Stony Brook/The Three Villages
Of course, one thing to do at Stony Brook is tour the Stony Brook University campus. The Wang Center hosts art and culture exhibitions with an eatery located inside. Visitors can purchase a 24-hour subscription with a credit or debit card to Wolf Ride Bike Share: a self-serve bike rental program with stations all around campus. The Paul Simons Memorial Bike Path circles the entire campus, if you are looking to get a quick workout in. For last minute shopping, Smith Haven Mall has plenty of stores to peruse. The Jazz Loft, the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, or a Washington Spy Trail Tour may be of interest to you.
West Meadow Beach, Avalon Nature Preserve, and Sunken Meadow State Park are perfect for taking in Long Island’s beautiful and lesser-known nature and views. Please be advised that the north shore beaches are rocky, while the south shore beaches are more appropriate for swimming. To that end, Jones Beach, Gilgo Beach, and Robert Moses State Park are all within an hour’s drive of Stony Brook.
The Halal Hut and Green Tea are popular spots within walking distance of the university. Marisa was also a frequent patron of the Kung Fu Tea. With access to a car, Ichi Sushi & Ramen, Red Tiger Dumpling House, and Casa Luis are some of our favorites. If you didn’t have time to stop by Brooklyn on the drive over, Strathmore Bagels and Se-port Delicatessen are just as good!
Port Jefferson
East of Stony Brook is Port Jefferson: a village overlooking the harbor and Long Island Sound. Along Main Street and Broadway, there are many locally owned shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore. Slurp Ramen is a favorite among all Stony Brook students, while the Curry Club is a more upscale date night spot. Many restaurants play live music in the evenings as well.
The Port Jefferson train station is one stop away from Stony Brook, but is unfortunately a 30-minute roadside walk from the harborfront area. Within a 15-minute walk of the train station is Grumpy Jack’s (marinated burger is a must-try) and Toast Coffee + Kitchen (reservations recommended to try some of the best coffee in Suffolk county!). Colosseo Pizza is Max’s favorite pizza from our college days. For groceries or fun snacks, we recommend Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace.
Further East
If you’re really looking to make a trip out of this wedding, consider visiting either the northern or southern forks of Long Island! The southern fork is home to the famous Hamptons. Some other renowned tourist attractions include the Montauk Point Lighthouse and Museum and the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center. The northern fork is home to the Long Island Aquarium, many wineries, and the Cross Sound Ferry which can take you to New London, Connecticut. Both areas are known for their seafood, beach-side nature walks, and produce stands along highways!