Checking In, a Blog by GCH

Even though Ireland and Garden City are separated by the Atlantic Ocean, there is no denying the Irish heritage and history in this town. In fact, Alexander Turney Stewart, the creator of the Garden City Hotel and founder of the village of Garden City, was an Irish American millionaire who made his fortune in New York City. After moving from Ireland to New York in 1823, Alexander Turney Stewart amassed his millions through a dry goods store, one of the largest and most lucrative of its kind in the entire world. At age 70, and with no children of his own, Stewart purchased 10,000 acres of Hempstead Plains on Long Island to create a place that would embody his ideals, wisdom, and wealth. This city, Garden City, would be his lasting legacy. At the time of his death, he was one of the wealthiest men in New York City, just behind Vanderbilt and Astor. His loving wife erected several buildings in his memory, including St. Paul’s School and The Cathedral of the Incarnation; the latter of which also served as a mausoleum for both Stewart and his wife. With a founder like Alexander Turney Stewart, it is only fitting that Garden City and the Garden City Hotel properly celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. There will be St. Patrick’s Day’s cocktail specials from March 15-17 at King Bar, including the “Irish Dancer,” “Irish Coffee,” and “The Tipsy Badger.” This St. Patrick’s Day, raise a drink to Alexander Turney Stewart at the Garden City Hotel! 

Professional tennis returns to Garden City from February 9-16 for the 2020 New York Open. This incredible event brings together 28 singles stars like Sam Querrey, Nick Kyrgios, John Isner, and Kevin Anderson and 16 of the best doubles teams in the world. All of the exciting tennis action will take place at NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, just 15 minutes from the Garden City Hotel. To celebrate the event, the Garden City Hotel has added an exclusive vodka, OUR/New York, to create signature cocktails at King Bar called “Tiebreaker” and “Queen of the Court.” OUR/New York is a small-batch distillery from right here in New York that uses locally sourced ingredients to create unique flavors that can not be replicated anywhere else. Be sure to stop by King Bar before and after all of the exciting matches to try one of these delightful drink creations or any of the other craft cocktails that have made King Bar so popular.

Long Island Restaurant Week is one of the most popular events of the year, and The Red Salt Room by Chef David Burke at the Garden City Hotel is sure to stand out among the participating restaurants this year. Taking place from January 26 through February 2, Long Island Restaurant Week provides 8 days of opportunities to experience the culinary delights of The Red Salt Room. If you act quickly, you can secure your spot at The Red Salt Room here for only $29.95 plus tax and gratuity. The three-course prix-fixe meals feature incredible dishes like Torched Burrata, Crispy Calamari Salad, Red Wine Risotto, Steamed Cod, Star Anise Braised Short Rib, and much more—including the perfect dessert to complete the meal. If you are looking for a quick romantic getaway, turn your special Restaurant Week dinner into a long weekend by booking a room at the Garden City Hotel. It could be the perfect way to celebrate your love in 2020! 

As the holiday season quickly approaches, it seems that more and more people are interested in receiving experiences rather than traditional gifts. If you are looking for something special that falls nicely into the experiences category, then you should consider a Garden City Hotel gift card. Of course, the versatile gift card can be used for a stay at the beautiful Garden City Hotel, but it also can be spent at any of the fine dining offerings from celebrity Chef David Burke. Stop by The Red Salt Room for a seasonal dinner that is sure to delight your taste buds. Or, head over to The King Bar where Chef David Burke has expertly paired craft cocktails and delicious bar favorites. Plus, once the weather begins to warm up, a Garden City gift card can be used at Patio Bar, where signature cocktails and delightful outdoor dining meets the unmatched views. Whether you are looking to surprise someone with a romantic getaway or treat your favorite foodie, a Garden City Hotel gift card is the perfect gift for the holidays! 

Let’s be honest; sometimes the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be overwhelming. It's only natural to get a little stressed out while trying to balance family, cooking, and party planning. Speaking of cooking, traditional holiday foods are not always the healthiest. With that in mind, here are some detox water recipes from the Garden City Hotel’s Mynd Spa National Director, Monique Blake. Each recipe offers specific benefits that range from digestive help to anti-inflammatory properties. This holiday season, do not forget to make your own personal wellness a priority. These detox water recipes will help keep wellness at the forefront of your mind. However, if you need some extra me-time and pampering, be sure to visit the Mynd Spa and Salon for a massage, body treatment, or makeup application that can be customized to fit your style and needs. After all, the holidays are meant to be fun and relaxing!

When the 18th Amendment was passed in 1919, it started the era of American history known as Prohibition. From 1920-1933, it was illegal to manufacture, sell, and transport alcohol in the United States. While illegal, it was not impossible. Now, the rebellious spirit that created bootleggers, Nascar, and speakeasies is serving as one of the inspirations for Garden City Hotel’s newest venue, the Rose Room. This intimate space celebrates the more exciting side of human nature while encouraging guests to let their hair down. The Rose Room features a special guest entrance, artisanal cocktails made with rare spirits, and a dark, cozy atmosphere. The Rose Room opened its doors on October 10, so you can start planning your Garden City "secret" adventure now. Perhaps you will be able to tap into the flapper and Gatsby spirit that defined the 1920s in a much more modern way as we eagerly approach the 2020s.

The tradition of Oktoberfest can be traced back to 1810, when King Ludwig I married Princess Therese and celebrated with a large party that included all of the citizens of Munich. Since then, Oktoberfest has grown larger in Germany, and it is also one of the most popular annual events in the United States. In fact, the Garden City Hotel hosts an extremely well-liked Oktoberfest every year. This year’s celebration will take place on September 29 from 2-11PM. All day long you will be treated to delicious Bavarian treats by Chef David Burke and the talented GCH Culinary Team, including pretzels, cheddar bratwursts, schnitzel skewers, plenty of mustards and other condiments for dipping, and, of course, German chocolate cake pops. Additionally, you will be delighted by the wide variety of beers available including Wasteiner, Sam Adams Oktoberfest, Brooklyn Oktoberfest, Hofbrau Munchen, and Weinstephan. There will even be contests and games throughout the festivities. Get your tickets fast for this incredible Oktoberfest experience.

As summer comes to an end, now is the perfect opportunity for a weekend getaway to the Garden City Hotel, where you can take advantage of the special "Summer in Garden City" package. This incredible package includes breakfast in bed for two, drinks at the Patio Bar or King Bar, and even late checkout. While summer may be coming to an end, there is still lots of time to enjoy the beach—and there are lots of incredible beaches within half an hour of the Garden City Hotel. Whether you choose Long Beach, Sea Cliff Beach, Hempstead Harbor, Tobay Beach, Nickerson Beach, or any of the others the beautiful beaches in the area, you will be treated to soft sand, gentle sea breezes, and the soothing sounds of the surf. August is a time of change, and that can lead to stress, but a weekend getaway to the Garden City Hotel is a great way to relax and decompress.

2019 is a very important year in the long and storied history of Garden City. With both a sesquicentennial and a centennial for Garden City, Mayor Theresa Trouvé and the Board of Trustees have declared 2019 as “the year of celebrations.” 150 years ago, millionaire Alexander Turney Stewart purchased the land and founded the city. 50 years after that, the Garden City Community Agreement was completed, establishing the community that has become so beloved. All year long there will be celebrations ranging from a gala sponsored by the Historical Society to special editions of the weekly Friday Night Promenades held just steps from The Garden City Hotel. There will even be a big birthday party for Alexander Turney Stewart in October. The entire city will be celebrating the history of Garden City like links to Charles Lindbergh’s legendary flight, Adelphi University, and plenty of personal stories and family yarns. This is the perfect year to visit Garden City, enjoy the comforts of The Garden City Hotel, and learn some of the area's history.

After The Kentucky Derby and The Preakness, The Belmont Stakes completes the season of thoroughbred horse racing. In fact, it is the oldest of these prestigious races and one of the oldest races in the entire country. If you are a close follower of these races, you already know that this year has been unpredictable and exhilarating. From June 6-8, you have the opportunity to be a part of a 151-year tradition by attending the 2019 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. Belmont Park is under 30 minutes from the Garden City Hotel, and transportation to the race is quite easy.

While you're there, don’t forget to try the official drink of the Belmont Stakes, the Belmont Jewel. This delightful cocktail is made with Woodford Reserve bourbon and is perfect for the festival atmosphere. Plus, the Belmont Jewel will also be available at The King Bar and the Patio Bar by Chef David Burke. Even if you can't make it to the race track, you can enjoy the races at The Garden City Hotel which has proudly been the official hotel of The Belmont Stakes for 150 years! Whether you predict the perfect trifecta at Belmont Park or prefer the race day atmosphere at The Garden City Hotel, race season is one of the most exciting times of the year. 

For the first time in 80 years, the PGA Championship will be held on Long Island at the famous Bethpage Black golf course. The PGA Championship will take place May 13-19, and The Garden City Hotel is ready to celebrate this momentous occasion with you. With stars like Tiger Woods (he’s back!), Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Phil Mickelson in the field, this tournament is sure to be exciting all week long. Whether you take in a practice round or the final round, you will see some of the best golfers in the world at the top of their game.

After all of the excitement of the tournament, there will be a new place to relax when The Patio Bar by David Burke opens on May 23. You will be able to enjoy the open air space filled with comfortable seating while sampling a variety of wine, craft beers, cocktails, and even small plates from Chef David Burke.

Now that Spring has officially begun, it is time to start enjoying the bright colors and warmer weather. At the Garden City Hotel, there are a variety of Spring-themed events that will make the season even more lively. On April 21, from 11 AM until 2 PM there will be a special Easter Brunch featuring charcuterie and aged cheeses, seasonal hot entrees, raw bar, and lots more. On April 25, you can enjoy an evening at King Bar by David Burke where you can experience a behind the scenes tour of the chef’s kitchen and a four-course dinner featuring food perfectly paired with Whistle Pig handcrafted cocktails. Lastly, when you schedule a Spring event at the Garden City Hotel, the Andrew Scott Arrangement Bar, located in the lobby of the hotel, will create one of a kind floral arrangements that will bring vibrant colors and energy to your special occasion.

As Winter comes to an end, it is time to celebrate all of the joys of Spring. What better way to celebrate the season of rebirth than with a relaxing stay at the Garden City Hotel. The unbelievable Spring package offers a Deluxe King Room, a food and beverage credit at the Red Salt Room by David Burke, and continental breakfast. If you will be in town on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, be sure to reserve your place at the Finn McCool and the Great Fish Tea Event on March 16, which features tea service and a reading of the popular children’s book. On St. Patrick’s Day, there will be a special themed brunch celebrating the holiday. On March 21, plan a date night with our Cakebread ResauranTOUR event. Here you can experience a night of fine wines paired with a four-course dinner by Chef David Burke in the Red Salt Room. Whether you are looking for a romantic Spring getaway or a fun-filled family weekend, the Garden City Hotel has you covered this Spring.

February may be the shortest month of the year, but with Valentine’s right in the middle, it has become the month most synonymous with love. This year, plan a visit to the Garden City Hotel for a romantic experience that you will cherish for the rest of your lives together. All month long, you can take advantage of the Celebrate Your Love Package that combines deluxe accommodations with special touches like roses, champagne, and even chocolate covered strawberries. You can also enjoy a special Valentine’s Day dinner prepared with romance in mind at the Red Salt Room by Chef David Burke. If you are looking for a date night outside of Valentine’s Day, you may want to consider the New York Open Tennis Package which includes tickets to the tournament, February 9-17, as well as accommodations, transportation, and even breakfast for two at King Bar by Chef David Burke. Lastly, if you are saving your romantic night out for later in the month, consider attending the Balvenie Scotch RestauranTour and Tasting on February 28. That evening you will enjoy a 4-course meal featuring culinary delights that are expertly paired with scotches from Balvenie Distillery.

Now that the holiday season is officially over, it is time to start working on those New Year’s resolutions. While most people make plans to exercise and eat healthy, it does not mean that you can’t have fun while doing it. With that in mind, you should consider attending the Restaurantour & Tasting event at the Garden City Hotel’s Red Salt Room on Thursday, January 17. As you enjoy a 4-course dinner, you will be treated to a selection of incredible Italian wines. Your taste buds will be delighted by delicacies such as Cassonceli, Quail Saltimbocca, and Tomahawk Steak. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here. Speaking of the Red Salt Room by David Burke, it will be a featured stop during Long Island Restaurant Week. From January 27- February 3, there will be a special prix fixe menu offered nightly. All year long, the Red Salt  Room by David Burke is the place to go for delicious offerings that will help you accomplish all of your New Year’s goals.

As we near the end of 2018, it's an appropriate time to reflect on all of the great memories and moments from the past year. It's also a good time to start planning for 2019! If you are looking for a way to make a monumental event stand out, then you should consider the many options that Catering by David Burke, at the Garden City Hotel, has to offer. Whether it's an engagement party, a special anniversary, or a milestone birthday, Chef David Burke and his creative culinary team can prepare unbelievable delicacies like Maine lobster, candied bacon, dry-aged porterhouse steaks to Long Island duck, to name just a few. In addition to the delicious cuisine, catering from The Garden City Hotel also comes with a specialty drink menu and unmatched, elegant service. And if 2019 happens to be the year where you have the biggest moment of your life, The Garden City Hotel pastry team can help you design a custom cake for your celebration that perfectly captures the style of the happy couple.

This holiday season, let The Garden City Hotel help you manage the stress of hosting family, planning activities, and securing accommodations for out of town visitors. In fact, look for the Home for the Holidays special room rates that include some holiday-inspired amenities. Don't stress about shopping all around the city for presents, give your family and friends the gift of a Garden City gift card, which can be used for accommodations and dining. If you need fun activities for the kids to enjoy, you will definitely want to attend Breakfast with Santa on December 15th. If we are being honest, preparing holiday meals for your entire family can incredibly daunting. Instead of wearing yourself out with prep and serving, let The Garden City Hotel take care of that for you too. The Thanksgiving Day meal on November 22nd and the Christmas Eve Dinner both feature delicious offerings from the Red Salt Room by David Burke. On Christmas Day, the hotel has two appealing dining options. The first is a Christmas Day Brunch in the beautiful ballroom. The second is a Christmas Dinner featuring the regular menu starting at 6:00 pm. No matter which of these many options you choose, events at The Garden City Hotel are sure to make your holiday season a bit more magical (and stress-free) this year.

Autumn is the perfect time to escape the city for a weekend getaway. Throughout the month of October, and the rest of Fall, the Garden City Hotel will offer Great Fall Rooms specials featuring welcome treats like pumpkin spiced cookies and New York State Apple cider and credit to the fabulous new Red Salt Room by David Burke. After checking in and getting comfortable with your room, you will have a variety of Long Island Autumn experiences to choose from. There are apple picking options like Hayden’s Orchard, about an hour from the hotel, Lewin Farms, about an hour away, and Seven Ponds Orchard, about an hour and twenty minutes away, that all allow you to pick all of the apples that you wish to take home. If you are looking to get in the Halloween spirit, you can pick your own pumpkin at Benner’s Farm, less than an hour drive, Brightwater’s Farm and Nursery, about half an hour, and Harbes Family Farm’s Middle Earth Pumpkin Farm, a little over an hour away, all October long. Other highlights of the season include hiking trails with views of the leaves changing, The Rise of the Jack-O-Lanterns display at Old Westbury Gardens and the incredible corn maze at Fairview Farm in Bridgehampton. After enjoying everything that Long Island has to offer during the beautiful Autumn season, make your way back to the Garden City Hotel to unwind, relax, and enjoy a delicious dinner at the Red Salt Room.

The Garden City Hotel’s newest restaurant, Red Salt Room, features an exciting menu created by world-renowned Chef David Burke. The playful and creative menu and the overall ambiance of the space are sure to make Red Salt Room one of the most popular dining spots on Long Island. For a more intimate dining experience, you will want to secure reservations to Chef’s Table at Red Salt Room where you will be treated to an up-close look at the kitchen while enjoying a five-course tasting menu. Chef’s Table is available nightly with a 4 guest minimum and an 8 guest maximum, making it the perfect place to celebrate with close family and friends, entertain important clients, and conduct business.  Reservations, which need to placed 72 hours beforehand, can be made here.

So what exactly can you expect from a night at the Chef’s table? The dining experience features a 5-course tasting menu that allows Chef David Burke to share his adventurous and playful creations with you and your party. For a better insight into the mind of this culinary genius, tune in to AM 970 The Answer with Joe Piscopo at 8 AM on Tuesdays. Joe and the Chef discuss the process of creating exciting new menus, and they even answer some of your questions on the air. These are exciting times at the Garden City Hotel, and the new Chef’s Table experience with Chef David Burke at the Red Salt Room is one of the biggest reasons why.

It may be hard to believe, but the Summer of 2018 is quickly reaching its end. Before long, the kids will be back in school, the days will start to be a little shorter, and the leaves will begin to change. Rather than a time for sadness, this is a great opportunity to send-off summer with lots of fun. First of all, you will want to check out all of the back to school sales at the Roosevelt Field Mall, Garden City’s finest shopping center. After a day full of shopping, make your way back to the hotel for a visit to the Red Door Spa for a spa or beauty treatment. You can view all of the incredible options here. Once you have been properly relaxed, primped, and pampered, you will be ready for a delicious family dinner at the incredible Red Salt Room that has a unique menu designed by world-renowned chef David Burke. Whether your visit to the Garden City Hotel is one last summer trip or a staycation before the busy fall season begins, you are sure to have an experience that you will not soon forget.

Chef David Burke is a successful restaurateur who is probably most famous for his appearance on the popular television series Iron Chef America. This summer, take advantage of some of his best grilling tips to take your BBQ to the next level.

The first and most important thing to keep in mind is to be adventurous. You can jazz up normal BBQ sauce with additions like coffee beans, citrus fruits, jalapeños, or mustard. Next, don’t be afraid to try new things on the grill like fruits, veggies, or seafood. If you grill seafood like clams, put them in a foil pouch with wine and garlic to get a steamed taste. The last thing to remember is that leftovers can be versatile. Grilled fruit makes for great toppings for desserts, especially ice cream. Leftover meat and veggies can be cut up and reused for kabobs, giving your BBQ a life beyond that first day of grilling. Remember, grilling in the summertime is supposed to be fun, so don’t forget to relax. You may even want to have a bucket of ice next to the grill, filled with beer for the grill master. Of course, during your stay at the Garden City Hotel, leave the grilling up to us at the Red Salt Room or the King Bar.If you are in the area on July 12, you will not want to miss the Scotch and Cigar Night at the Patio Bar. This event is open to the public and seating is on a first come first serve basis. There is limited reserved seating, $200 for a table of 6, that includes two appetizer plates.Contact us at 516-877-9385 or click here for more information.

Don’t look now, but Father’s Day is just around the corner. And this year, you can celebrate all the dads and father figures in your life at the Garden City Hotel. The hotel features numerous fine dining options that will make your dad or husband feel like a king for the day or even the whole weekend. The best place to start might just be a delicious Sunday brunch on Father’s Day. Made to order omelets, fresh sushi, Bloody Marys, and Mimosas are just a few dishes on the extremely popular menu. For the father with more elegant tastes, a visit to the King Bar for a handcrafted cocktail or glass of wine perfectly paired with incredible food offerings all week long. Father’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to let the dads in your life know how much you care about them, and the Garden City Hotel has a wide variety of dining options, whether brunch, dinner, or cocktails, that are to make Dad feel special.

Did you know that Roosevelt Field Mall is the second largest shopping mall in the state of New York? This beautiful shopping center is home to staples like Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, JC Penny, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Macy’s. Located less than ten minutes from the Garden City Hotel, the mall also contains over 200 hundred specialty stores. Current specials include a sale at Crabtree & Evelyn until April 10, a Spring sale at Fossil, and a new service on Facebook Messenger where you can contact an associate for assistance finding your favorite stores. Additionally, all month long, the Disney store will be celebrating all things Marvel in anticipation of Avengers: Infinity War which comes out on April 27. The aforementioned JC Penny will also have a Spring Photo Event, featuring portrait specials, running from April 19-22. Whether you have something specific to shop for or you are looking for a relaxing afternoon of bargain hunting, the Roosevelt Field Mall has the best shopping experience in the area.

In the next month, the Cradle of Aviation Museum has a calendar full of unique and exciting events and special exhibits. The museum is less than 3 miles from the Garden City Hotel, so you will want to join in the fun and learning at these 3 upcoming events.

The fun starts on March 12, 2018 with a lecture to celebrate Women’s History month. Jade Kukula and Marie McBride will discuss their careers in science and engineering and how they are helping with the future of space exploration. Admission is free, but you will want to reserve your place quickly as these two impressive women are sure to sell out the event quickly.

On March 23, the museum will house a Dragon Ball FighterZ PS4 tournament. Participants will be able to test their skills against competition from throughout Long Island on the brand new critically acclaimed game. You even have the opportunity to win a $100 gift card to GameStop.

Lastly, on April 7, the Magic the Gathering Clash at the Cradle 2 Event day long event will take place. Compile your best deck and take on all challengers for the chance to win a $2,000 cash prize. You can even compete in side games against Game Gurus to win bonus prizes.

Whether you are able to attend all three events or just one, the Cradle of Aviation Museum has something for everyone in the next month.

You still have about a month, it ends on March 4, 2018 actually, to see the incredible “Fool the Eye” exhibit at the Nassau County Museum of Art’s Saltzman Fine Arts Building. This one of a kind exhibit features tremendous works of art that encourage the viewer to really examine the art. In fact, one piece of art may look completely different depending on the angle at which you view it, so you should try to look at each piece from different locations in the room. Artists throughout time have enjoyed manipulating their works in order to force certain perspectives and reward vigilant viewers. Masters like Salvador Dali, Janet Fish, Jasper Johns, Audrey Flack, Roy Liechtenstein, Vik Muniz, Judith Leiber, Victor Vasarely, and Ben Schoenzeit are featured at the museum because of their artistic sleight of hand. The works at the exhibit stretch the bounds of the reality and demonstrate the unlimited possibilities of the human imagination. Come and see what you can find! 

Being a firefighter has long been a source of pride for families in the United States. The Nassau County Firefighters and Education Center allows visitors to experience what it is like to be one of these everyday heroes. Located just 10 minutes from the Garden City Hotel, the museum has numerous exhibits and interactive activities that are fun for the whole family. The exhibits provide educational information on important subjects like calling 911, crawling low in smoke, stop, drop, and roll, and even home fire escape plans, all presented in a fun way. In addition to the interactive programs, the museum also contains exhibits that trace the history of firefighting in the Nassau County Area. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM until 5 PM, and admission is only 5 dollars for adults and 4 dollars for children. This is one family friendly excursion that everyone is sure to enjoy.

On December 15, 2017, The Village of Garden City and The Garden Chamber of Commerce will present the Holiday Spectacular: A Flurry of Fun for All. This wonderful event is great fun for the whole family and is within walking distance of the Garden City Hotel. From 6pm until 10pm, there will be a variety of themed performances and activities. The Firestone Band will delight the audience with their renditions of holiday favorites; there will be exciting activities for kids, including friendly snow ball fights, hayrides, holiday face painting, ice bounce castes, and sledding; and carolers will be walking around throughout the event performing traditional Christmas songs. Don’t forget to grab a delicious hot chocolate before experiencing the Snow Storm on 7th Street. The Garden City Holiday Spectacular is sure to be one of the highlights of your 2017 holiday season. In fact, you will want to make it a part of your annual Christmas traditions.

As the fall comes to a close and the temperatures begin to drop, we begin to think about refreshing our winter wardrobe and about all of the exciting holiday shopping we're about to do! Now that we have firmly entered November, it is a great time to begin finding the perfect gifts for the ones you love. The Gallery at Westbury Plaza, located only about 10 minutes from the Garden City Hotel, should definitely be one of your shopping stops this year. Standard hours at The Gallery are 10 AM- 8PM, Sunday through Thursday, and 10 AM- 10PM on Friday and Saturday. They have something for everyone on your list including department stores like Nordstrom Rack and Saks Fifth Avenue, clothing and apparel stores like Gap Factory and Lane Bryant, and even health and beauty stores like GNC and ULTA Beauty. At the Gallery at Westbury Plaza, you can get all of your holiday shopping finished in one easy afternoon!

This Halloween, plan a trip to the haunted house experience that was rated the “Best Overall Attraction” by LIHauntedHouses.com, The HorseAbility Haunted Hay Barn. The attraction is home to over a dozen rooms of
terror and excitement. The historic 1912 stables location is only about 20 minutes from the Garden City Hotel. If you are a fan of thrills and haunted attractions, then The HorseAbility Haunted Hay Barn is the place for you.

For those who prefer their excitement with the lights on, try one of the “Chicken Walks” for a behind the scenes look at the production of such an spooky haunted house. Perhaps the most important thing is that The Haunted Hay Barn is a fundraising event for HorseAbility, whose mission is to improve the lives of people with special needs through interactions with horses. So, grab a group of friends or family and head to one of the best haunted attractions on Long Island.

On Sunday, September 17, the 25^th Annual Italian Experience Festival will be taking place at Hofstra University. This festival, one of the most popular events on Long Island every year, celebrates Italian culture, food, and history. What truly makes it unique, however, is the emphasis on all of the Italian contributions to American culture. Hofstra is only about 10 minutes from the Garden City Hotel, so this is one festival you won't want to miss!

Of course, the festival will feature plenty of delicious Italian food, but there will also be handmade crafts, music, dance exhibitions, poetry performances, and even demonstrations and exhibits by cultural organizations. While exploring the festival grounds, you will be amazed to learn all about Italy’s contributions to American education, commerce, and culture. After enjoying the Italian Experience Festival, make your way back to The Garden City Hotel for a nightcap at the Polo Lounge.  

Every Monday at 1:30, the Garden City Public Library has a free Monday Movie Matinee sponsored by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library. The library is located right across the street from The Garden City Hotel which a very short and easy walk. The theme for August is Summer movies and includes classics like Raiders of the Lost Ark on August 14, The Princess Bride on August 21, and American Graffiti on August 28. The fun continues in September with an Alfred Hitchcock theme. The library will play some of the master of suspense’s biggest hits like The Lady Vanishes on September 11, The Wrong Man on September 18, and Strangers on a Train on September 25. Movies were meant to be watched with a large group of people, and the Garden City Library Monday Movie Matinee is the perfect place to watch old favorites the way the filmmakers intended.

All summer long, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Friday Night Promenades. Located only one block away from the Garden City Hotel, these themed events feature delicious food, live music, fun giveaways, and other activities for the whole family to enjoy. The venue is so close and the weather has been so lovely that you could easily walk to the events, enjoying a scenic evening stroll along the way. Of course, the themes are what make these events so much fun. This month alone features a "Rock of Ages" theme on July 14, a "Christmas in July" theme on July 21, and the very popular "Country Western" theme on July 28. The Garden City Friday Night Promenades are some of the most popular events of the summer because they appeal to people of all ages and families of all sizes. No matter which event you are able to attend, you are sure to have a fun and memorable experience.

The Cathedral of the Incarnation, part of the Episcopalian Diocese, opened its doors in 1885 in Garden City. The cathedral was built by Cornelia Stewart as a memorial to her husband, Alexander T. Stewart, who counted men like Cornelius Vanderbilt and William B. Astor as his peers. This beautiful and historic building is less than half a mile from the Garden City Hotel, well within walking distance. These days, you are able go on a guided tour of the cathedral after Sunday and Wednesday services. Your knowledgeable tour guide will explain the history of the cathedral which intertwines with the history of Garden City. Self-guided tours are also available Tuesday-Friday from 9Am- 4PM. As you step into the Gothic style cathedral, your eyes will be drawn to the beautiful and ornate stained-glass windows. The cathedral’s organ, installed in 1986, is the largest pipe organ on Long Island. The Cathedral of the Incarnation is the perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon while learning about the history of Garden City.

Did you know that May 20 is World Turtle Day? Since it falls on a Saturday this year, it is the perfect opportunity to visit the Quogue Wildlife Refuge for their World Turtle Day Celebration. The refuge is about an hour from the Garden City Hotel, but this unique event is worth the drive. The event begins with a short presentation on the variety and lives of Long Island turtles and tortoises. Next, you and your family will have the opportunity to meet and interact with many species of the local turtle population. They are sure to slowly work their way into your heart. The celebration will also provide plenty of information on how to get involved with preservation efforts to help save the turtles. This unique event is perfect for a family outing. After your first experience celebrating World Turtle Day, you and your family will look for opportunities to recreate the excitement year after year.

The month of April signifies many things. Spring is in full force, flowers are in bloom, and the Major League Baseball Season has begun. To celebrate America’s favorite past time, the ballet company at Ballet Long Island will be performing Casey at the Bat on April 22 and 26. Located about half an hour from the Garden City Hotel, Ballet Long Island has been delighting audiences since 1985. The ballet company beautifully translates the famous story of an over confident baseball player into a ballet performance that you will not soon forget. Because of the subject matter, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce young children to the wonderful world of ballet. After indulging your cultural tastes at the ballet, make your way back to the Garden City Hotel for a delicious dinner at Polo Steakhouse. Of course, the various steak offerings are what make the restaurant so popular, but you can’t go wrong with the fresh catch options either.

Yoga Nanda provides the opportunity to residents and visitors of Garden City to take part in a growing yoga community. During your stay at the Garden City Hotel, schedule a single drop in session or even a one week membership at Yoga Nanda for a riveting class at Garden City’s first standalone yoga studio. The studio is basically next door to the Garden City Hotel so you will definitely want to take the short walk as a sort of warm up to your session. Do not be intimidated if you are a new student. Yoga Nanda has a new student form that will help you determine your limits and abilities. In order to fill out the form, you will need to arrive at least 15 minutes early to your session. You are sure to be blown away by the friendly and professional instructors who lead the sessions at Yoga Nanda. After that first session, you will undoubtedly look for time in your schedule for another.

What if there was a way to incorporate the fun of playing video games into a healthy and active lifestyle? That is the exact questions being explored by PowerKids, an adolescent medicine program that is a part of the Cohen Children’s Medical Center.  The program, titled “Video Games, Nutrition, and Exercise,” takes place on February 23, 2017 at the Microsoft store inside the Roosevelt Field Mall. The mall itself is only about 10 minutes from the Garden City Hotel, so after the hour and a half long presentation, you can do a little shopping at the mall’s other stores. As for the program itself, there will be demonstrations on how to make healthy snacks. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to learn about and try active video games like “Just Dance.” This program is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to learn about nutrition while enjoying some healthy fun playing video games.

You have exactly one hour to crack a seemingly impossible code. The sweat starts appearing on your brow as the seconds tick away faster than seems possible. You look at your friends, but they are out of answers. Then it hits you, that little hint that you missed half an hour ago. You have the answer. You put all the clues together and open the door. You solve the puzzle! That is the exact experience that you can have at Can You Escape? LI. This exciting attraction is only about 10 minutes from The Garden City Hotel, so it is definitely worth your time. This adventure of an evening has been voted the number one escape room on all of Long Island, The Mineola location offers 6 different escape scenarios, so if you have an incredible night, and you will, you can go back for a completely unique experience the following evening!