Long Island is more than just beaches and wineries—it’s a treasure trove of off-the-beaten-path adventures, quirky landmarks, and local secrets waiting to be discovered. As your home base at Commack Inn, you’re perfectly positioned to explore these unconventional gems that most tourists miss. Here’s our curated guide to the most unique experiences within 30 minutes of our hotel.
1. Step Back in Time at Long Island’s Oddest Museum
The Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages (LIM) – Stony Brook (25 min drive)
While most visitors flock to NYC’s massive museums, this charming Smithsonian affiliate offers something different:
- The nation’s largest collection of horse-drawn carriages
- A recreated 19th-century village with blacksmith demonstrations
- Quirky rotating exhibits (recent highlights included “The History of Long Island Ghost Stories”)
Why It’s Special: It’s the only place where you’ll see a Tiffany stained glass window beside an 1800s fire engine.
2. Dine Inside a Historic Bank Vault
The Vault at The Safe – Bay Shore (20 min drive)
This speakeasy-style restaurant occupies a 1920s bank building, complete with original details:
- Cocktails served inside the actual walk-in vault
- Prohibition-era decor with hidden passages
- Must-try: Their “Bank Heist Burger” with gold leaf-dusted fries
Insider Tip: Ask for the “Secret Menu” – they’ll bring it to you inside a vintage safety deposit box.
3. Walk Through a Living Kaleidoscope
The Big Duck – Flanders (35 min drive)
This iconic 1930s duck-shaped building started Long Island’s “duck architecture” trend:
- Now houses a quirky gift shop with all duck-themed merchandise
- Instagram-worthy photo ops with giant duckling statues
- Nearby: Duck Walk Vineyards for wine tasting in a barn decorated with—you guessed it—ducks
Fun Fact: It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places as “a rare example of programmatic architecture.”
4. Solve a Mystery at an Escape Room… With Farm Animals
Harbes Family Farm Escape Barn – Mattituck (40 min drive)
Combine an escape room with petting zoo breaks at this unique attraction:
- Solve farm-themed puzzles while goats and sheep watch
- Seasonal twists (haunted escape rooms in October)
- Reward: Fresh apple cider donuts after your “prison break”
Why Kids Love It: The “Chicken Run” room lets you trade clues for chicken feed.
5. Shop at America’s Oldest Operating Farmer’s Market
Huntington Farmer’s Market – Huntington (15 min drive)
Established in 1750, this isn’t your typical market:
- Vendors still use the original 18th-century weighing scales
- Find rare Long Island specialties like Montauk sea salt caramels
- The pickle stand has been family-run since 1923
Best Time to Visit: Saturday mornings when local chefs do cooking demos.
6. Kayak to a Secret Island
Cedar Island – East Hampton (50 min drive)
Paddle through protected marshlands to discover:
- A completely deserted island with soft sand beaches
- Nesting ospreys and herons (bring binoculars)
- The “Pirate’s Cove” where rum runners once hid
Rental Tip: Main Beach Surf & Sport delivers kayaks right to your launch point.
7. Tour a Micro-Sized Whiskey Distillery
Long Island Spirits – Baiting Hollow (35 min drive)
New York’s first farm distillery since Prohibition offers:
- Tours of their copper still housed in a repurposed dairy barn
- Free tastings of their famous “LiV Vodka” made from local potatoes
- The “Barrel Thief” experience – sample straight from aging casks
Don’t Miss: Their limited-edition apple pie moonshine in autumn.
Why Commack Inn is Your Perfect Launchpad
After days filled with unique adventures, return to:
- Affordable comfort – Rates up to 60% lower than nearby chain hotels
- Convenient location – Centrally located for day trips in all directions
- Local expertise – Our staff knows all these hidden spots and can provide maps
Ready to explore the Long Island most visitors never see?
Book your stay at Commack Inn today and ask for our “Hidden Gems” itinerary packet at check-in!
📞 (631) 717-2001 | 🌐 www.commackinn.com
