the residents rally under the banner of dear Teddy and will treat any newbie to a host of fascinating facts about his storied life.
A few blocks from the heart of downtown, Roosevelt’s “Summer White House,” Sagamore Hill, is already a cherished museum and monument to his life. But the entire town of Oyster Bay is just as much both of those things as the official property. One need only begin one’s tour by simply driving into town, where a majestic statue of the ex-commander-in-chief on horseback welcomes visitors, and heading straight to Canterbury’s Oyster Bar & Grill, home of what owner Mark Fox proudly calls “the greatest collection of Theodore Roosevelt memorabilia other than Sagamore Hill.”
“I grew up in the township of Oyster Bay, in Massapequa, and so I knew this village was hallowed ground,” Fox says. “When I got a bit older, when I was 26 and ready to buy my own restaurant after 12 years in the industry, I felt the magnetism of this history and the draw of these older, preserved buildings. It captivates you.”
“Captivating” is certainly an apt description of the immersive glimpse into Roosevelt’s life a visit to this 27-year-old “unpretentious eating spot and watering hole” provides. Giclée prints of great American artist and Oyster Bay resident Mort Künstler’s Roosevelt paintings hang in places of honor, and lovingly retouched sepia photographs of the former president decorate every inch of the dining space.
“Here, we tie the local history and flavor of the landscape into the flavor of our beautiful, diverse selection of seafood,” Fox explains of his decor choice. “We want to give people a sense of where they are and our town’s context to American history while they enjoy a great meal.”
This connection is never far to be found in Oyster Bay, with significant landmarks peppering nearly every block. Wild Honey, an elegant New American restaurant soon to be celebrating its 10-year anniversary, may look like a posh, modern space, but its bones are sheer Roosevelt.
A discreet plaque on the building commemorates his tenure in this romantic building that is flooded with light and covered by sky-high ceilings. The O’Briens have taken care to preserve the space and bring a bit of the village into their restaurant, creating a more personal history that resonates just as much with the community that has embraced them as heartily as it did with Roosevelt himself.
Personal History
As deep as the devotion to Roosevelt runs in Oyster Bay, there is also a sense of kinship in the business community and little hesitation to pay it forward.
Pat Spafford of Periwinkles Catering is a perfect example of effusive support. “The sense of community is wonderful, and they’re so good about patronizing local businesses. It’s such a friendly place, and everyone wants to keep things local.” She adds, “We as retailers want to invite more shopping in the hamlet and support one another. It always helps when another store opens—it’s another reason to come here!”
Tina O’Brien agrees. “When we first opened up, we made a conscious decision to support local businesses. Our menu is changed seasonally, which is a big inspiration, and we source locally as much as possible. In fact, a friend of ours has a farm out East that sells to us, and all the seafood’s local.” With a sense of reflection, she says, “We work with the people who have come for these 10 years, and it’s amazing to have grown with this community, to celebrate an 18th birthday to a college graduation, then bridal and baby showers.”
“These families that have been here forever—they’re the heart and soul of this place,” Spafford muses. “If it weren’t for them, Oyster Bay wouldn’t be what it is today.”
Those words ring true for businesses such as Bonanza’s, a century-old Italian ice and snack stand known for its lemon ices. And they’re especially musical to George Melillo’s ears, owner of Oyster Bay Fish & Clam. “My family is one of the oldest families in Oyster Bay, immigrating here from Italy in 1871,” he shares with a smile. “So I love Oyster Bay Harbor and have a passion for food and for the people who I’ve seen come here as kids. Now they come with their own kids and tell me, ‘Gimme what George is having,’ or ask me to cook their catches.”
It’s because of these relationships that restaurateurs are committed to serving seasonal, fresh food, because as Melillo says at the polished bar over a slice of fresh apple pie, “I don’t serve what I wouldn’t give my own family.” This mentality is what has kept him personally behind the shucker’s knife for over 30 years, and not just during the iconic contest held during the Oyster Festival. In fact, he still handpicks his never-frozen seafood and stays true to family recipes that are beloved by his regulars, such as the lobster-topped Italian-style stuffed artichokes.
Meanwhile, Tina Mazzarella of healthy eatery Sweet Tomato jokes, “I actually am serving my own family!” as she tucks dollar bills and a sweet treat into the fist of a rosy-cheeked child. That’s why she cuts no corners, sourcing locally and going organic whenever possible, often without even parading those facts. For her, it’s not about being able to label any one of her 12 rotating daily soups “organic” or her buttery shortbread scones “housemade” but more about providing a service for a community she has long been a part of.
“I saw a need for a fresh, healthy eatery that provided options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and regular diets. We don’t even have a deep-fryer installed!” Mazzarella explains earnestly in her cheery, bright dining space. “I just care about what my customers, family and friends eat, and it’s been so rewarding. I’m very fortunate that people come in and say, ‘We are so happy you came to the neighborhood.’ These are people thanking me, when I should be thanking them! … I never forget that, which is why my motto is: The only taste that matters is yours!”
The Call of the Water
Particularly in Oyster Bay, it’s not just friends and family that these ambitious restaurateurs are feeding, though. For some, it’s their colleagues, teammates or even competitors.
Although tall ships and pirates are a major draw during the Oyster Festival, it’s the Oakcliff Sailing Center that brings true ocean adventurers to the town. A competitive wooden boat racer with this nationally acclaimed racing center, the ocean is a siren for Tina Mazzarella and creates a large part of the appeal of Oyster Bay Harbor for her. “We make picnic lunches for sailors looking for a bite when they get off the boat, and it combines my two passions: food and sailing.”
Bernie DelBello, owner of Jack Halyards, felt those two identical forces guiding his path, too, opening up his nautically themed restaurant in 2010. Named for the lines that pull up the sails and a fictional tale of a boy named Jack from New Jersey who sailed around the world, this lifelong sailor brings the sea into his kitchen. “We just added a sushi bar for even more seafood variety, and we welcome people to sit down and relax for a while. But our specialty is Oyster Bay Pine Island oysters and clams and local seafood from Long Island.” This emphasis on local is also why he and Canterbury’s Mark Fox proudly serve Oyster Bay Brewing Company beers, crafted only a few blocks away from their respective establishments.
George Melillo does the same at Oyster Bay Fish & Clam. “I don’t claim to be in the restaurant business; I’m in the clam bar business!” He says with enthusiasm. “I get very fresh, local seafood. I’ve dealt with one clammer for 25 years and know exactly where everything comes from; I’m very selective. With my oysters and clams, I can eat one and tell you exactly where on Long Island it came from.”
Well, no doubt about it—mention Teddy Roosevelt, sailing and the sea and you’ll know exactly where on Long Island an Oyster Bayman or -woman is from. After all, this peaceful village isn’t only a gem on Long Island’s North Shore. It’s a hidden pearl, coated in layers of American history, family history and years of tradition as a community, quietly maturing into something lovely and well rounded. Watch out for the shine on this community as it continues its revitalization, because its luster will soon be sure to dazzle.
Gulden’s Café & Bakery
124 South Street
516.922.7727
124 South Street
516.922.7727
Oyster Bay Fish & Clam
103 Pine Hollow Road
516.922.5522
103 Pine Hollow Road
516.922.5522
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