Destination: Port Washington, with the family

Originally published: June 21, 2009 10:25 AM
By GIGI BERMAN AHARONI Special to Newsday

Port Washington is surely one of the most stunning jewels in the crown of Long Island. Surrounded by Manhasset Bay, "Port" -- as the 32,000 residents like to call it -- makes the perfect day trip. If you're looking for waterfront beauty peppered with Main Street charm, parks, art galleries, antique shops, nature, local history, and superb restaurants, put Port Washington on your fall calendar.

Getting There

Long Island Expressway to Exit 36. Go north on Searingtown Road, Route 101. Route 101 changes to Port Washington Blvd. when you cross over Northern Blvd. Continue straight on Port Washington Blvd for 2.7 miles and turn left at Main Street, 1 mile to the Town Dock. Park your car (Free) and walk to the Main Street shopping area.

Where to Shop

The Red Door 289 Main Street 516-883-5125

A perfect antique story to meander and find everything from marbles to mirrors, doll houses, old postcards, clocks, crystal, steamer trunks, quilts, clocks, books from the 1800s and teddy bears.

Giles Antiques 287 Main Street 516-883-1104

This higher-end antique shop has an eclectic mix of American and country furniture from the Federal period to the early 20th century. Collectibles include: an Edwardian ladies desk, an 1840s baker's table, china closets, card tables, as well as fine oils, watercolors, prints, porcelain and pottery.

My Studio 284 Main Street 516-944-9600

Betty Stephens dreamed of creating a place for artists to practice their crafts, a la the Renaissance. My Studio a combination art studio, school and gallery is that dream. Come in to observe artists or shop for artwork ($35 - $35,000), or have your portrait painted. Now offering: Two free two-hour art lessons with an art reception.

Dolphin Bookshop 941 Port Washington Blvd. 516-767-2650

An oasis for the bibliophile: An old-fashioned bookstore with a dreamy selection of toys, cards and gifts. Browse through best-sellers, classics, books on nature, animals, spirituality, and coffee table gift books. There's an impressive cooking and gardening book collection. The Dolphin hosts book signings and story time for kids (closed Sundays).

The Music House 938 Port Washington Blvd., Suite 1 516-883-4433 themusichouse.com

Music enthusiasts will relish shopping for the perfect musical gift: music boxes, chimes, jewelry, alabaster composer busts, bronze musicians, whistles, musical toys, miniature instruments and more.

What to Do

Calling all fisherman: Stroll by the marina at the Port Town Dock (Lower Main Street, 516-767-4622), which has the largest anchorage of sailboats on the North Shore. It's a favorite spot for amateur and expert fishermen alike. History buffs may want to know that the first trans-Atlantic flights to Europe in the 1930s originated from Manhasset Bay on a Pan Am flying boat. Walk along the brick-paved paths to Sunset Park where you can stop and relax with a view of the water while sipping hot soup.

Nautical photo exhibit: The Pride of Cow Bay Nautical Museum (at entrance of the Town Dock on Main Street, 516-883-6566) is a nautical photo exhibit that can be seen through the port holes of a red tug boat 24/7. Be sure to check out Port Hole "Pete" at the helm!

Historical house tour: The Sands-Willets House (336 Port Washington Blvd., 516-365-9074, cowneck.org ) is a national landmark. Its 11 furnished rooms are open to the public reflecting the lives of the two families that lived there from 1715-1967: The Sands family, merchants, farmers, and Patriot leaders and the Willets family, prominent in Quaker affairs. Guided tours Sundays from 2-4 pm ($2 adult, $1 child).

Animal lovers: Purported to be the largest pet adoption agency in the world, The North Shore Animal League America is a dog, cat, puppy and kitten lover's paradise. The adoption center, pet store, and public pet health center are open year-round, 7 days a week from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (25 Davis Avenue, 516-883-7575, nsalamerica.org).

Take a family nature walk: Stroll along one of six marked trails through the Sands Point Preserve , a 216 acre mix of woods, fields, pond, and beach on the L.I. Sound (127 Middleneck Road, 516-571-7900, sandspointpreserve.org ). Be sure to watch for ospreys -- 2-foot-long hawks with a wingspan of 5.5 feet who build nests that are eight to 10 feet wide. Trail #1 has "dino" tracks for kids to follow along a quarter-mile loop ($2 admission on weekends).

Where to Eat

Ayhan's Mediterranean Marketplace 293 Main Street 516-767-1400 ayhansmarketplace.com

For takeout, or to sit down for a picture-perfect view of the Bay, feast Mediterranean style on spinach pie, eggplant, humus, tabbouli, falafel and Greek salad. The baklava is sinful--pistachio, chocolate, and walnut. The red lentil or egg lemon soup is perfect to-go as you walk through town.

Amalfi of Port Washington 49 Old Shore Road in the Delco Shopping Center 516-883-4191

Casual Italian cuisine with over 30 varieties of pizza. Favorites include The Amalfi pie with tomatoes, fresh garlic and oregano; and the Biancaneve with mozzarella, ricotta, parmigiano and garlic.

Baked to Perfection 91 Main Street 516-944-5642

As you meander down Main Street, stop for a cup of coffee and a homemade, yummy muffin-top (the top is the best part, right?) in lemon, apple, carrot, blueberry, and chocolate chip ($1.75) or a pastry size Ultimate Chocolate Cake ($2.95).

The Waterview Restaurant 45 Orchard Beach Blvd. 516-944-5900

Located at the Brewer's Capri Marina, visitors come from all over to dine and see the exquisite view of Manhasset Bay. The Waterview has exceptional seafood and Italian and Continental cuisine. From the Clams Casino appetizer to the Walnut Crusted Chilean Sea Bass and Chicken Monte Carlo everything on the menu is tops.

What's Nearby

Christopher Morley Park (Searingtown, nassaucountyny.gov ): Off Searingtown Road, this park has a terrific playground for kids with many non-traditional climbing apparatus. The outdoor ice skating rink is scheduled to open Nov. 30. Fido can meet and greet new friends at the dog run.

Nassau County Museum of Art (Roslyn, nassaumuseum.com ): On Sundays, the museum hosts 1 p.m. family tours followed by a supervised art activities for kids. The 145-acre property has a sculpture park with more than 50 works by artists including Botero, Calder and Lichetenstein. Current exhibition: "Tiffany Lamps" and "Tiffany and The Guilded Age" ($10 adults, $4 kids, $2 parking).

Plandome Manor: The Science Museum of Long Island is located on the property of the Leeds Pond Preserve in nearby Plandome Manor. They offer a myriad of educational science programs for young children, but if you are just dropping by you can enjoy the 40-acre preserve with trails along Manhasset Bay and the 9-acre pond ( smli.org ).