So my first adventure of many for this experience briefly touched a few different aspects in one. Why? I wanted to visit the little village of Oyster Bay Cove on the North Shore, and within a short distance there are a TON of historical landmarks and attractions...well really the whole Island is full of them- good thing I have until August to explore! Anyways, a co-worker recommended the Village of Oyster Bay Cove.
The first few weekends out here lead to some cabin fever, so even though the temperature high was only 20, the beautiful shining sun was all the motivation I needed to go out and explore the North Shore, a place I only visited one time last summer.
Oyster Bay Cove is one of the many villages in the Town of Oyster Bay on the North Shore. Bloomberg Business ranked it the 8th wealthiest town in America, due to its average $317,661 income and 1,050 elaborate estates. Main St. is the home of many little shops, delis, and unique stores.
As you walk down Main St., there are maps on every corner that take you on a walking tour of the historical sights and buildings. Sights included on this tour that I chose to stop at were the Raynham Hall Museum and the Oyster Bay Historical Society.
Raynham Hall Museum was the home of George Washington's secret agent Robert Townsend. The original building was built in 1738 and remodeled to a Victorian style in 1851. During the American Revolution, Townsend was a member of the Culper Spy Ring. The Ring's task was to inform General George Washington of British activity occurring in New York City. Townsend, who desired to maintain anonymous even from General Washington, was referred to as Culper Jr. Townsend was responsible for uncovering the British's plot to flood the American economy with counterfeit money. During the war, the Townsend home was occupied and became the headquarters for Loyalist Queen's Rangers. The Townsend family had no choice but to entertain the British occupancy (in addition to their own family), as resisting British officers during the Revolution yielded imprisonment or even death.
Many aspects of the original building are visible to visitors of the museum today. However, the newer additions were carefully added and do not seem to distract from the historical features. The rooms in the museum are restored and furnished to emulate the style and times of the 1700s and 1800s. I enjoyed how each room was styled differently to show the house's rich history. The period rooms reflect the 1770s when the British occupied part of the home. Everything from the wallpapers and carpets to the detail-rich furniture and decorations seem to be carefully placed. Even the garden, despite the winter weather, was beautiful. The ornate brick walkways, cast iron decorative pieces, and benches created an ornate grounds. I'd love to see the grounds in late spring/summer when the greenery and flowers are more lively.
I also stopped at the Oyster Bay Historical Society, which revealed more information about the Town of Oyster Bay as a whole. As I continued following the History Walk, I stopped by the Harborside Delicatessen for lunch. All the unique delis are one of my favorite aspects of Long Island, as the workers are always eager to suggest their favorite menu items and everything is freshly cut and prepared. On the way to my next part of the adventure, I stopped at the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park (more to come at a later date about him!).
The first few weekends out here lead to some cabin fever, so even though the temperature high was only 20, the beautiful shining sun was all the motivation I needed to go out and explore the North Shore, a place I only visited one time last summer.
Oyster Bay Cove is one of the many villages in the Town of Oyster Bay on the North Shore. Bloomberg Business ranked it the 8th wealthiest town in America, due to its average $317,661 income and 1,050 elaborate estates. Main St. is the home of many little shops, delis, and unique stores.
As you walk down Main St., there are maps on every corner that take you on a walking tour of the historical sights and buildings. Sights included on this tour that I chose to stop at were the Raynham Hall Museum and the Oyster Bay Historical Society.
Raynham Hall Museum was the home of George Washington's secret agent Robert Townsend. The original building was built in 1738 and remodeled to a Victorian style in 1851. During the American Revolution, Townsend was a member of the Culper Spy Ring. The Ring's task was to inform General George Washington of British activity occurring in New York City. Townsend, who desired to maintain anonymous even from General Washington, was referred to as Culper Jr. Townsend was responsible for uncovering the British's plot to flood the American economy with counterfeit money. During the war, the Townsend home was occupied and became the headquarters for Loyalist Queen's Rangers. The Townsend family had no choice but to entertain the British occupancy (in addition to their own family), as resisting British officers during the Revolution yielded imprisonment or even death.
Many aspects of the original building are visible to visitors of the museum today. However, the newer additions were carefully added and do not seem to distract from the historical features. The rooms in the museum are restored and furnished to emulate the style and times of the 1700s and 1800s. I enjoyed how each room was styled differently to show the house's rich history. The period rooms reflect the 1770s when the British occupied part of the home. Everything from the wallpapers and carpets to the detail-rich furniture and decorations seem to be carefully placed. Even the garden, despite the winter weather, was beautiful. The ornate brick walkways, cast iron decorative pieces, and benches created an ornate grounds. I'd love to see the grounds in late spring/summer when the greenery and flowers are more lively.
I also stopped at the Oyster Bay Historical Society, which revealed more information about the Town of Oyster Bay as a whole. As I continued following the History Walk, I stopped by the Harborside Delicatessen for lunch. All the unique delis are one of my favorite aspects of Long Island, as the workers are always eager to suggest their favorite menu items and everything is freshly cut and prepared. On the way to my next part of the adventure, I stopped at the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park (more to come at a later date about him!).