U.S. Open 2009: Bethpage tourist tips

By Janice Ferguson
GPA Writer

When you're not elbowing your way through the throngs of onlookers watching the 2009 U.S. Open at New York's Bethpage State Park Black Course, try some of these Long Island local's tips for things to do and see, and places to dine.

WHAT TO DO

West Hills County Park: Enjoy horseback riding and hiking on well-groomed nature trails, including Walt Whitman trail to Long Island's highest peak at 400 feet. (www.suffolkcountyny.gov)

Belmont Lake State Park: Activities include boating, fishing, picnicking, biking, horseback riding and hiking. The park also has playing fields, horseshoe, basketball courts and playgrounds. (www.nysparks.state.ny.us/parks)

Jones Beach State Park: Sun bathe, surf, swim and stroll along 6.5 miles of ocean beach, one-half mile of bay, two swimming pools and a 2-mile boardwalk. (www.nysparks.state.nuy.us/parks)

Animal Farm Petting Zoo: Meet exotic reptiles, wildlife, farm animals and their babies. Pony rides, train rides and musical puppet show are great family entertainment. (www.afpz.org)

Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park and Children's Zoo: This is the 40th season the park is offering families a natural environment where they can learn about wildlife animals through education and entertainment. (www.longislandgamefarm.com)

Old Westbury Gardens: A beautiful 160-acre, English-style country estate built for the family of John S. Phipps in 1906, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (www.oldwestburygardens.org)

Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum: A National Maritime Historic Landmark Museum, tower and gift shops. This is the oldest lighthouse on Long Island. (www.montauklighthouse.com)

Additional attractions: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium (www.cshfha.org), Sweetbriar Nature Center (www.sweetbriarnc.org), Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park (www.nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/), Bailey Arboretum (516.571.8020), Children's Maritime Museum (www.childrensmaritimemuseum.org), Railroad Museum of Long Island at Riverhead (631.727.7920), Sagamore Hill National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/sahi/), Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium (www.vanderbiltmuseum.org), Long Island Children's Museum (www.licm.org), Old Bethpage Village Restoration (516.572.8400), Long Island Ducks professional baseball (www.liducks.com), and Long Island Wine Country (www.liwines.com).

WHERE TO EAT

H2O Seafood Grill: Located in Smithtown, this contemporary seafood grill has an extensive bar, eclectic wine list and a sushi bar. It's open for lunch on weekdays and for dinner seven days a week. (www.h2oseafoodgrill.com)

Lobster Roll: One of the most famous lunch spots in the Hamptons, the critically acclaimed seashore shanty is best known for reasonably priced seafood. Located in Amagansett, just look for the daily long line of cars waiting to experience this Long Island treat. (www.lobsterroll.com)

Ben's Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant: Spacious, comfortable family eatery with something for everyone from homemade soups to fresh green salads, freshly prepared dinners and authentic New York delicatessen sandwiches. Located in Woodbury. (www.bensdeli.net)

Dave & Busters: In Farmingdale, this 65,000-square-foot dining and sports café makes this restaurant a great stop for families and large groups. More than 200 video games, quality food and a 20-year history provide a unique dining entertainment megaplex. (www.daveandbusters.com)

Tellers: A classic American chophouse serving prime dry aged steaks in a 1927 bank building complete with 30 foot ceilings and the original vault. A 600 label wine list will complement every meal and every palate. Located in Islip. (www.tellerschophouse.com)

WHERE TO SHOP

Tanger Outlet Center: Long Island's largest factory outlet center featuring more than 165 manufacturer's designer outlet stores. (www.tangeroutlet.com)

Americana Manhasset: A premier luxury shopping destination located on Long Island's North Shore, 20 miles from Manhattan and home to 60 international boutiques. (516.627.2277)

Bellport Outlet: Located in a beautiful historical beach front village featuring more than 50 outlet shops. (631.286.4952)