7 A.M. Start bright and early to build up an appetite on the trails at Avalon Nature Preserve (200 Harbor Road, Stony Brook), one of the best hiking spots on all of Long Island. This five-habitat preserve is accessible at no fee and boasts four interconnected trails and a pond scene ideal for a picnic later in the day.
9:30 A.M. Fans of Greenport are already familiar with Crazy Beans and its Stony Brook location (97 Main St., Stony Brook) is its biggest. Munch on cheesy biscuits or a huevos local burrito while sipping over-the-top coffee creations.
11 A.M. The Long Island Museum (1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook) is hosting two very different exhibits this summer: One on two centuries of Long Island women artists (1800- 2000) and the other on the history of Brookhaven National Laboratory. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children.
2 P.M. There’s almost too many lunch options to choose from in this neck of the woods, but we’re going to recommend grabbing takeout from either Old Fields Tavern and Barbecue (130 Old Town Road, Setauket), dim sum from Red Tiger Dumpling House (1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook) or burritos from Green Cactus (1099 North Country Road, Stony Brook) and bringing it over to the incomparably gorgeous Frank Melville Park. Enjoy the beautiful plantings as you walk this short loop. 3:30 P.M. Do a self-guided tour along the Culper Spy Ring trail (locations throughout the villages) and see what remains of where George Washington’s spies lived. There’s beautiful scenery along the way.
5 P.M. Have a glass (or two!) of wine at Harmony Vineyards (169 Harbor Road, Head of the Harbor), which boasts a gorgeous waterfront property and stays open as late as 10 p.m. in summer.
7:30 P.M. We’re partial to a North Fork sunset, but West Meadow Beach gives this area a run for its money. Watch the sun dip into the Long Island Sound from a unique angle at this westerly facing beach.
9 P.M. Enjoy a late dinner at Mirabelle Tavern (150 Main St., Stony Brook), located at the historic Three Village Inn. It’s a French bistro with an American gastropub influence from respected chef Guy Reuge that never disappoints.
STAYING OVER?
You can enjoy a nightcap in the tavern if you book a room at the Three Village Inn.
