Checking In, a Blog by GCH

Although the holidays may look a little different this year, Garden City is sure to be aglow with twinkling storefronts and sparkling trees. Delight in a variety of nearby attractions and online activities that are sure to brighten your spirit. Here are a few of our favorites ways to celebrate this season:

Magic of Lights

Taking place at Jones Beach State Park through January 2, 2021, this magical light show is one you won’t want to miss. Round up your family for a drive-thru full of fun before heading back to The Garden City Hotel for some holiday-inspired cocktails or hot cocoa. Learn more and get your tickets in advance online.

The Virtual Village Show

The Music Academy Foundation and Broadway Bound Dance Center present The Virtual Village Show: Winter Edition in collaboration with The Garden City Hotel. This free holiday production promises excitement for all ages and airs live on Friday, December 18 at 8:00 pm. Simply register online at www.virtualvillageshow.com.

Fall in love with Garden City this holiday season. Gather your loved ones for an unforgettable Thanksgiving amongst the natural beauty and turning leaves of Long Island. Each year, our legendary chef David Burke cooks up a feast worthy of kings and queens at Red Salt Room. Show your thanks and appreciation by honoring the holiday and taking a moment to dine on exquisite dishes with your friends and family. Traditional favorites like Maple Glazed Turkey Breast and Citrus Cranberry Sauce are elevated by innovative dishes like Celery Root Mousseline and Chestnut Stuffing. Is your mouth watering yet? To find out more, please visit our website or call our restaurant to make reservations at 516-877-9385.

The leaves are turning, the weather is cooling, and everything feels festive and charming—it must be fall in Garden City. Our unbeatable location, just an hour outside of Manhattan, puts us close to the best fall activities. Set out for a fun socially distanced day of pumpkin picking and hayrides at Organics Today Farm, located just 40 minutes from our hotel. Every Saturday in October they feature Moonlite Pumpkin Picking for the most spirited and brave. On November 7th, head to the Cradle of Aviation Museum for their annual Pumpkin Drop, where you can drop your pumpkin from the museum’s second-floor balcony. You can bring a pumpkin or toss one of the museum’s pumpkins for a small fee. This popular event is fun for the whole family, and surprisingly satisfying. After the pumpkin drop, carve out some time to explore the museum’s eight galleries, which span over a hundred years of air and space history. When you return to our hotel, visit Red Salt Room for a fall-inspired menu and seasonal drinks.

The Long Island Children’s Museum is the perfect place for parents and children of all ages. Located less than 10 minutes from The Garden City Hotel, this Children’s Museum is one of the most popular attractions in all of Garden City. Kids will love all of the hands-on exhibits and parents will love the fact that the kids are learning while having fun. It's truly a great place for the entire family. 

Exhibits like Our Backyard allow kids to explore the natural cycles of gardening through various seasons, while Sound Showers allows them to use everyday objects to tap, clap, and dance their way into the world of music. Feasts for Beasts allows them to identify food fitting for herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, and Sandy Island allows them to play and fish on an imaginary beach. No matter the activity or exhibit, the Long Island Children’s Museum delivers a full day of fun for all ages. To learn more, check the current operating hours, or purchase tickets online, please visit the museum’s site here.  

Just a 22-minute drive from the hotel, Jones Beach State Park is a world-famous State Park home to 2,400 acres of maritime environment. You can relax, play, swim, and stroll along this beautiful white-sand beach that stretches 6.5 miles. The park also offers many recreational activities to visitors like fishing, miniature golf, shuffleboard, and basketball. Families can check out the Wild Play Adventure Course or visit Jones Beach Nature Center, where they can learn about endangered species and the surrounding habitats. However, the park was not always this way. Before the 1920s, the area consisted of mosquito-infested barrier islands. It didn’t become the great “people park” that it is today until Robert Moses created it by dredging sand from the State Boat Channel and raising the elevation of the barrier islands by fourteen feet, connecting several small islands into one long stretch topped by Ocean Parkway. Visitors will be sure to create amazing memories when they fill their day with all the activities and amenities this park has to offer.

A little under two miles outside of Garden City, travelers can visit a historic Long Island site: the former location of the Roosevelt Field airport. Initially called by a number of different names, Roosevelt Field was a training base for the United States Army Air Service during World War I. After the war ended, the base was renamed after Quentin Roosevelt - son of President Theodore Roosevelt - who died in battle.

Many noteworthy flights took off from Roosevelt Field over the next few decades. One of the most historic was that of Charles Lindbergh in 1927. Lindbergh flew from New York to Paris in the world’s first-ever solo transatlantic flight. Amelia Earhart - the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic - also trained at Roosevelt Field, along with Wiley Post - the first pilot to fly solo around the world. With its impressive wealth of history, Roosevelt Field is an exciting landmark for anyone interested in aviation.

Alexander Turney Stewart was a man with a vision. A merchant millionaire from New York City, Stewart had a plan to develop his own community, one that reflected his ideas, experiences, and even his wealth. In 1869, at nearly 70 years old, he purchased 10,00 acres of Hempstead Plains and set out to create this vision. From here, Garden City was born.

Stewart developed his early American village with wide avenues, abundant greenery, and sixty WELL-BUILT homes, as well as a Victorian-style hotel—the Garden City Hotel. Built on a 30-acre park, the much-anticipated Garden City Hotel first opened on July 30, 1874. Stewart managed the hotel himself until his death in 1876, when his wife Cornelia inherited his legacy.

Cornelia went on to honor Alexander Turney Stewart's memory by continuing the development of Garden City until she was laid to rest in 1886.

Forever over a century, our beloved city Garden City has only grown, cementing its position as one of the country’s most desirable communities. To this day, the Garden City Hotel still stands as a Long Island landmark, and we couldn’t be more proud.

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.