Head to Huntington Village for a day for some “Prime” views. • Photo by Jim Lennon
Huntington Village is one of the most popular towns on Long Island, filled with wonderful things to do, and amazing places to eat. Having been a resident of this historic town for over twenty-five years, I know the ins and outs of where to go. What’s great about Huntington Village is that there is something here for everyone. Here are 10 food-centric itineraries of where to go and what to do.
For History Buffs
Founded in 1653, Huntington Village is filled with history. You can learn more about it by visiting many local attractions. The Huntington Historical Society is headquartered at the former Sewing and Trade School building located on Main Street. Built in 1905, the building now houses the Historical Society archives, and has recently been renovated. The Society owns two other historic homes in town where tours are given—The David Conklin Farmhouse, built in 1750, and located on the corner of High Street and New York Avenue, and the Dr. Daniel Kissam House Museum on Park Avenue built in 1795. The Kissam House has changing exhibits as well as house tours. Also on the Kissam property, for antique lovers, is the Museum Shop. Across from Kissam House is the Arsenal where the Huntington Militia sets up encampments and does reenactments of drills.
On Main Street across from the Historical Society, is the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building where the Town Historian is located, and behind the building is the old historic burying ground. Be sure to call ahead to find out when the museums are open for tours. When you’re done learning about the town’s local history, definitely head over to Wall Street and have lunch at Finnegan’s Restaurant and Tap Room, the oldest continuous operating bar in Huntington which offers traditional pub fare and charm.
Love the Arts?
Huntington Village has several small art galleries nestled in the area, but the largest and most well-known is the Heckscher Museum of Art located on Prime Avenue. Their permanent collection spans the 15th to the 20th century, and features European and American paintings, sculpture and works on papers. They also have a series of changing exhibits throughout the year.
After spending the day at the museum and walking the beautiful grounds, take a quick walk to Jema restaurant on Gerard Street for an evening of craft cocktails followed by an elegant gourmet dinner prepared for you by Chef Franco Sampogna. If you prefer water views, take a quick drive north, down New York Avenue for drinks and dinner at Prime, a high-end restaurant serving both steak and seafood. The views of Huntington Harbor are spectacular.
Everyone Needs Relaxation
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Huntington Village’s newest attraction is the Montauk Salt Cave West on New York Avenue. If you haven’t been here yet, you have to go. Sit in a zero-gravity chair, and listen to the sound of ocean waves, while breathing in pink Himalayan sea salt which has enormous health benefits. Sessions are 45 minutes for $40, and be sure to call ahead and reserve your space.
After you are done relaxing, take a quick walk up the street back towards town and have lunch at Babalu, a fabulous Cuban Mediterranean Bistro which just recently opened. It is owned by executive chef Alan Gotay, a retired professional boxer turned chef.
Culture Bound
For the cultural crowd, head over to the Cinema Arts Center located off the Village Green. This family run business as been in Huntington since 1973. They offer foreign films, restored classics and some current movies, and they have the best popcorn! When you are done here, dine at one of these great Asian restaurants – Ting, Kashi or TOA Taste of Asia.
Fun for Families
Huntington Village is family friendly. Take your kids to Heckscher Park and push them on a swing in the large playground that is completely safe and enclosed. After that, walk around the pond and discover turtles, ducks, geese and nesting swans. A quick walk back down Main Street and you can take the family to Munday’s for lunch, for classic comfort food in a fun setting which features and old fashioned soda fountain bar. After lunch, for more sweets, get an ice cream cone at Ben & Jerry’s on Main Street or Herrell’s Ice Cream on Gerard Street.
Huntington Nightlife
The Paramount has attracted concert goers all over Long Island, and has even seen the likes of Billy Joel. After the show, if you are looking for drinks and late night munchies, be sure to go to Crabtrees on New York and Main, located above Cactus Salon, just a short walk from the Paramount. Craft cocktails and comfort food is what you’ll get at this restaurant which is open late and offers wonderful views of Huntington’s night life. If you want something quick, go across the street to Little Vincent’s Pizza, the best in town, and do what the locals do: order a “cold cheese” slice.
For Movie Aficionados
If you are coming into the Village to see a movie at the newly renovated AMC Loews Shore 8 on Wall Street, there are an abundance of restaurants surrounding the theater and within walking distance. It will be hard to choose which one to go to before the show—Bistro Cassis, Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse, Restaurant Joanina, Salumeria Pomodoro, Vauxhall or the brand new Southern barbeque restaurant, Radio Radio. If you feel like something after the movie go to XO Restaurant, Wine and Chocolate Bar. Go upstairs to the late night chocolate lounge for some delicious chocolate fondue.
Music Lovers Summer Park Concerts
The Summer Arts Festival is run by the Huntington Arts Council, and features nightly free concerts and entertainment at the Chapin Rainbow Stage in Heckscher Park beginning the end of June. Tuesday nights feature performances for children. Bring blankets and chairs and set up a picnic. Go to Union Place to the family run Mr. Sausage which features Italian fine foods, homemade spreads, crostini and antipasto.
Looking for gourmet salads instead? Make a trip to the Culinary Studio on Wall Street for a variety of healthy take-out options. New York Panini on Wall Street is also a good choice. Their warm paninis and salads are quite transportable.
Literary Fans
The Book Revue on New York Avenue is the largest independently owned book store on Long Island, and they offer a huge selection of books. They also host book signings with big name authors, local authors and celebrities, and they even have their own café. If you are looking to go out to dinner before getting lost amongst the books, Mexican food is the way to go. The newly renovated Pancho Villa is right next door, Quetzalcoatl is around the corner on Main Street, and Besito is on New York Avenue once you cross Main Street. All serve terrific margaritas and homemade guacamole.
Early Risers
After Memorial Day, the Huntington Farmers Market will be in full swing in the parking lot adjacent to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building on Main Street. Be sure to get there early because fresh produce and other Long Island products sell out quickly. After you’ve picked up your veggies, take a walk down Stewart Avenue to Toast & Company for a gourmet breakfast, or go where the locals go to T.K.’s Galley, down New York Avenue by the harbor.
Whatever you decide to do, Huntington Village is definitely the place to be this summer. Enjoy!
This story was originally published in July 2018.
