The Village of Babylon may have earned its name in 1803 from a disgruntled resident’s churlish reference to Mesopotamia’s ancient hoppin’ city, but its charms had staying power for the long haul. Officially incorporated in 1893, its colonized beginnings can be traced to a land agreement made in 1657 between the Montaukett nation chief Wyandanch and Yorkshire, England, ex-pat Jonas Wood, who saw the Great South Bay’s port-town potential.
Today, Babylon is a great midpoint respite when driving out east or heading west. Take a break (or a day trip) and stretch your legs in this very walkable village chock-full of shops, attractions and waterfront views.
EAT
Gemelli Restaurant (175 E. Main St., Babylon, 631-321-6392) is a fine Italian restaurant that opened in 1977. In addition to an extensive menu featuring chicken Parmesan, short rib bolognese, caesar salad, burrata and other Italian favorites, you’ll also find nearby Gemelli Fine Foods (115 E. Main St., Babylon, 631-321-4515), an Italian market with fresh fish, breads, cold cuts, meats, desserts, pasta and sauce. Mangia!
Mary Carroll’s (121 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 631-581-6181) opened in 1997, with owner Conor Hartnett bringing a taste of his hometown of Limerick, Ireland, to Long Island. Hartnett named the restaurant after his late mother, Mary, and the menu is a mix of pub staples like burgers, wings and Irish-inspired dishes like Guinness and beef pot pie, shepherd’s pie and hand-battered fish and chips. Mary Carroll’s also has a selection of more than 150 whiskeys.
Everyone has a favorite dessert, but imagine an entire store dedicated to one type of sugary confection. The Shuga Pie Shop (135 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 631-669-1069) is a bakery dedicated to creative and unique takes on the whoopie pie, a cake sandwich with a creamy frosting in the middle. The Shuga Pie is owned by partners Micheline Cummings and Terry Haughy, former wedding cake bakers who opened the small walk-up window shop in 2021 after their wedding cake business struggled during the pandemic. Flavors include cookies and cream, death by chocolate and vanilla crumb, among tons of specials.
SHOP
Bubble and BubbleEast Boutique (25 E. Main St., Babylon, 631-938-8858) are clothing stores owned by mother-daughter team Karen Hazelton and Jenny Dellafranca. Bubble has a lineup of curated clothes for babies and little kids, as well as toys and gifts galore, while BubbleEast has fashion, accessories and beauty products for women.
One of the more unique boutiques in Babylon is BesTea by Hitch (41 E. Main St., Babylon, 516-519-2494), specializing in loose-leaf teas. Its sister shop, Hitch (37 E. Main St., Babylon, 519-2494), offers products from over 70 artisans and makers, as well as consignment and a unique charm bar where you can make your very own bracelet or necklace.
The art of butchery is alive and well at Babylon Village Meat Market (85 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 631-669-0612). Opened in 1983, the Popp family is here for all your prime-meat butchering needs, including dry-aged cuts, wagyu beef, Berkshire pork and other delights. They also sell a variety of house-made items, including their signature “green crack” spinach dip. Buy it with some crudités and thank us later.
PLAY
You’ll see the word “Argyle” in many businesses and areas throughout thanks to the former Argyle Hotel, built in 1882 and partially funded by the Scottish Duke of Argyll. The hotel may have ended its brief existence as an expensive failure that was dismantled in 1904, but the location is now home to scenic Argyle Park (West Main Street, Babylon). Head here for a serene walk around Argyle Lake, a popular spot for engagement and wedding photo shoots, kids playing Pokémon Go and dogs enjoying the view with their humans.
The Argyle Theatre (34 W. Main St., Babylon, 844-631-5483) is Long Island’s newest professional Equity theater. Billed as “Broadway Comes to Babylon,” the Argyle produces a year-round season of shows with seasoned actors, musicians and directors. This season includes “Jersey Boys,” which runs through April 6; “Fiddler on the Roof” from April 24 to June 15; and “The Music Man” from July 10 to Aug. 31. The theater also presents children’s shows on weekend afternoons.
History buffs will enjoy the free tour every third Saturday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. of the Nathaniel Conklin House (280 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 631-669-8164). Conklin was a landowner and industrialist who played a vital role in developing and establishing the village in the early 19th century. In fact, it was Conklin’s mother who, after hearing the town had a vibrant tavern culture, likened their new home to the ancient city of Babylon.
Food enthusiasts who want to hone their cooking skills should head to The Babylon Mercantile (45 E. Main St., Babylon, 631-818-1100). Get in on the large lineup of classes and workshops, from instruction on specific dishes like arancini and rainbow cookies to broader lessons in things like knife skills and pastry decorating. You can also opt for the Chef’s Counter Culinary Experience, a five-course meal with beverage pairing, or a private class. Either would be perfect for a date night.
