The Great Escape: Locust Valley

Today’s escape will be a worthwhile drive to a charming town known as Locust Valley.

Take 25A west and turn right at the Brookville police station onto Wolver Hollow Road, bear left on Piping Rock Road and follow this street for a few miles. This curvy road will bring you right into town by Birch Hill Road.  Take note of the lovely estates and hilly terrain which grants you the flavor of the Gold Coast.

First stop will be a Tudor style shopping center called The Plaza on your left. You will find some restaurants, a jeweler, and fashionable boutiques. 

Head back out to the road and cross the tracks, on both sides of Birch Hill Road you will see some of the best unique boutique shopping in the North Shore area. For the most part there are no chain stores and each shop has created its own personality and specialty, most of which rivals any Nolita establishment. Equally, Forest Avenue has many interesting shops worth checking out.

And when hunger sets in seek out The Brass Rail or Basil Leaf Cafe.  But if you are willing to go slightly off the beaten path, try a romantic restaurant with true culinary flair called Barney’s on Buckram Road.  Reservations are recommended for most of the eateries in town.

Generally, Locust Valley is your go-to place for all things to furnish your home. Everywhere you look is either an antique shop, an interior design studio, or a home accessories boutique.

But this enclave is not just about shopping, every season they have fun-filled festivals free to the public. Mark your calendar for Oktoberfest on Sept. 24 brought to you by the Rotary Club. Head over to the gazebo close-by to the train station for some fun on tap. 

Next up, come by on Oct. 1 for the Harvest Festival sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. All the entertainment is free so make sure to bring along the kids to enjoy horse and buggy rides, a toe-tapping bluegrass band, inflatables, face painting, and a LI highlight:  Shinnecock Indians performing ritual dances.

During the holiday season check back to their website for dates and times for their Winter Festival.

In early August they held a Sidewalk Sale where over 500 people turned out for the festive events and the distinctive shopping experience.

For the spring they have a Dog Festival, besides rolling out the red carpet for your furry four-legged family member, they raise much needed money for the local animal shelter.

During the weekends parking is available by the train station as well as directly behind Forest Avenue on the south side. While you are in this parking area you will see Thomas Park, named after a conductor who resided in the train station building when the LIRR relied on manual labor to raise and lower the gates. It’s a delightful town green with play sets and a gazebo.  But if you decide to park during the week make sure you find a spot in designated municipal areas and not by the train station.  

This slice of Madison Avenue meets Main Street should make it on your to-do list for lovely LI exploration.