Smithtown, New York, is an oft-overlooked town in the heart of Long Island with a unique and diverse history and culture. Home to vibrant neighborhoods and parklands, ample recreational opportunities, and historical charm, Smithtown offers a variety of activities and attractions perfect for nearly every visitor - locals or newcomers alike. Situated in Suffolk County, Smithtown was founded in 1665 by Richard Smith, who settled in the area while fleeing religious persecution in England. Today, Smithtown is the largest and oldest of the five original towns of Long Island and is one of only two towns in the county with its own municipal government. Despite its relatively small size and population of about 12,000, Smithtown has a lot to offer visitors on an exploration through its streets. Learn information about Smithtown, NY.
For cultural exploration, Smithtown boasts a variety of museums, galleries, and historical sites for your learning and entertainment. The Smithtown Historical Society Museum houses a wealth of artifacts ranging from Native American and colonial-era settlements to more recent 20th-century history. Carriage house and cemetery tours are also offered through the museum, as well as various educational programs and art exhibitions. The Smithtown Performing Arts Center also offers a variety of cultural shows and events that highlight the region's rich heritage and culture. For those looking to explore one of the town's many natural attractions, Smithtown has many parks and trails to explore, such as Long Island's Lone Hill Park, which offers great views of the local landscape as well as a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. A number of historical trails dating back to the settlement of the town are accessible to visitors, including the 24-mile historic Smithtown-to-Port Jefferson Rail Trail, which takes in key sites related to Smithtown's past. Discover facts about Welcome to Huntington, NY: Where West Coast Living Meets East Coast Charm.
In addition to its abundance of cultural and natural attractions, Smithtown is home to plenty of recreational activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The town's public beach, Orchard Beach, is a great place to swim, sunbathe, and take in the stunning views of the Long Island Sound. Smithtown also offers other recreational activities such as golf and tennis, with two public golf courses located within the town's limits and a variety of tennis courts that are open to the public for use. Fishing is also a popular activity in Smithtown, with the town located on the cusp of the great North Shore estuary, offering visitors a variety of locations to cast out a line. With its advantageous location close to both the city and the beach, Smithtown offers visitors the best of both worlds. The town features a great selection of restaurants and stores to suit every budget, ranging from traditional New England seafood restaurants to upscale Italian eats. Shopping is also excellent in Smithtown, as the town features both large retail businesses as well as boutique stores catering to just about every need.
Smithtown truly has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a cultural retreat, an exploratory adventure in nature, or an escape from the everyday bustle of life, Smithtown has it all. It may be small, but with its unique heritage and culture, there is much to be discovered and enjoyed within Smithtown, New York. Prospective visitors need not look further when planning a trip, as Smithtown surely has something to offer every type of traveler.