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.
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.
Ichi Sushi & Ramen and Green Tea are within walking distance of the university. Marisa was also a frequent patron of the Kung Fu Tea. If you didn’t have time to stop by Brooklyn on the drive over, Strathmore Bagels and Se-port Delicatessen will make you feel like you’re there. For last minute shopping, Smith Haven Mall has plenty of stores to peruse.
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. 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!)