MINEOLA, NY, January 26, 2010 -- For those of you who find the onset of frigid air both invigorating and inviting, Nassau County, Long Island, has some winter fun in store. Just minutes from Times Square, this drivable vacation destination is chock full of adventurous mountain biking, cross country skiing, and hiking trails.
Tucked away off the beaten path, these frosty fairways offer a challenging trek, seasonal vistas, and an essential dose of serenity. You can also indulge in some of our area’s other cold-weather pleasures, including seal watching walks or cruises, kayaking, and outdoor/indoor ice skating.
Start the day at Stillwell Woods Mountain Bike Trail in Syosset, almost 5 miles of moderately steep terrain twisting through a 270-acre preserve. The ride is just rough enough for a boost of adrenaline, with a handful of black diamond alternate routes on the back side that can add to the excitement. Some of the passes are sandy, and can be tricky if you' don’t have the proper gear.
Take a break for lunch and thaw out at BK Sweeney’s Parkside in Bethpage. Enjoy a pub-style meal in a tavern setting.
If you are still up for a ride you can hop over to the trail at Bethpage State Park, a 12-mile mixed single track that is slated beginner to intermediate. Carved through a wooded sect, this path provides beautiful views of the countryside. Ambiguous trail markings make for a hard-to-navigate trail, with a surprise or two along the way.
You may want give indoor ice skating a whirl at the new state-of-the-art rink at Bethpage Community Park, or bundle up and skate in the great outdoors at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park in Syosset. You can also set your sights on some wildlife and embark on a seal watching cruise run by the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh.
Finish the day at Coolfish in Syosset, a chic eatery owned by locally celebrated chef Tom Schaudel. The classic menu has a contemporary twist, as well as an extensive wine list and lighter fare in the lounge.
DAY TWO
If there is enough snow on the ground, pack up your cross country ski gear and get ready for a crisp, rejuvenating journey. After a hearty breakfast you’ll want to hit the trails early to get the most of the day. Trail View State Park in Woodbury features a 7.4-mile stretch that spans 400 scenic acres. The path winds through a variety of settings and habitats, giving you the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. In the event there is no snow to speak of, do not despair. You can also set out on foot and hike this trail.
Winter kayaking is an exhilarating option for thick-skinned diehards. Empire Kayaks in Island Park is open all year for paddlers who get a thrill from the arctic chill.
Before hitting the road back to reality you can take in a light lunch at the swanky but laid-back Library Café in Farmingdale.
ESSENTIALS
If you have forgotten any necessary gear there are several bike and sporting shops around. Bike Junkie in Bethpage and The Bicycle Planet in Syosset are full-service bike shops created for the mountain bike enthusiast. Check website for upcoming rides and events. Adventure Cycles & Sports in Farmingdale has all this plus mountain bike rentals if you are leaving the wheels at home. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, and Modell’s are also en route.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Instead of just coming out for the day, why not book a room at one of Nassau County’s great hotels and make it an instant vacation. This winter when you book a room at any of our participating hotels, the second night is 50% off. The Inn at Foxhollow in Woodbury offers a smattering of luxury and deluxe accommodations right near all the action, along with a winter discount promotion available through April 30th, while the Executive Inn at Woodbury is a perfect choice for value and comfort.
About Nassau County, Long Island
Nassau County, The Island of Possibilities, is home to world-class shopping, restaurants, and museums as well as top-notch hotels, Gold Coast mansions, quaint villages and spectacular surfing, fishing and boating. There are many hiking trails, public gardens, bike paths and plenty of free and near-free events and attractions all year long. Nassau County has something for everyone and whether you come for the day or stay overnight, you will find Nassau County wonderfully accessible and affordable.
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