Daytrips from NYC - The Gould-Guggenheim Estate
Everyone knows the famous Guggenheim Museum on Fifth Avenue. The building itself is a work of art!
But did you know that about 30 miles East, on the north shore of Long Island, lies the Gould-Guggenheim Estate?
In an area known as the Gold Coast, immortalized in 1920’s literature like The Great Gatsby, just a 45 minute ride from Penn Station to Port Washington (and a short 10 minute cab ride up to the actual estate) sit 200 acres of tranquil grounds to get lost in for an entire day!
Entry will cost you $4 per person as a walk (or cab) in, or $10 per car. So hop on the Long Island Railroad, arrange a carpool, or take advantage of that Zipcar membership! This is a nearby daytrip that will feel like a bucolic vacation.
The Estate consists of 3 gorgeous manors. My personal fave is the main building: Hempstead House.
A manor house. . .but with a splash of "castle" that makes my inner fairy princess light up!
Castle Gould was originally built to be to be the main residence, but the lady of the house decided it would not suit her and it was converted into a stable. Now it houses the Visitors Center so you can grab a drink AND get a peek inside!
You know you're living the high life when THIS is your 'garage'.
And lastly, the Falaise Mansion. Which is off the beaten path just a bit so visitors are provided with a shuttle. Tours can be arranged (of Hempstead House & Falaise Mansion) by calling the gate house @ 516-571-7901
The grounds also include vast lawns; perfect for seaside (well, Long Island Sound-side) picnicking, a playground, a turtle pond, and six trails through the wooded areas ranging from 1/4 mile to a mile. Each gives you an opportunity to see some adorable wildlife(we saw chipmunks!!) and one goes down to the beach.
If you're looking for an escape that is off the beaten path, rich with history, and makes for incredible photos; get your picnic basket ready, check out www.sandspointpreserveconservancy.org and plan your visit!
Post by Coleen Phoenixx
