A centrally located community garden in itself is not unique in this time of healthy living and locally grown produce. What is unique about the River and Roots Garden in Riverhead, New York is how well it is maintained and how it is operated.
Riverhead has a significant portion of its population either below the poverty line or in need of healthy grown local produce. The River and Roots Community Garden is centrally located in downtown Riverhead not far from the Peconic River. A sign on the fence indicates that the project is sponsored in part by Cornell University in New York.
The day of my visit the garden was well tended for there was many signs of blossoming produce visible. There was a small gate on the river side that allowed access to the garden. According to Mary who was working in the garden, individuals can buy small plots of land for $ 25.00 to grow food for their use. Garden beds are 4 feet by 10 feet and are alotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Plots are dispersed to downtown residents first.
So why a community garden on a VT site? Because it is a particularly indicative of a trend in the United States of having locally grown fruits and vegetables produced locally. The garden was so well maintained that it actually enhanced the area it was in.
Updated Oct 5, 2012
Website: http://www.riverandroots.org/about
Formerly called the Atlantis Aquarium, the Long Island Aquarium and Aquatic Center is one of Riverhead's most popular attractions. The aquarium is generally themed around the “Lost City of Atlantis,” and many of its indoor and outdoor exhibits try to support that theme. Long Island Aquarium blends science and nature with myth to create an informative and entertaining environment for visitors of all ages. We offer a rich variety of experiences, from fascinating marine life exhibits to Aquatic Adventures and educational programs.
Some of the indoor exhibits include a shark tank,a sand shark lagoon, a giant pacific octopus, amazon rainforest, amazon aviary, a tidal marsh, a bay for an assortment of rays, seahorse tank, and many other exhibits. Outside attractions include the penguin pavillon, otter falls, sea lion coliseum, lost temple ruins, and a shark lagoon.
Compared to aquariums in San Francisco and Monterey, California I was somewhat disappointed with the aquarium. A few of the indoor exhibits were done rather poorly. Some of the outside exhibits were in need of some additional work and care.
Prices for the aquarium are relatively reasonable. Discounts are given for large groups such as schools or churches. Rates are below;
Admission Rates
General
Children 3 – 12: $19.50 plus tax
Adults 13 – 61: $22.50 plus tax
Seniors 62+: $19.50 plus tax
2 & under: Free
Hours are 10 a.m to 5:00 p.m daily, except Christmas Day.
Written Sep 30, 2012
Phone: 631.208.9200
Website: http://www.longislandaquarium.com/
Compared to its neighboring parks, Milton Burns is the bright light of community parks in downtown Riverhead. It contains manicured gardens, pretty pathways, checkers and chess tables, benches, a amphitheater type area, and some nice sculptures.
It is located just to the west of Ammann Riverfront Park. There are also some great areas for observing wildlife including swans and a wide variety of birds. In addition, there are some great metal sculptures located along the river that significantly add to the ambiance of the area. It is a joy to walk through and observe. Completely cut off from the rest of Riverhead. Definitely worth a look and of course no admission charge to view.
Written Sep 30, 2012
Phone: 631 727-5744 ext30
Website: http://www.townofriverheadny.gov/pView.aspx?id=2485&catid=118
Located just behind the southern storefronts of Main Street, Ammann Riverfront Park is a quiet refuge from the noise and pollution of Main Street. The park fronts on the Peconic River and has picnic tables and benches. One great surprise to this park was that there was an opening and functioning restroom that was clean. A real surprise to find during the week in this day and age.
Written Sep 30, 2012
Address: Behind southern storefronts on Main Street
Phone: 631 727-5744 ext30
Website: http://www.townofriverheadny.gov/pView.aspx?id=2485&catid=118
Suffolk County Transit Bus at Riverhead: 8A, S-58, S-62, S-90 & S-92.
Fares
Regular - $1.50
Student - $1.00 (High School/College ID required. Between 14 to 22 years old.) Children under 5 years old ride free (Limit 3 children when accompanied by adult) Senior and Handicapped Persons 50 cents. Personal Care Attendants Free (when traveling with handicapped passengers)
Transfers are 25 cents. Available on request when paying fare
Accepted only on connecting routes
Valid for two hours from time received
Not valid for return trip
Special restrictions may apply (see transfer)
Have exact fare ready; Driver cannot handle money.
Passengers must deposit their own fare.
Arrive earlier than scheduled departure time.
Tell driver your destination.
ST Drivers are required to announce Major Bus Stop locations.
Smoking, Drinking, Eating and playing of radios is prohibited on buses.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
The LIRR goes to Riverhead a few times a day. If you are going to Riverhead, make sure you see the shedule on the mta website (www.mta.info). There is no direct train. If you are coming from Manhattan or any location in Long Island (Ronkonkoma line) you have to take a connecting train at Ronkonkoma. The same goes when you leaving Riverhead. Always buy your ticket at the ticket machines, tickets are more expensive on board the train. There is no ticket machines at Riverhead. There is a ticket booth but is not open for long hours.
Written Jun 29, 2006
Website: http://lirr42.mta.info/stationinfo.asp?station=079
Martin Mauhrer was fascinated by the big coffee pot and donut structures he saw in California. So in 1931 to help his fledging duck farm he decided to construct a giant duck. The duck was made out of concrete placed over a wood frame. The duck is over 20 feet high and 30 feet long. The duck was designed as a shop for the Mauhrer family to sell ducks, eggs, and other items from its belly. The Big Duck became a quick success and is now a major must stop by point in Eastern Long Island. The Big Duck is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Motorists traveling to the Hamptons or to Orient stop by to snap pictures and take a few pictures.
The Big Duck is staffed by volunteers from surrounding cities. When I was there it was being staffed by a volunteer from the Southampton Historical Landmarks Board. The duck is open from 10am to 5 pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day. On site there are also a collection of farm buildings that I believe were part of the original Mauhrer family farm.
The Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation hosts two special events at the Big Duck each year: The Annual Big Duck Quack-Off (usually in June) and the Annual Holiday Lighting of the Big Duck (1st Wednesday after Thanksgiving).
The Big Duck is definitely worth a stop on the way to Riverhead or to the Hamptons.
There is no admission fee to tour the belly of the duck.
I-495/Long Island Expressway, Exit 71. Turn right at CR-94 East/Edwards Ave/RT-24 East for 4.3 mi. At traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto Flanders Rd/RT-24 East 2.4 mi. The Big Duck is on the left side of the road on Flanders Raod, in Flanders New York.
Updated Sep 30, 2012
Website: http://www.southamptonwest.com/photos/bigduck.htm
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