Bistro 72 in Riverhead (Hotel Indigo)
Years ago, a Best Western sat off of exit 72 of the LIE, just next to Tanger Outlets. It wasn’t anything much to look at. It did its job; catering to those looking for a quick getaway to the entryway of the north fork, or a respite between shopping marathons. With time, the tide has changed and the new owners have not only Manhattan-ized the hotel (read: trendy), they’ve also installed Bistro 72, serving up fantastic drinks and cuisine.
Mirabelle Tavern in Stony Brook
We’ve had people whispering in our ear for a while to check out Mirabelle Tavern, a casual eatery inside of the Three Village Inn in picturesque Stony Brook. More relaxed in both atmosphere and menu items than it’s fancier sister, Mirabelle Restaurant, the Tavern offers diners a chance to eat well-prepared French and American comfort food while feeling pampered in a casual setting.
Inn at East Wind in Wading River
Taking a trip out to the North Fork this summer to experience some good eats and to just take in the sights and the atmosphere, we had an opportunity to hang our heads for a night at the Inn at East Wind. Impressive in its scope and grandeur, the Inn at East Wind will satisfy your craving for a luxurious stay while maintaining a balanced sense of relaxation.
Greening Feature: Bicycle Offerings at Garden City Hotel
Located in a picturesque area, The Garden City Hotel is known for luxury and amazing accommodations and amenities. Now you can add one more amenity to that long list. The hotel is now offering its visitors the option of taking a bicycle out for a ride around town. While on two wheels instead of four, visitors will be able to not only save the environment, but explore Garden City and the great history that it can share. Staying in the area sometimes isn't enough to really enjoy the area, so if you're staying at The Garden City Hotel, take the time to sit back, relax and peddle your way around.
Road Trip Series: The Breakers in Palm Beach, FL
We traveled to sunny Florida one more time to explore, have fun and get ourselves in the mood for summer back in the New York area. What better way to spend this time than at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. Known as one of the magnificent hotels in the country, The Breakers is as lavish as it is relaxing and the grounds, accommodations and on-site dining set the standard for vacation stays today (and in years past).
One of the few privately owned hotel resorts in the world (the descendants of the original builder still own the property), The Breakers is set on 140 acres of prime waterfront property. With a beach to rival any other resort that comes to mind, The Breakers is a destination unto itself. Originally conceived as a stop along the Florida East Coast Railway way back in 1896, this self-contained property is so well thought out and appointed that once you arrive, you won't have to ever leave until check out. Two previous hotels that stood on this property both burned down in the early 1900's and what we see now on this spot is the latest incarnation (and hopefully the final) that was rebuilt in mere months in 1926.
Sunday Brunch of the Week on Long Island: Garden City Hotel in Garden City
Who says that hotel restaurants have to be frequented only by those who reside at the hotel overnight? Some of the finest dining experiences are housed in the establishments that cater to the well funded visitors to this island. Although an extravagance, the ultimate luxury this weekend will be your visit to the Garden City Hotel’s Sunday Buffet Brunch. At $64 per person ($32 for children 12 and under,) this luxury won’t come cheap. But you’re worth it, aren’t you? Besides the unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s you’ll be treated to stations full of sushi, shrimp, lobster, salads, fruit, meat and pastries.
Start fasting now so that you can really get your money’s worth when you arrive. And please, don’t sneak lobster and shrimp out in your empty purse; that’s tacky.
Reservations strongly recommended. 516-877-9352
Hours: Sunday Noon-5pm
NU Hotel in Brooklyn
Smith Street in Brooklyn just got a little more visitor friendly with the recent edition of NU Hotel. Open for nearly two months, this hotel with an on-site bar/lounge is sure to keep you feeling like you’re at home if you’re here on business, pleasure or if you want to hide in plain sight from visiting family. Sometimes we like to book a hotel in the city and hole up for the weekend and explore. This hotel may make us make that trip to Brooklyn instead of Manhattan for a unique weekend away from the suburbs. Keep this new hotspot in the back of your mind the next time you’re in need of a local area hotel.
Greenporter Hotel and Spa in Greenport
After our tour of Castello di Borghese, we needed a place to stay for the night and sleep off our great wine-tasting experience. Working our way just about 20 minutes away, we were booked at the Greenporter Hotel and Spa in Greenport. Seemingly and old motel that has been refurbished to house all of the modern amenities, The Greenporter was a great hotel to stay at with a reasonable price point.
Centrally located just off of Main St. and almost on the warterfront, you are within walking distance to most restaurants in the area. With almost 25 great restaurants in the vicinity, there is something to please everyone. We chose to have lunch at Coronet and dinner at BBQ Bills.
On premises is a cute little bistro and wine bar named La Cuvee where brunch, lunch and dinner are served. The brunch is a small buffet that certainly hits the spot before your trek back on the LIE.
