5 Best Sights in Long Island, New York

The 19th century poet, playwright, and actor John Howard Payne so loved this circa-1720 saltbox home that, it is said, it became the inspiration for his now-famous lyrics for the song, "Home Sweet Home." Today guided tours lead you through a refined home decorated with English ceramics and American furniture and textiles. The museum is in a historic district within walking distance of 19th-century windmills, including the Old Hook Mill.

Keeping history alive and thriving in East Hampton, the society operates several local museums near stately Main Street. The society's headquarters are in the circa-1740 Osborn-Jackson House, a period museum. The 1784 Clinton Academy (tours scheduled upon request) was the town's first preparatory academy for young men and women. Dating from approximately 1731, Town House is the only remaining town government building from colonial times. It's also the oldest surviving one-room schoolhouse on Long Island. The circa-1680 Mulford Farm, complete with a farmhouse and barn, hosts several wonderful programs each year, including a Colonial Kids Club, A Day in 1776, and various colonial reenactments. Each year the farm plants Rachel's Garden with heirloom flowers and vegetables. The Marine Museum has three floors of exhibits devoted to East Hampton maritime history, including the eerie Shipwreck Hall. The tiny and elegantly restored Hook Schoolhouse, a Georgian frame building, has been moved around the village since its construction almost two and a quarter centuries ago. It was saved from destruction by the society and now sits behind town hall. Call the society or visit the website for a complete list of activities at all the sites.

Changing exhibitions at this fine-arts museum and cultural center focus on regional artists, and the museum offers an array of childrens programs and educational programs for all ages. The John Drew Theater presents several stage productions a year, and also hosts concerts, film festivals, lectures, and readings.

The gallery, arboretum, sculpture gardens, and special programs at this 16-acre reserve all underscore the mission of Long House—to show that experiencing art and nature together is essential to living a whole and creative life. You can explore the grounds on your own.

The house where abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock painted his masterpieces is now a museum and study center. You can see the paint-splattered floor of his studio, plus exhibits on Pollock and his wife and fellow artist, Lee Krasner. Call for a schedule of art exhibits, lectures, workshops, and guided tours.