Your Guide to the Best of Garden City

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.

Spring is the perfect time to venture out and explore the city, so we've rounded up a few of our favorite local events that you and your family are sure to enjoy. All year long, the Long Island Children’s Museum offers 14 interactive exhibits, art shows, and live theater meant to provide hours of entertainment for your young ones. In addition, there are several added shows and exciting events each month. May alone offers the following three activities you won't want to miss.

Gruff! - This interactive puppet show will be performed from May 16-June 9 with multiple performances on most days. Gruff! uses the Three Billy Goats Gruff fairy tale as a template for a story about taking care of the environment and working together to solve problems.

Kids in the Kitchen - This event takes place on Fridays, May 18 and 25. Kids ages 3-5 get to practice using real kitchen cooking tools, with some adult supervision, as they prepare healthy and delicious snacks. Once you've worked up an appetite again by Saturday afternoon, join us at Polo for our traditional (yet far from ordinary) Afternoon Tea time, beginning at 2 pm.  

May Flower Leis - This pop-up event takes place on select days throughout the month of May. To celebrate the blooming of springtime flowers, kids will have the unique opportunity to create and keep their very own floral lei necklaces. If mom and dad want to try their hand at fancy floral arrangements, we’ve got them covered too. Stop by our very own Floral Boutique, located in the lobby, and allow our experts to help your craft something truly unique. Perhaps a special bouquet for mom, just in time for Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 13. We look forward to seeing you soon, for family fun, floral arrangements, tea, food and more! 

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!

Veteran fans of ballet and classical music, as well as beginners looking for an introduction to these kinds of performances, will not want to miss the performance of The Nutcracker Act II on December 21. This holiday favorite is admirably performed by Ballet Long Island. The ballet is located around 35 minutes from the Garden City Hotel, so you will want to plan your day around the performance. However, the show is definitely worth the trip. The performance features a visit to “The Land of Sweets” accompanied by the famous classical music by Tchaikovsky. The Ballet Long Island is sure to take your breath away with their rendition of this famous ballet. It is the perfect opportunity for you and your family to get into the holiday spirit during your stay at the Garden City Hotel. After the show, you will want to return to the hotel for a relaxing evening. Hopefully, you will be able to watch the snow fall from the comfort of your room.

Are you looking for nice relaxing day where you can escape from the stresses of modern day life? Then you should plan an afternoon exploring the Queens County Farm Museum! This unique museum is situated on New York City’s longest undisturbed tract of farmland. In fact, this farm can trace its history all the way back to 1697. What’s even better is the fact that it is located less than 20 minutes from the Garden City Hotel. The scenic and rustic surroundings make for a tranquil day of strolling and low pressure adventure. While at the Queens County Farm Museum, you will see livestock, historic farm buildings, a greenhouse, orchards, and even herb gardens. This museum is truly 47 acres of fun and relaxation. Once you have finished your calm day living the rural life, make your way back to the Garden City Hotel for a delicious dinner at the Polo Steakhouse.

If you love to shop, then you need to spend a day at the Roosevelt Field Mall! This mall is one of the best indoor shopping experiences in the entire country. There are over 270 specialty stores and plenty of excellent dining options at the elegant and expansive mall. Less than 10 minutes away from the Garden City Hotel, Roosevelt Field Mall is the perfect place to spend an afternoon shopping, eating a delicious meal, and even catching a movie at the AMC Roosevelt Field 8. You could start your day at stores like Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and the newly opened Neiman Marcus. Then grab a quick meal at the Dining District before more checking out Michael Kors, Burberry, and FRYE. The possibilities and combinations are endless! Once you have finished your fantastic shopping day, return to the Garden City Hotel for a relaxing dinner and a well-deserved glass of wine at Polo Steakhouse.

In between shopping outings, sightseeing trips, and delicious meals at one of the Garden City Hotel’s amazing restaurants, be sure to save some time to visit Lifetime Athletic in Garden City. Located only 10 minutes from the hotel, Lifetime Athletic has state of the art facilities and extraordinary programs and classes. Beginners and seasoned veterans alike will be impressed by the variety of yoga classes offered. What’s more, all classes are conveniently offered throughout the day. Lifetime Athletics also has an amazing swimming pool which visitors can use during free swim times or take water based exercise classes. The equipment and facilities truly unbelievable, but it is the staff and instructors that make Lifetime Athletic such a memorable experience. There are experts willing to teach and lead you in disciplines as diverse as Martial Arts, Kickboxing, Zumba, Pilates, and even strength training. After a fun and rewarding day of exercise, you will want to return to the Garden City Hotel to freshen up before a delicious dinner at Polo Steakhouse.

Beer lover rejoice! The Oyster Bay Brewing Co. offers a variety of delicious beers that capture the essence of New York. What’s even better is the fact the brewery is just a 25 minute drive from The Garden City Hotel. If you consider yourself a beer connoisseur, or even if you just enjoying trying new things, The Oyster Bay Brewing Co. is definitely worth checking out during your visit to the Garden City area.

Summertime is almost synonymous with beer, and the Oyster Bay Brewing Co. has established a reputation for unique and delicious craft beers. The brewery is open from 1:00 PM until 6:00 Pm on Mondays, 1:00 PM until 10:00 PM Tuesday through Thursday, 1:00 PM until midnight on Fridays, noon until midnight on Saturdays, and noon until 8:00 PM on Sunday, so you have plenty of flexibility to fit this stop into your busy itinerary. The brewery has a large variety of beers to choose from including the Downeaster Double IPA, Sagamore Dark Lager, the Southern Lights Pale Ale, and many more. Be sure to try the Honey Ale which is made from real local honey! Since opening their doors in 2012, The Oyster Bay Brewing Co. has been living every beer drinker’s and every home brewer’s dream. Even more importantly, they have been brewing some of the best beer in the area. After just one taste of the brewery’s fantastic beers, you will want to get yourself some to take back home with you!

When you have sampled enough, but not too many, of the Oyster Bay Brewing Co.’s beers, make your way back to The Garden City for a delicious steak dinner at Polo Steakhouse. A wonderful dinner would be the perfect way to end an exciting day of trying the local beer scene.

Oyster Bay Brewing Co.: 36 Audrey Ave. Oyster Bay NY 11771

If you are staying with us this weekend and are looking to head out east in style Cloud9 Exotics has you covered. We are now offering tailor-made driving experiences, VIP chauffeur services, events and promotions. Those in search of a cutting-edge, thrilling adventure will surely be satisfied. Choose from a vast selection of the world's automotive icons, from the Lamborghini Gallardo to the Bentley Continental GTC. To learn more about Car Rentals and experiences by Garden City Hotel click here.

If you’ve decided to rent a car and are on Cloud9 from your decision head out to the Hamptons. Here are a few of our favorite events for you to choose from this weekend.

Shop: OCRFA Super Saturday July 30th 2016
Drive out to Watermill, NY and shop until you drop at what the New York times coined “ The Rolls-Royce of Garage Sales. OCRFA NY Event is hosted by Kelly Ripa and Donna Karan and is one of the biggest charity events on the East End. You never know who of your favorite stars will be there. Shop until you drop while raising money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance. This event brings top luxury name brands in high fashion, beauty and home goods at 30-50% off retail. When you are ready for a break from shopping, visit one of their Luxury Experience tents and pampering opportunities that comes included with the price of your ticket! For more information click here. 

Taste: Dan’s ClamBake MTK July 30th, 2016
Let the fun continue after a full day of shopping and drive out to Montauk for the ultimate seaside Soiree: Dan’s ClamBake MTK, is an inaugural oceanfront food and drink festival. If you like surf and turf, this is your destination of choice. Hosted by Chef Marc Murphy, Judge on Food Network’s Chopped, and Eden Grinshpan, television personality and cook best known for her Cooking Channel shows Eden Eats and Log On and Eat with Eden Grinshpan, a traveling show across the United States. Featuring Ambassador of Taste Quincy Davis, Professional Surfer and Montauk Native. VIP After Party hosted by Ryan Serhant, Star of Bravo’s Two-Time Emmy-Nominated “MILLION DOLLAR LISTING NEW YORK.” The drive out to the Montauk Lighthouse with Cloud 9 Exotics will be worth the trip. For ticket information click here.

Get Entertained: Bay Street Theater, Sag Harbor
If you are a theater go-er we suggest heading out to Sag Harbor and seeing the hilarious play. Melissa Errico will perform her critically acclaimed one-woman show, Funny, I’m a Woman with Children at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor. 8 p.m. The show is about dating, romance marriage love and family all with songs from such musicals as Gypsy, Hello Dolly, My Fair Lady and more. For ticket information click here.

Indulge your artistic and creative side at Muse Paintbar where patrons receive instruction from trained artists while also enjoying a nice selection of food, beer, and wine. At less than half a mile away from the Garden City Hotel, you can take a quick stroll to a dinner date that you will not soon forget. While planning your visit to Garden City, check out the Muse Paintbar calendar for a painting or event that appeals to your tastes.

Dinner and painting at Muse Paintbar is a great night out for new couples, not so new couples, and even best friends on a vacation. Most standard sessions cost $35, but you can check the online calendar to verify the cost and reserve your spot. If it coincides with your visit, the Couples’ Nights are a great opportunity to shake up the traditional date night. Unlike the standard session, Couples’ Night has guests work on joint paintings that can be hung side by side when they are finished. Of course, you can get a delicious dinner to go along with evening activity. Menu standouts include the Cheesy Chicken & Dip, the Naked Chicken Parmesan, and the 3 Cheese Mac ‘N Cheese. The Muse Paintbar offers a variety of wine and beer options for you to enjoy while working on your masterpiece. Even if you are not quite a Picasso, you will find the food, drinks, and painting to be well worth your time. You can even see examples of amateur attempts at artistic excellence on the Muse Paintbar’s Facebook page.

Once you have completed your artwork, you will want to make the quick walk back to the Garden City Hotel to drop off your painting and get refreshed before a night out enjoying Garden City’s nightlife. You not only get a unique dinner experience, but you also get to keep your painting to commemorate your night!

Muse Paintbar: 837 Franklin Ave, Garden City, NY 11530

During your stay in Garden City, be sure to make time to treat yourself at the Chocolate Works candy shop. Located less than ten minutes away from The Garden City Hotel by car, this family owned confectionary is a modern twist on the traditional candy shop. Owners Rich and Lori Penchuk have made their shop of delicious delights into a fun filled interactive experience.

Everyone loves candy, so why not indulge your inner child with a visit to Chocolate Works. And if you are travelling with children, you will definitely want to bring them along. Open from 10 AM- 8PM on most days, the candy shop offers such fun activities as creating your own candy bar and a continuously flowing chocolate fountain. They even have a wide ice cream selection that goes great in their homemade waffle cones. It is easy to have a good time at a candy store, but what separates Chocolate Works from some other is the friendliness of the employees. Owner Rich Penchuk is always in a friendly mood and is always willing to offer recommendations to a curious visitor. Even if you have special dietary requirements, Chocolate Works offers Kosher, nut free, gluten free, and vegan products, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. So take a day to treat your sweet tooth and visit a local, friendly candy store that is sure to delight your whole family. After having a fun day at the candy store, make the quick trip back to The Garden City Hotel to recharge before a delicious dinner at the Polo Steakhouse. Of course, you will want to bring back some chocolate covered strawberries, jelly beans, or any other delicious treat for a wonderful dessert after an amazing dinner. Everyone deserves the chance to treat themselves!

Address: 916 Old Country Road, Garden City, NY 11530.

Meet us at the Patio Bar on May 20th for our grand re-opening! Open Tuesday through Saturday at 4pm, The Patio Bar will be the place to be in Garden City. The Patio Bar offers a lush, suburban hot spot where you can gather with friends for pre-dinner cocktails, happy hour and small tapas. Our executive chef Ari Niemenen prepares an informal small tapas menu that compliments the warmer season. This summer, expect old favorites like our seasoned flatbreads and sliders menu as well as new delicious additions to our menu including mini crockpots of hummus and lobster sliders. Enjoy summertime inspired cocktails, such as the Garden City Beauty and the Gentleman’s Arnold Palmer or a cold brew! Enjoy the summertime warmth, cool breeze, and listen to live music from a guitarist as you laugh with your friends through the night. There will be weekly themed events such as our Yacht Rock Party, where guests can view yacht on property, check out a fashion show and enjoy Daiquiri specials. There will be a Tribute to Audrey Hepburn night on the patio and a Little Shelter Yappy Hour which will be a happy hour event partnering with a local shelter, just to name a few. Summertime is our favorite time of the year in Garden City and we are excited to welcome guests back to our Patio Bar for the season.

Are you a baseball fan? Then catching a New York Mets game will sure to make your time in New York memorable. Just a thirty-minute drive from our Garden City hotel is home to the New York Mets. Whether you are a fan, on a date, or on a family outing, visit Citi Field on April 8th for the home opener against the Phillies. Foot-long hotdogs, Cracker Jack and beer are the typical food of choice at games, but if you are a club member, Citi Field also houses six different club restaurants that will make you feel like a V.I.P. If you have time, you don’t want to miss the Mets Citi Field guided tour of the stadium. On the tour, you will get to check out the clubhouse, field and dugout, scoreboard control room, press box, and the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum features special objects from special Mets moments, interactive kiosks that let fans scroll through memory lane, and highlight videos of the Mets biggest accomplishments. After an exciting nine innings of rooting for our beloved Mets, keep the fun going at our Polo Lounge for cocktails and a light dinner.

CitiField
126 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, NY 11368

Jazz may have originated in New Orleans, but Louis Armstrong lived in Corona, Queens! Take a little trip to neighboring borough Queens and visit the home museum of the late Louis Armstrong. No one has lived in the house since the Armstrongs and today the house and its furnishings remain the same as when he and his wife lived there. The Louis Armstrong Home Museum is sure to thrill any jazz enthusiasts. Open to the public seven days a week, the museum offers guided tours of the home. On your tour, you can listen to audio clips from Louis’s homemade recordings of him practicing his trumpet. Visitors can also enjoy checking out the remains of "Satchmo’s Stuff", like his gold-plated trumpet, along with photos and manuscripts. After a fun day in Queens, come back to your home away from home for happy hour at the Polo Lounge. 

Louis Armstrong House

34-56 1-7th St, Corona, NY, 11368

Do you love singing? Wish you were in Glee? Then join the students of Adelphi University for the SingStrong A Cappella Festival. Only fifteen minutes away from our Garden City Hotel, the SingStrong A Cappella Festival is a three-day weekend, February 5th through February 7th, full of five completely different concerts featuring A Cappella pop, jazz, doo-wop, barbershop, and even beatboxing. Scheduled performers like Blue Jupiter, Resound, and Feedback will be there rocking the house along with many others. There will be professional, high school, and college a-cappella groups. There will even be a group that you can join! All proceeds from this event will support music programs. Afterwards, stick around to help fight against Alzheimer’s at the silent auction. So grab your friends and head to Adelphi for a night of A Cappella. 

Adelphi University Performing Arts Center
1 South Ave, Garden City, NY 11530
aupac.adelphi.edu

What could be better than bacon? Maybe bacon desserts, bacon foods, bacon tastings and so much more at the Long Island Bacon Bash at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Located just ten minutes from our Garden City hotel, the Bacon Bash event runs from 10am to 6pm on January 31st. Visitors can enjoy a celebration of "all that bacon can be," that includes bacon-related tastings from over two dozen local vendors with offerings like bacon-flavored hot sauce, bacon-wrapped barbecue, chocolate-covered bacon, even bacon cannoli! The event also gives visitors museum access, so you can check out the exhibits once you’re full to bursting with bacon. So head to the Cradle of Aviation Museum and blast off into a galaxy of bacon.

Address: Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City

The holiday season is full of fun traditions, and decorations are a big one. Some people go all out with Christmas lights and turn their front lawn into a tiny winter wonderland. Rather than going through the stress of doing that yourself, we recommend checking out the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Jones Beach and getting to see over one hundred and fifty light displays – that’s a lot of winter wonderlands! Located just twenty minutes from our Garden City hotel, beginning November 20th and running until January 3rd, the Holiday Light Spectacular features not just the light displays, but also the Chrysler Holiday Village, a heated area where visitors can take pictures with Santa, enjoy s’mores and other holiday-themed refreshments, take a spin on the ice-skating rink and enjoy holiday music and movies. So follow the lights to Christmas magic, and when you’re done, your cozy room at the Garden City Hotel will be waiting for you.

Address: Jones Beach State Park, 1, Ocean Parkway, Wantagh

This Halloween, the Old Westbury Gardens are lighting up the night with five thousand hand-carved jack-o-lanterns on display. Located less than fifteen minutes from our Garden City hotel, visitors can get tickets to see Rise of the Jack-O-Lanterns, on display along a scenic walking trail, set to spooky music scored exclusively for this event! Visitors can enjoy larger-than-life animals carved from dozens of pumpkins by teams of professional artists, as well as dragons, classic cars and much more, all crafted from jack-o-lanterns! There’s even a live-carving station where you can watch the artists at work. You’ve never seen anything like it, and it makes for a unique Halloween experience, so make sure to bring your camera! 

Address: 71 Old Westbury Road, Westbury

The Queens Museum of Art is an underrated piece of New York history, built on the grounds of the 1939 and 1964 New York World’s Fair. Located just a short drive from our Long Island hotel, the museum is host to many different fascinating exhibits, including a collection of Tiffany glass and many models and memorabilia from the World’s Fairs. The stand-out exhibit and visitor favorite, however, is a massive scale model panorama of New York City, one of the largest scale models in the world! Outside the museum, don't miss the impressive Unisphere (you might remember it from the blockbuster "Men in Black"), and a small, pleasant park. A charming, manageable museum, the Queens Museum is a delightful way to spend a few quiet hours.

Address: New York City Building Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Perimeter Road, Queens

If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at some poetry and have been waiting for inspiration to strike, consider checking out The Season of Spoken Word Poetry Walk at the Old Westbury Gardens, located less than fifteen minutes from our Long Island hotel. On September 4th at 6:30pm, visitors to the gardens can take an interactive walk with a Hunter College professor of Creative Writing who will examine the poetic connection between the great outdoors and the written word. Selected readings will pair with fall’s brightest blooms to inspire visitors to write their own poems on site. This event is free with admission to the gardens, though they do recommend you bring your own pen and paper, as their supplies are limited. You could be a poet and never have known it!

Address: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

Talk about turning trash into treasure: once a landfill, the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve was converted into a plant and wildlife reserve and is now home to many native plants and birds, as well as a herd of Nigerian dwarf goats used as an ecologically sensitive method of controlling weed and brush overgrowth. There's also Guinea fowl, a turkey-sized bird that's an environmentally friendly alternative to insecticides in the control of ticks at the preserve. In addition to its unique animal residents, the park also boasts a 500 foot fishing pier into Merrick Bay, where visitors can either fish or kayak around. Located less than twenty minutes from our Garden City hotel on Long Island and with 52 acres to explore, this is a beautiful nature spot that also showcases a commitment to ecological sustainability.

Address: Meadowbrook State Parkway, Merrick

Head up into the air without ever leaving the ground at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, just ten minutes from our Garden City hotel on Long Island. Filled with more than 30 hands-on exhibits, a half-dozen cockpits to climb into and 75 air and spacecraft on display (from a hot air balloon to an actual Apollo Lunar Module), the Cradle of Aviation Museum has plenty to keep visitors entertained, and that's without including their giant 30-seat motion-simulator, the X-Ride Theater, which lets you "fly" with the Blue Angels, and their state-of-the-art planetarium and domed theater for an immersive, high-quality viewing experience. If you've ever wanted to learn more about the history of aviation and even step into the pilot's chair, this is the place to go.

Address: 1 Davis Ave, Garden City

One of the most beautiful estates in the world, Old Westbury Gardens has reopened for the spring and summer season. Located not far from the Garden City Hotel, this expansive mansion sits on more than 200 acres of immaculately manicured gardens and offers visitors an enchanting vision of a bygone time. Currently, events include a regular rotation of activities such as yoga and tai chi in the gardens for just $15, although it's less than half that if you're a member -- which quick, easy – and online! On June 7th, the Gardens will be host to an antique and collectible automobile show, and on the 14th, a violin and cello concert. There's always something interesting and sophisticated going on at Old Westbury, so take a step back in time to the elegant garden parties of a nearly forgotten era.

Address: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

Step into our own Polo Steakhouse for Long Island Restaurant Week, scheduled April 26 – May 3, to take advantage of a prix fixe three-course dinner for just $27.95 per person. The Restaurant Week selection showcases the culinary skill of our star chef, Michael Mandato, who has dreamed up another imaginative menu for this biannual event. Seated in the modern Italian-inspired dining room, you can begin your meal with Moules Frites prepared with garlic and saffron, Corn Chowder topped with Bacon and Fried Clams, or Vine-Ripened Tomato Salad. Order some wine and prepare to take in a main course of succulent Prime Strip Steak, Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, or a smoky Pork Chop with Apple Onion Chutney. After that, it's your choice of Myer Lemon Tart with Blueberry Compote, Housemade Sorbet or delicious Oreo Cheesecake. Reservations are strongly recommended. Buon appetito!

Address: Garden City Hotel

You don't have to have an Easter bonnet or even a basket filled with Easter eggs to enjoy Garden City Hotel's extravagant Easter Brunch on Easter Sunday, April 5. In fact, all you need is a great appetite because our culinary team is pulling out all the stops to make this Easter event in Garden City one of the most memorable you've ever experienced. First off, it takes place in our jaw-dropping Grand Ballroom, that sparkling space reimagined by renowned architect and designer Robert DiLeonardo. Next, our skilled chefs have sourced exquisite ingredients near and far to create a beyond-lavish buffet that will please the palate of even the pickiest little eater. And although Easter bonnets are optional, they're certainly encouraged.

Address: Garden City Hotel

You don't have to be in New Orleans to celebrate Fat Tuesday in style...simply head to the Polo Lounge at the Garden City Hotel, where a Mardi Gras celebration (minus the Big Easy floats) will be in full swing on Tuesday, February 17. The master mixologists will channel their Bourbon Street brethren to whip up celebration-worthy cocktails like the Hurricane (a Pat O's favorite) and the classic Sazerac. There'll also be New Orleans-style specials and prizes for merry Mardi Gras revelers and guests of this beloved Garden City hotel. Be sure to make a reservation – this party is likely to be more crowded than a busy French Quarter street corner.

Address: The Polo Lounge

At the Garden City Hotel, we've hosted thousands of exquisite weddings in our 141-year history, but every wedding still gives us a spine-tingling sense of happy anticipation. No wonder we're so excited for our first-ever Wedding Week, March 1 – 5, 2015, featuring unique events that allow soon-to-be-brides to explore their personal wedding style - from fashion and flowers to music and cuisine – all right here at The Garden City Hotel. On March 3, Couture & Confections pairs a runway show of beautiful wedding fashions with passed Champagne and desserts. On March 5, don't miss Weddings on Seventh: A Luxury Showcase, which transforms the Grand Ballroom into a wedding wonderland showcasing four studding weddings all in one room. Tickets include Champagne, themed craft cocktails, passed hors d'oeuvres, desserts and a fab gift bag - plus a treasure trove of great ideas for planning your own Garden City wedding.

*Photo by Jeffrey Mosier Photography

Few holiday events in Garden City excite as much as the Garden City Hotel's traditional Holiday Breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and this year's breakfast promises to be bigger than every before. Why? Santa's bringing a special guest – a certain Disney princess named Elsa from "Frozen" – to add an extra layer of holiday magic. Make plans now to join this very memorable North Pole-inspired feast with the Snow Queen on Saturday, December 20. Seatings are at 8:30 am and 11 am. Whether you sit on Santa's lap early or wait until later, you'll enjoy delicious holiday fare and sweet treats in the company of Santa, Mrs. Claus and Santa's elves. Be sure to bring your camera. This is likely the only Santa sighting in Garden City this holiday season.

Address: Garden City Hotel

Do you like bundling up and walking on the beach? If you do, a sunny winter day can be a great time to visit Fire Island Lighthouse. Built in 1857 and still used for navigation today, this lighthouse was often the first sight that European immigrants had when arriving to America. A must-see for both nature lovers and nautical history buffs, the lighthouse is located on a remote and breathtakingly unspoiled stretch of beach on Captree Island. When you enter, there's a quaint museum on the first floor that displays photos and artifacts describing the lighthouse's fascinating history, including descriptions of courageous sea rescues and details of the every-day life of the lighthouse keepers and their families. And after walking up the 182 steps to the top of the lighthouse, you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view of the island, the bay and, on a clear day, even the Empire State Building. Plus, interesting lectures are scheduled most weekends. Don't miss out on the Thanksgiving weekend night tour and tree trimming event. This pleasant day trip is a great way to escape the hustle-and-bustle of the city and to learn about the perils of nautical life and the valuable contributions made by the lighthouse and the people who worked there.

4640 Captree Island, New York

Next weekend, you can get your Broadway fix without a trip into New York City, thanks to Adelphi University's "Best of Broadway: Anniversaries." The event brings together the university's most talented performers to belt out numbers of bygone Broadway hits. Located near our Garden City Hotel, the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center program will feature classics from such beloved Broadway musicals as West Side Story, Funny Girl and Fiddler on the Roof. Scheduled October 18 and 19 at 8 pm and 4 pm, respectively, the fun unfolds on the Concert Hall's Westermann Stage. Tickets are just $20 – less than you'd pay for a cab to New York.

Address: Concert Hall

A Franklin Avenue fixture since 1949, the Garden City Coffee Shop is a can't-miss for classic coffee shop fare. Located just a block-and-a-half from our Garden City hotel, locals have been lining up here for decades, enjoying delicious platters of Chicken Souvlaki, Greek salad and Spinach Pie that have become the restaurant's menu all-stars. In fact, just about everything is great but we'd be remiss if we didn't share our personal fave: the Greek pizza topped with spinach, feta and melted mozzarella cheese. Runner-up? The Chicken Gyro Pita served with grilled chicken topped with house-made Tzatziki. And don't leave without trying the Baklava. Even if it's in a to-go box.

Address: 653 Franklin Avenue

It's not too late to follow Alice down the rabbit hole at the Long Island Children's Museum, where the award-winning traveling exhibit "Alice's Wonderland: A Most Curious Adventure" is in the final weeks of a summer-long stay. Now through August 31, head to this top-rated museum to frolic with Garden City hotel guests in a make-believe Wonderland. Conceived by the Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose, this hands-on exhibit inspires curiosity and encourages exploration with activities like the Mad Tea Party and Crazy Croquet. Best of all, kids come away with a better grasp of math, science and literacy. Who knows, maybe they'll even want to download the Lewis Carroll classic on their iPad.

Address: 11 Davis Avenue

History buffs captivated by the life of Charles Lindbergh will want to pull up a chair at the Patio Bar on July 24 for a documentary on the famed aviator's historic transatlantic flight. (Of course, you know Lindbergh spent the night before his historic flight right here at the Garden City Hotel.) For those less familiar with The Lone Eagle's link to Long Island, Lindbergh won the Orteig Prize for his solo nonstop flight from nearby Roosevelt Field to Paris in the single-seat, single-engine Spirit of St. Louis. The documentary will be screened under the stars, beginning at 8:30 pm. Make an advance reservation for this look back at an aviation legend.

Address: Garden City Hotel

Summer is here and, with it, the return of Summer Music on the Village Green, a rain-or-shine series of six outdoor concerts presented on Garden City's picturesque Village Green. Bring a blanket and gather with music-loving locals and visitors to Garden City hotels for these fun and informal Thursday night concerts featuring homegrown talent like Manhattan Jazz, Six Gun, Tangerine and the Terry Nova Little Big Band. After the 7:15 pm show, saunter back to the Garden City Hotel for a nightcap (and perhaps a slice of the hotel's heavenly Colossal Seven Layer Chocolate Cake) at the Patio Bar. Summer was made for nights like this.

Address: Village Green (corner of Stewart and Hilton Avenues)

Just a few minutes from our Long Island hotel, horse-racing season is galloping into high gear at historic Belmont Park. The beautiful grounds and ivy-covered grandstand are the perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon of horse-racing. Home of the elite Belmont Stakes, the third jewel in racing's coveted Triple Crown (scheduled June 7 this year), Belmont Park has been one of the most celebrated spots in horse-racing for more than 100 years. Whether you're watching or wagering, the thrill of thoroughbred racing is yours for a mere $5 entry fee. On weekends, a family-friendly Breakfast at Belmont event offers early-risers a chance to see the horses train, then take a free tram ride through the stable area, enjoy a free Paddock Show and participate in a free Starting Gate demonstration. It's a behind-the-scenes experience we bet you'll love.

Address: 2150 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont

Preserving the beauty of a bygone era, the nearby Old Westbury Gardens is considered one of the most beautiful estates in the world. The former Phipps family home, this exquisite Charles II-style mansion sits on 200 acres of formal gardens, surrounded by woodlands, ponds and lakes. This lush, luxurious landscape makes its spring season debut this month, ushering in an array of events, workshops and seminars for locals and Long Island hotel guests. One of our favorites is the members-only Taste of Spring on May 1, an annual event featuring appetizers, entrees, desserts and wines provided by some of Long Island's best restaurants (including ours, naturally) and wineries. Attending this swanky soiree is as easy as becoming a Gardens member online. Oh, and pulling out your best garden party get-up.

Address: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY

Wondering where your inner kid has been hiding out? We're pretty sure you can find him on one of the 41 colorful carved steeds that encircle Nunley's Carousel, a vintage work of art dating back more than a century. First installed in Canarsie's Golden City Park, it was built by Brooklyn-based Stein and Goldstein Artistic Carousel Company during the golden age of wooden carousel craftsmanship. Today, this beloved piece of history delights the young and young at heart with $2 rides set to a special soundtrack recorded by singer (and Long Islander) Billy Joel and his keyboard player, David Rosenthal. Find all the fun on Museum Row, between the Cradle of Aviation Museum and the Long Island Children's Museum.

Address: Museum Row.

When you're staying at the hotel where Charles Lindbergh spent the night, you just have to see the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Kitty Hawk may be better known for aviation, but Long Island was once the industry's epicenter. In fact, Lindbergh began his trans-Atlantic flight from right here. (Well, not exactly right here, but just a mile from nearby Roosevelt Mall.) The museum is housed in three original airline hangars linked by an immersive full-dome theatre. You'll find amazing aircraft high and low and leave feeling like you've had a great time and learned something new. Which is the goal of any successful mission in our book. Have a nice flight.

Address: Charles Lindbergh Blvd.