Articles Tagged "Parks and Recreation"

March 30 is Take a Walk in the Park Day, and with winter's ice grip finally beginning to loosen, our REALTORS® are excited to do just that. Luckily, we have a lot of great places to go for a hike here on Long Island. 

Walk in the Park in Nassau County

Located just a short drive from New York City, Nassau County offers some lovely parks and trails on western Long Island. These great hiking spots are also convenient to many Nassau County homes for sale.

• Hempstead Harbor Shoreline Park - Port Washington, New York
  Overlooking the southwest side of Hempstead Harbor, Hempstead Harbor Shoreline Park is a great place for a hike on a crisp spring day. The park features a 2-mile trail with easy terrain and great views of the water, with benches and gazebos along the way where you can stop and enjoy the scenery. It's just minutes from these Port Washington homes for sale. 
  
  
• Manhasset Valley Park - 461 Maple St., Manhasset, NY 11030
  A picturesque park that spans the valley separating the Great Neck and Cow Neck peninsulas, Manhasset Valley Park is a beautiful green space within walking distance of many Manhasset homes for sale. The park spans 26 acres and includes well-manicured walking paths that wind among woods, meadows, ponds, and streams. 
  
  
• Hempstead Lake State Park - Eagle Avenue, West Hempstead, NY 11552
  Hempstead Lake State Park is one of the largest parks in Nassau County and a hub for all kinds of outdoor recreation. This 737-acre park includes 8 miles of hiking trails, including a picturesque 3-mile path that encircles Hempstead Lake. The park is also popular for fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding and is only a short drive from these Rockville Centre homes for sale. 

Walk in the Park in Suffolk County

Suffolk County encompasses the eastern two-thirds of Long Island. In addition to these lovely Suffolk County homes for sale, you'll find some truly perfect places for a leisurely stroll or an energetic hike in Suffolk County. 

• Blydenburgh County Park - Veteran's Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11788
  Encompassing 627 acres of wooded hills and valleys surrounding Stump Pond, Blydenburgh County Park is one of Long Island's best-kept secrets. A 5.7-mile loop trail traverses the pond's shoreline, and the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference often offers guided hikes. The park is just minutes from numerous Smithtown homes for sale and also offers camping from April through November. 
  
  
• West Meadow Wetlands Reserve - 44 W. Meadow Ln., Stony Brook, NY 11790
  Featuring a mile-long beach and 88 acres of tidal marshes, wetlands, and maritime forests, West Meadow Wetlands Reserve is a perfect place to enjoy the scenery overlooking Long Island Sound. The reserve is walkable from many of these Stony Brook homes for sale and is a great place to spot dozens of native shorebird and songbird species that frequent the area. 
  
  
• West Hills County Park - Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington Station, NY 11747
  West Hills County Park is a beautiful park spanning 800-plus acres, with well-groomed hiking trails that meander among dense woodlands. It's one of the best places on Long Island to immerse yourself in nature, despite being near many Huntington Station homes for sale. A highlight of the Park is the Walk Whitman Trail, which crosses the highest point on the island. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Nassau and Suffolk counties. When you're ready to find your dream home on Long Island, our agents are here to help every step of the way. 

Are you a nature lover or a photography buff? If so, you're going to love exploring the Long Island area! Nature Photography Day is June 15th, making now the perfect time to experiment with this fun hobby. Whether you've got a ton of fancy equipment or just your smartphone, there are plenty of opportunities to get some great shots. 

While showing new residents around the area, Our REALTORS® often point out some of their favorite places to capture incredible nature photos. Here are a few you'll want to check out. 

• Sands Point Preserve: 127 Middle Neck Rd., Port Washington, NY 11050
  A historic site where you'll find plenty of walking trails and gorgeous views, Sands Point Preserve is the perfect place to spend a few peaceful hours practicing your photography skills. In addition to wildlife, there are also plenty of spots to get some beautiful waterfront snapshots as well as old and interesting buildings to photograph.
  
  If you're considering purchasing one of the beautiful Port Washington homes for sale, you're going to want to make this a regular stop. They often host learning adventures for children and families, cultural events, and more!
  
  
• Muttontown Preserve: 25A west of Jericho-Oyster Bay Rd., Muttontown Lane East Norwich, NY 11732
  The 550-acre Muttontown Preserve is the largest nature preserve in Nassau County. This beautiful setting features ponds, woodlands, and fields where you're bound to come across plenty of animals in their natural habitat.
  
  Next time you're in the area looking at East Norwich homes for sale, take a break and wander the preserve's miles of marked trails. This is a great spot to capture stunning shots of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other animals, as well as beautiful trees and wildflowers. 

• Centennial Gardens: 251 Floral Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11001
  If you've been looking at Floral Park homes for sale, you're going to love living near Centennial Gardens. This is an incredible location for capturing images of flowers, shrubs, and trees, as well as various wildlife. Take some time to visit the well-maintained gardens or head out to explore the walking trails and see what kinds of things you might come across.
  
  
• South Shore Nature Center: 130 Bayview Ave, East Islip, NY 11730
  The South Shore Nature Center is a 200-acre preserve that features freshwater wetlands, mature forests, and an extensive salt marsh. Try exploring the network of trails and taking some photographs from the boardwalks. 
  
  If you're nearby looking at East Islip homes for sale, this is the perfect spot to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
  
  
• Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve: 25 Lloyd Harbor Road Huntington, NY 11743
  Ideal for capturing beautiful photos of a wide variety of birds, flowers, and small wildlife, Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. You'll enjoy the beautiful gardens as well as the rest of these impressive grounds. 
  
  After you're done with your photography session, we highly recommend taking a drive around so you can get a look at some of the wonderful Huntington homes for sale nearby.
  
  
• Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve: 200 New Hwy, Commack, NY 11725
  When we're showing Commack homes for sale to our clients, we always like to tell them about Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve. Not only is this an excellent destination for nature photography, but it also features a museum, playground, water park, and more. The preserve is also home to a concert series, education programs, and other exciting events. 

If you're interested in exploring Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, we're here to help! We've assisted many clients in finding their dream homes, and we can do the same for you. Contact us today to get started. 

When you live in an area, having a deep understanding of its geography will help you navigate it and acquire a profound appreciation for its culture and history. Map Reading Week is the perfect opportunity to explore your community, so get out your print maps May 24th and refresh your map-reading skills.

As you get to discover the gorgeous properties and the rich history of Long Island, here are some places our REALTORS® have compiled that are definitely worth a stop.

• Muttontown Preserve - 6191 NY-25A, East Norwich, NY 11732
  With its woodlands, ponds, and estate grounds, Muttontown Preserve is Nassau's County's largest nature preserve. For history lovers, Muttontown Preserve is cobbled from three separate estates dating back hundreds of years and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  
  So whether you want to explore miles of marked nature trails or explore these East Norwich homes for sale located in the vibrant community that's the Village of Muttontown, you should give this place a visit.
  
  
• Centennial Gardens - 251 Floral Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11001
  Centennial Gardens is possibly one of the most serene places on Long Island. The Gardens were custom-made by volunteers and the Floral Park Conservation Society, transforming what was once a formerly debris-strewn storm basin into a scenic garden featuring scores of flowers and trees, as well as a magnificent bird sanctuary.
  
  Conveniently located near these Floral Park homes for sale on the western edge of Nassau County, Centennial Gardens is a great place to learn a thing or two about flowers, birds, and gardening.
  
  
• Old Westbury Gardens - 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury, NY 11568
  Old Westbury Gardens is an elegant estate with formal gardens sprawling over 200 acres. It's a spectacular estate that has been featured in dozen of movies and TV shows. You're welcome to explore the gardens and the English manor house furnished with priceless antiques and decorative artwork.
  
  Like these other Garden City homes for sale, the Old Westbury gardens feature some of the most serene and beautiful gardens in the world. What's more, their Café in the woods is reopening just in time for Map Reading Week.
  
  
• Blydenburgh County Park - Veteran's Memorial Hwy., Smithtown, NY 11788
  With its richly forested hills at the headwaters of the Nissequogue River, Blydenburgh County Park is great for hiking, trail running, picnicking, camping, and freshwater fishing for pumpkinseed sunfish and large-mouth bass.
  
  Horseback riders can trailer their mounts on the extensive bridle path system or take them to the practice ring. Located in Smithtown, just a few miles from these Smithtown homes for sale, there's no better place to relax on a lovely warm summer afternoon.
  
  
• Cedar Beach nature Center - Harbor Beach Rd., Mt Sinai, 11766
  Located within the town of Brookhaven, Cedar Beach Nature Center provides residents with a place to experience and enjoy the natural environment. You can take a walk along the 700-foot boardwalk within the dune system that's a critical habitat for marine plants and animals.
  
  The nature center has living displays, including aquariums and an outdoor touch tank. You can also experience an animated view of marine life through interactive interior displays. The walking trail and fishing pier will draw you in, whereas the wildlife will leave you enamored. Located in the hamlet of Mount Sinai close to these Mount Sinai homes for sale, the Cedar Beach Nature Preserve is a great place to visit for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
  
  
• Avalon Nature Preserve - Harbor Rd., Stony Brook, NY 11790
  Avalon Nature preserve is home to some of the most enchanting nature trails in New York. By taking a walk through the preserve, you'll be able to discover scenic spaces that will leave you in absolute awe. Avalon's breath-taking meadows and woodlands provide essential habitats protecting the local watershed and plant plus wildlife species.
  
  In the town of Stony Brook, natural wonders and beauty are in abundance. With so much to explore, including these Stony Brook homes for sale, this little slice of Suffolk County is a wonderful place to explore and call home.

Making Long Island Home

Contact us today to learn more about life and home in Long Island. Our team is always on call to help you find the perfect Suffolk County homes for sale or Nassau County homes for sale.

There's nothing quite like Long Island in Autumn. Cool breezes off the sound, apple orchards ripe for the picking, spectacular foliage—it's really something. Our REALTORS® are excited to share some of their favorite spots to catch the changing leaves on Long Island. 

• Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve - 25 Lloyd Harbor Rd, Lloyd Harbor, NY 11743
  Nestled on a rugged peninsula extending into Long Island Sound, Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve is always a reliable place to catch some vibrant fall colors. The park's many acres of woodlands and meadows are crisscrossed by hiking and horseback riding trails, and offer some truly spectacular views. The park is just minutes from these Suffolk County homes for sale, and offers one of Long Island's most picturesque landscapes in any season.
  
  
• Bethpage State Park - 99 Quaker Meeting House Rd, Farmingdale, NY 11735
  Bethpage State Park is most famous for its golf course, and fall is a mighty good time to spend a day on the links. But that's not all Bethpage State Park has to offer. Located a stone's throw from these Nassau County homes for sale, the park is home to shady picnic areas and several miles of secluded nature trails that meander through a varied forest with an abundance of fall color. 
  
  
• West Hills County Park - Sweet Hollow Rd, Huntington Station, NY 11747
  Bridle trails and a fenced-in dog run make West Hills County Park a perennial favorite, especially during the colorful fall months. The park is also home to many well manicured nature trails, including the historic Walt Whitman Trail, which leads to Long Island's highest point (400-foot Jayne's Hill). With many Huntington homes for sale nearby, this is one of the most popular Suffolk County parks, so it's usually a good idea to visit on a weekday to beat the crowds. 
  
  
• Caleb Smith State Park Preserve - 581 W Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
  Leaf peeping and bird watching are always popular at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve. Spanning over 540 acres of mixed forests and wetlands, the park offers splendid scenery and views that change with the seasons. A nature museum spotlights local flora and fauna, and nature programs for kids of all ages are offered year-round. Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is located near the North Shore of Long Island with many Smithtown homes for sale nearby.
  
  
• Planting Fields Arboretum - 1395 Planting Fields Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
  Planting Fields Arboretum is a spectacular landscape of woods and well-groomed gardens, which spring to life in vivid color in autumn. The gardens surround a spectacular Gilded Age mansion, and the arboretum hosts an incredible diversity of plant life. Whether you book a mansion tour or simply explore the grounds, be sure to check out these Oyster Bay homes for sale in the area. 
  
  
• Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail - Merrick Rd, Massapequa, NY 11758
  As its name suggests, the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail traverses both Nassau and Suffolk Counties, connecting Long Island's North and South Shores. Stretching 20 miles end-to-end, the trail offers endless fall scenery, with numerous access points all along its length. The southern end of the trail near these Massapequa homes for sale is a great place to start, with a clearly marked trailhead and plenty of parking.

Peak foliage usually arrives on Long Island toward the end of October, and watching as the colors gradually transform over the next month is one of the great joys of the year. Contact us today to learn more about life in Nassau and Suffolk counties, and talk to our team about finding your dream home on Long Island today!

Spring is in the air, and our REALTORS® are excited about the return of warm weather and prime running conditions! Nassau and Suffolk counties host countless 5K runs and walks throughout the spring and summer months, and we have an equally wide range of great places to train for your next race. When you're ready to hit the trail, be sure to check out these great running destinations!

• West Hills County Park - Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington, NY 11747
  Considered by those in the know to be a hidden gem among Suffolk County parks, the charming landscape of West Hills County Park is a perfect place to run this spring. Located close to these Huntington homes for sale, the park includes miles of scenic and well-groomed nature trails in a mixed deciduous forest. The highlight of the park is the Walt Whitman Trail, which crosses the highest point on Long Island, the 400-foot "peak" of Jayne's Hill.
  
  
• Trail View State Park - 8101 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797
  One of the great hiking and running destinations on Long Island, Trail View State Park is a 7.4-mile linear park that passes through of the most picturesque forests, marshlands and fields in the region. The trail is beautifully maintained and serves as a link in the Nassau/Suffolk Greenbelt Trail, which extends from the north shore of Suffolk County all the way to the south shore of Nassau County.  There are numerous locations where you can access the trail, including the primary trailhead in Woodbury, just minutes from many Nassau County homes for sale. 
  
  
• Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail - Main Street, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
  Offering a clean asphalt surface for running, walking and cycling, the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail is a great resource for Suffolk County runners. The trail was built in two sections in 2009 and 2014 and now stretches 3.4 miles through forests, farmlands, and meadows between Setauket and Port Jefferson Station. Plans are currently underway to extend the trail a further 10 miles along a future rails-to-trails route. You'll find the Port Jefferson trailhead near the intersection of Main Street and Hallock Avenue, just near these Port Jefferson homes for sale. 
  
  
• Sans Souci County Park - Broadway Ave., Sayville, NY 11782
  With a name that means "without worry" in French, Sans Souci County Park lives up to its moniker, offering more than 300 acres of shady woods and picturesque ponds. Surrounded by Suffolk County homes for sale, the park is also a nature preserve, harboring a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Two trails, the 1.3-mile White Loop and the 2-mile Orange Loop provide ample ground for runners to get in shape among some of Long Island's most serene scenery. 
  
  
• Heckscher State Park - 1 Heckscher State Parkway, East Islip, NY 11730
  With five trails ranging from 1.5 to over 13 miles in length, Heckscher State Park is a great destination for runners and hikers of all skill and fitness levels. Opened in 1922, this long-standing favorite preserves 1,600 acres of woods and wetlands, including a long stretch of beach along Long Island's south shore. Just minutes from numerous East Islip homes for sale, the park also includes a section of the 31-mile Long Island Greenbelt Trail, one of our all-time favorite running routes. 

With spring on the horizon, we're excited to be able to hit the trails once again here on Long Island! Contact us today to learn more about life in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Lace up your hiking boots! November 17 is National Hiking Day, and if ever there was a great time to hit the trail, this is it. Here on Long Island, we're blessed to be surrounded by some of the most picturesque hiking trails in the Northeast, and our REALTORS® are excited to share some of their favorites!

• Trail View State Park - 8101 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797
  The name says it all. Trail View State Park is a 400-acre, 7.4-mile linear park that offers sweeping views of Long Island's hardwood forests, wide-open fields, and rich marshlands. The trail straddles the line between Suffolk and Nassau counties, and offers some of the best hiking opportunities in both, just minutes from many Nassau County homes for sale. The park's wealth of wildlife habitat also makes it a top spot for bird watching in the region. 
  
  
• Muttontown Preserve - Jericho Oyster Bay Road, East Norwich, NY 11732
  Muttontown Preserve is Nassau County's largest preserve, encompassing 550 acres of woodlands, fields, ponds, and estate grounds. Right around the corner from these East Norwich homes for sale, the preserve includes 20 miles of trails that are great for spotting spring wildflowers as well as brilliant fall foliage. 
  
  
• Cold Spring Harbor State Park - Cold Spring Harbor State Park
  A quiet park spanning 40 miles of rolling hills, Cold Spring Harbor State Park is a lovely place for an afternoon hike, with well-groomed trails lined with towering oaks and thickets of mountain laurel. The park is a stone's throw from these Suffolk County homes for sale, and marks the northernmost trailhead of the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail, which extends well beyond the park's boundaries all the way to the south shore of Nassau County. 
  
  
• Walt Whitman Trail - 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station, NY 11746
  Few authors captured the beauty of the American wilderness quite like Walt Whitman, and the Walt Whitman Trail truly does his work justice. It's an 8-mile loop hike that starts and ends at the Walt Whitman Home in Huntington Station before circling through West Hills County Park and crossing Jayne's Hill, the highest point on Long Island. Be sure to check out the Walt Whitman Home while you're there, along with these lovely Huntington homes for sale.
  
  
• Avalon Park & Preserve - Harbor Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790
  Encompassing five distinct plant and animal habitats, Avalon Park & Preserve offers an opportunity to step rich landscape that feels miles away from modern life. Once a residential site in the early 1900s, the area has been allowed to revert to its natural state over the past century. Home to a wealth of birds, butterflies, and other wild creatures, Avalon Park & Preserve is convenient to many Stony Brook homes for sale, and is open to hikers from dawn to dusk every day. Leashed pets are permitted as well. 
  
  
• Caleb Smith State Park Preserve - 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
  Nestled in the cozy community of Smithtown, 543-acre Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is one of the best places on Long Island to reconnect with nature. With many miles of hiking trails meandering through secluded woodlands and along the banks of the Nissequogue River, the park is home to rare plants and endangered birds, and is just minutes from Smithtown homes for sale.

We love life on Long Island, and we think you will too! With all the amenities of the big city and wide-open spaces of the country, it's a truly unique place to call home. Contact us today to learn more, and talk to our team about finding your new home.

Long Island — are you ready for a run? June 5th is National Running Day, and our REALTORS® are ready to lace up our running shoes and get our hearts pumping! Whether you run 5Ks like there's no tomorrow or can only fit in a good jog when work calms down, any time spent running is a great way to clear the mind and strengthen the body. We hope you'll join us in celebrating National Running Day at some favorite Long Island spots for running.

1. Avalon Park & Preserve – 200 Harbor Rd., Stony Brook, NY 11790
   Run away from it all — or at least for a little while — with a trip to Avalon Park & Preserve. Just across from Stony Brook homes for sale, this natural conservation area is home to jogging trails that will you across five different types of habitats. You can create a running route of any length around this 8-acre preserve as the various trails intersect and loop at different points. Pavement, crushed stone and boardwalk paths will give your feet a change of pace as you get lost in the labyrinth located in the center of the park.
   
   
2. Blydenburgh County Park – 100 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Smithtown, NY 11787
   Surrounding Smithtown homes for sale are several parks including Blydenburgh County Park. Run their trail from the entrance to Stump Pond or follow the trail as it connects you to Forestwood Park and Caleb Smith State Park. Blydenburgh County Park is also a perfect place to get your run in with your furry friend. Let them off the leash at the Blydenburgh Dog Park and run around together in celebration of National Running Day!
   
   
3. Heckscher State Park – 1 Heckscher State Parkway, East Islip, NY 1730
   Not far from East Islip homes for sale is Heckscher State Park, a perfect spot for tons of outdoor activities including a great run. This 1,600-acre park has four miles of paved trails. Jog along the Great South Bay and keep your eye out for deer, birds and other wildlife that you may encounter on the trails.
   
   
4. RVC Athletic Complex/Hempstead Lake – Peninsula Blvd., Rockville Centre, NY 11570
   Do you prefer track or trail? What about indoor or outdoor? At the RVC Athletic Complex, you can run whichever route you desire! Located just across the street from Rockville Centre homes for sale, the RVC Athletic Complex is home to Malloy College's sports teams. Run on their indoor track or soak up some sun on the outdoor track. For those who want to go the distance, you can run the trail around Hempstead Lake.  
   
   
5. Northport Nautical Mile – From Laurel Ave School (158 Laurel Ave) to Northport Village Dock (1 Main St.), Northport, NY 11768
   The Northport Nautical Mile is a June 15th race organized by the Northport Running Club, however, you can run this route any day of the year! Explore the village as you run passed Northport homes for sale down to the Northport Bay. If you extend your run, continue north beside Northport Park or south near Cow Harbor Park and enjoy the refreshing breeze along the bayside.

Looking for Suffolk and Nassau County homes for sale?  Our REALTORS® are ready to help you get the race started toward homeownership in one of our nearby communities.