Smithtown, St. James and Kings Park

These three North Shore communities feature historic houses and other structures and large public parks. Smithtown was named after Richard “Bull” Smith, who according to legend took title to all the ground he could cover in one day riding his pet bull. For information, contact the Chambers of Commerce in Smithtown (979-8069), St. James (584-8510) or Kings Park (269-7678). All telephone numbers listed are area code 631.

Attractions Smithtown Historical Society
Historical properties include Caleb Smith House c.1819 (Society headquarters) located on Rte. 25A. Open year-round Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission by donation (265-6768).

Mills Pond House c.1838
660 Rte. 25A, St. James. A Greek manor house/art gallery and home to the Smithtown Township Arts Council. Open year-round, Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon-5 p.m. (862-6575)

St. James General Store
Moriches Rd. National Landmark, in operation since 1857. Offers 19th century-style merchandise, penny candy, handcrafts. Never modernized, just as it was in 1857. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., year-round. Closed Mon. in Jan./Feb. (854-3740)

Caleb Smith State Park
Jericho Turnpike/Route 25, Smithtown.
543 acres/nature walks, hiking, fly fishing. (265-1054)

Gov. Alfred E. Smith Sunken Meadow State Park
Rte. 25A, Kings Park. 1,266-acres with golf, boardwalk and L.I. Sound beach. (269-4333)

Nissequogue River State Park
St. Johnland Road, Kings Park. 153-acres/National Audubon Society Important Bird Area/hiking, fishing and canoeing. (269-4927)

Lodging Econo Lodge
755 Rte. 347, Smithtown (724-9000) 39 Rooms

Hampton Inn
680 Commack Rd., Commack (462-5700) 144 Rooms

Islandia Marriott Long Island
3635 Express Drive N., Islandia (232-3000) 278 Rooms

Sheraton Long Island Hotel
110 Motor Pkwy., Smithtown (231-1100) 209 Rooms

Wingate Inn
801 Crooked Hill Rd., Commack (434-1818) 111 Rooms