Once home to the famed poet, journalist, and editor William Cullen Bryant, Roslyn preserves his legacy via the many places that bear his namesake.
His country residence, Cedarmere (225 Bryant Ave., 516-544-3944, friendsofcedarmere.org) is one of Roslyn’s main attractions.
This cultural center offers a window into the past with guided tours of its main building and grounds.
They also host a number of events, such as a successful poetry series, as well as gardening, concerts, dance programs, book talks, seminars, and painting classes.
Just a mile down the road from the estate is The Bryant Library (2 Papermill Rd., 516-621-2240, www.bryantlibrary.org), which in addition to traditional library services, also houses a local history collection.
Currently, they have vintage movie memorabilia on display. These promotional mailers from the Roslyn Movie Theatre in the 1950s were donated by former resident and screenwriter Chris Miller, who co-wrote 1978’s National Lampoon’s Animal House.
“They have great areas inside the library with great research, books, and history.
They’re very knowledgeable about the town of Roslyn,” says Howard of the library. If you’re into history, then definitely look into the Roslyn Landmark Society (36 Main St., 516-625-4363, roslynlandmarks.org) and their walking tours of the village’s landmarks as well.
For a small village, Roslyn has plenty of museums. Another is the Nassau County Museum of Art (1 Museum Dr., 516-484-9338, nassaumuseum.org). Located next to Cedarmere, this art museum was first a mansion, built in 1900, that was eventually purchased by world-famous art collector Henry Clay Frick in 1919.
Today, it is a museum showcasing art from around the world. The latest exhibition, Modigliani and the Modern Portrait, is on display until November 5. In addition to its museum collection, it also has a sculpture garden and hosts many events, including children’s programs, live music, and art classes.
Diverse Dining in Roslyn
Just as there is plenty to do, there are plenty of places to eat in Roslyn. Mayor Durkin says, “Roslyn is known as a restaurant destination and that’s been a very good thing for us. They know they’re going to get a good dinner in a lovely environment in a historic village.”
One such place, located in a restored estate dating back to 1740 and named after its former owner Hendrick Onderdonk, is Hendrick’s Tavern (1305 Old Northern Blvd., 516-621-1200, hendrickstavern.com) restaurant. Situated in the historic center of the village, the tavern serves what it calls a “juxtaposition of old design and modern food” such as comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, steaks, and seafood. On the weekends they offer brunch and have a George Washington-themed bar area, filled with portraits of the first president.
For anyone with a craving for Mediterranean cuisine, just follow the aroma of the authentic Turkish and Greek offerings at Shish Kebab Grill (1380 Old Northern Blvd., 516-399-2222, shishkebabgrillrestaurant.com) situated in the center of Roslyn Village. Perfect for dine in or take out, the restaurant promises to be a place where you feel like home. With an array of eggplant appetizers as well as garbanzo-based staples like hummus and falafel, or classic entrees such as gyros, kebabs, and grilled offerings from the land and sea, the menu offers plenty to entice the taste buds.
Famous for its brunch, thyme restaurant (8 Tower Pl., 516-625-2566, thymenewyork.com) overlooks the Roslyn Duck Pond and is just across from the village’s famous Ellen E. Ward Memorial Clock Tower (Tower Pl), which was built in 1895. With a diverse dinner menu, bountiful brunch options, and a cozy atmosphere, thyme is a great option for any moment or meal. For tasty Italian dishes and desserts, visit the popular Trattoria Diane (21 Bryant Ave., 516-621-2591, trattoriadiane.com) and its accompanying bakery/cafe, Diane’s Bakery Cafe (23 Bryant Ave., 516-621-2522, dianesroslyn.com).
Other frequented options around Roslyn include fresh takes on Mexican classics at Besito Mexican Restaurant (1516 Old Northern Blvd., 516-484-3001, besitomexican.com), Japanese cuisine at Kotobuki (1530 Old Northern Blvd., 516-621-5312, kotobukirestaurants.com) or a famed staple for Persian eats, Ravagh Persian Grill (210 Mineola Ave., 516-484-7100). When it comes time for dessert, there’s YOLO Yogurt & Desserts (1355 Old Northern Blvd., 516-200-9191) serving Fro-Yo, crepes, gelato, and more.
Inviting Nature in Roslyn
Gerry Pond Park (36 Main St., 516-869-6311, northhempsteadny.gov) is a pet-friendly park with a playground that is right off Roslyn’s Main Street, connected to the duck-filled Roslyn Pond and two smaller ponds. Stroll around the path or relax under a gazebo and enjoy nature.
Outside the historic village, there’s also Christopher Morley Park (500 Searingtown Rd. N, 516-571-8113, nassaucountyny.gov), an expansive 98-acre park that, in addition to being home to the studio of its namesake author, also boasts a number of great amenities. Aside from hiking trails and athletic courts, it also has a kids playground, picnic areas, a dog run, a golf course, a fitness trail, and an ice-skating rink. The park also hosts a farmers market on Wednesdays from May through November.
Shop and Stay in Roslyn
As for shopping, Roslyn delivers, too. Stop by Harbourview Shoppes (1500 Old Northern Blvd., 631-501-1080, harbourviewshoppes.com) for an assortment of upscale shops and services. Or, support a good cause by grabbing something vintage from the Junior League of Long Island Thrift Shop (1395 Old Northern Blvd., 516-621-4890, jlli.org).
For the kids, visit Wild Little Heart (1388 Old Northern Blvd., 516-321-0252, wildlittleheart.co) a boutique with hand-picked children’s fashions. Build community at Knit Long Island (1353 Old Northern Blvd. #3, 516-625-5648, knitlongisland.com) a knitting supply shop that holds retreats. Get pampered at the Sugared Beauty Bar (1355 Old Northern Blvd., 516-412-8860, sugaredbeautybar.com), or treat yourself to some delicious deli selections from Delicacies Gourmet Delicatessen (1354 Old Northern Blvd., 516-484-7338, delicaciesdeli.com).
As for accommodations, options are limited. In the village, there is The Roslyn, a Tapestry Collection hotel by Hilton (1221 Old Northern Blvd., 516-625-2700, hilton.com). Nearby, there is also a Hilton Garden Inn (3 Harbor Park Dr., Port Washington, 516-626-3600, hilton.com) and a Holiday Inn Express (1053 Northern Blvd., 516-627-2460, ihg.com).
