Thursday, August 26, 2010 5:48 am
August26
Nestled into a shady Stony Brook lane is a former octagon barn. According to the Three Village Historical Society, the barn was built in the mid to late 1800′s by a member of the Davis family. In the 1930′s the barn was converted to a house and is still lived in today.
Octagon houses and barns are apparently rare structures, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s kind of neat to have one just a hop, skip and a jump from one of my local riding loops.
Photo Credit: The Three Village Historical Society
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Suburban Exploring – Local Long Island:
As I continue to learn, Long Island has some lovely and interesting places that are rich in history, some of which are hiding in plain sight. What better way to explore these historical gems than by motorcycle? This post is part of a series of motorcycle rides that focus on
local Long Island history.
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Thursday, August 19, 2010 7:37 am
August19
Flo’s has fast become a favorite hang for me and my friends. Ride. Eat. Yes, please!
Flo’s Famous Luncheonette has been slinging good eats on Middle Road in Blue Point since 1926. Every night during the summer you find happy people digging in to grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, delicious burgers on white toast (like Mom used to make) and all manner of fried seafood. You can either belly-up to the counter or find a spot at one of their picnic tables to enjoy roadside dining under the stars. It’s a perfect Long Island ride to eat destination.
Flo’s Famous Luncheonette
302 Middle Rd.
Blue Point, NY 11715
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Thursday, August 12, 2010 6:39 am
August12
While out playing Tag-O-Rama last night, I saw this amazing truck. The advertising is one thing, but the bones of the truck itself are awesome!
click to enlarge
It had no badging anywhere on it so I have no idea what it is. Surely one of you sexy people must so, let’s hear it! What kind of truck is this?!
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010 9:17 pm
August10
Looking for a place to ride to on Long Island? Love roadside attractions? Well, then you’re in luck. Long Island is home to an interesting collection of deliciously kitschy roadside awesomeness. Break out the map and string some these great destinations together on a route. Here are 10 of my favorite Long Island Roadside Attractions.
click images to enlarge
The Big Duck
 Listed on the National Register of Historic places, the Big Duck of Flanders, NY is Long Island’s most recognizable roadside attraction. It was built in the early 1930′s as an attraction to sell Peking Ducks. Constructed with a frame made of wood, wire mesh was then attached and covered in cement. The Duck’s eyes are made from Ford Model-T taillights.
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Riverhead Raceway Muffler Man Indian
 This handsome silent sentry stands on the grounds of the Riverhead Raceway. He is Long Island’s only Muffler Man. Many folks will recognize him from an episode of the Sopranos where Tony walks in front of him at the raceway.
Location: Riverhead Raceway – 1797 Old Country Road, Riverhead, NY |
Mr Millennium – The Giant Snowman
The smiling snowman is nearly 20 feet tall and stands outside of North Sea Auto Radiator on Sandy Hollow Rd. I don’t know why but I totally love his big mittens. They’re so cute! His plaque says he was made in the year 2000 and that his name is Mr. Millenium [sic].
Location: North Sea Auto Radiator-Towing – 25 Sandy Hollow Rd., Southampton, NY 11968 |
The Giant Rooftop Hotdog
 Located on top of First National Franks in Medford, the giant rooftop wiener is a winner! You can ride to eat and see something kitschy in one shot. What’s better than that?
Location: 3147 Route 112 Medford, NY, 11763 |
The Pirate House
No doubt the neighbors of the Pirate House in Miller Place must get fed up with the gawkers who stop by for a look.
“The Connor Belle”
The local story that I have heard about this house is that the owner built this temple of pirating for his daughter who has a brain injury. It came in the wake of seeing her happy reaction to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride during a trip to Disney World. I cannot say if that is indeed true; it could just be an urban legend.
   
The house does have a notary public sign out front. Maybe you can get the scoop from the horses mouth while having a document notarized? Hmm…
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 Nothing says delicious Italian food like a stucco castle with 2 Musketeers, a horse, a two-headed snake and a gold lion in the yard. From what I understand the food is actually quite good. Go for the kitsch, stay for the pasta.
Location: 59 Montauk Highway Westhampton, NY 11977 |
Home Depot Cemetery
The Home Depot in Commack is now located on what was once a World War I air field called Brindley Field. Prior to that, it was a farm. Today it has an interesting secret “hidden” in plain sight; the Burr Family cemetery plot. As people go shuffling by with their carts full hammers and nails, many do not even realize the tree-lined little square houses a handful of tombstones.
Location: Home Depot 5025 Jericho Turnpike, Commack, NY
  
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Giant Bull of Calverton
 I found this guy by accident one day just cruising around. He stands inside the pen of a private farm. Between you and me, I like him so much more than the oft talked about Smithtown bull.
Location: Wading River Manor Rd. Calverton, NY |
Atlantic Seafood
The Shark Mouth door of the Atlantic Seafood restaurant always makes me smile when I ride by. Its amazing how many locals don’t know the name of the place and just call it ‘the shark mouth.’ View on flickr
Location: 125 Main St Center Moriches, NY |
The Cement Sphinx
 A Long Island landmark since 1911. “She who climbs the Sphinx’s head, a millionaire will surely wed.” Unfortunately ladies, the sphinx gives mixed messages with it’s ‘No Climbing’ sign. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.
Location: 890 Montauk Hwy, Bayport, NY |
 Nipper the Dog
This 6ft tall fiberglass Nipper the dog stands at the front door of Plesser’s Appliances in the town of Babylon. He’s a town favorite!
Location: 6 E Main St Babylon, New York 11702 |
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Thursday, July 29, 2010 3:22 pm
July29
Okay, everybody. Let’s give a nice warm welcome to Mr. Millennium! “Hiiiiii, Mister Millennium.”
He stands ever-smiling, braving the elements in front of North Sea Auto Radiator. Hmm. Auto radiators… yea, that seems like a likely place for a 20ft snowman.
When I pulled over on the shoulder to take his picture, I took my helmet off. I don’t usually do that when I stop for a snap-and-go-photo. After taking the picture I put my camera away in my tailpack and stood momentarily looking at him in all his dirty snow glory. I heard someone say ‘are you okay?’ in the distance and thought nothing of it. Then it came again, ‘Miss, are you okay?’ I turned, smiled and waved and said I was fine.
Now, I’m left to wonder if seeing my un-helmeted head makes people think there is something wrong with me or he didn’t get why anyone would be looking at the giant snowman. Tough call.
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