Hot, Hot, Hot: Historic Long Island Hot Spots

We’ve all heard, especially with the retro revival, that eventually, “what’s “old” is new again”, and “what goes around comes around”. And, we all understand that certain things never go out of style.

So, if you’re one of the many who can boast summers out in the Hamptons, sunbathing at one of the beaches along the strip, partying at Neptunes and/or after hours at the Boardy Barn, then you’re likely part of the generation or two that feels like IT discovered the area and uncovered many of it’s untapped treasures.

Well, while the clubbing scene may be relatively new, the appeal of this East End Mecca is not. In fact, it was a hot spot back in the days of t-birds and drive-throughs. During the 50s and 60s route 27 was what Hempstead Turnpike and 231 were in the 80s and 90s, a long road to cruise on and show off your wheels.

But, locals weren’t the only ones that were drawn to this delightful East-end destination. Many city dwellers (including many families from Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau” took the frequent trek to indulge in this “eclectic” experience replete with family owned farm stands featuring fresh fruits and veggies to be enjoyed on the spot. And, in fact, the popularity of the area gave rise to another all-American enterprise, the birth of the motel, many of which were neglected and forgotten by the end of the 90s.

However, these Long Island landmarks are, thanks to a few nostalgic and savvy investors, back on the rise out on the East-end horizon, as many are being revamped and refurbished making them some of the most “to-be-seen” summer hot spots.

And, much like today, food has always been a big part of the Long Island social scene and one of its major forms of entertainment. From outdoor eateries renowned for their seafood and homegrown “sides” and plenty of nostalgia to boot, the East-end offers fresh fare and fun for every age and taste.

Even the drive offers lots of feasts for the eyes, including the world renowned Long Island Duck built on the South Fork by a duck Farmer (Marin Mauer ) in the early 1930s as a building from which he could sell his eggs. Over 70 years later, the duck still stands drawing visitors from all around, but instead of eggs, the building now houses souvenirs and is used as the celebration venue on the first Wednesday in December, as it is transformed into a fully lit landmark, commemorating holiday season, here on Long Island and the East end.