1. Suny Farmingdale
City: Farmingdale, NY
Category: Education
Telephone: (631) 420-2000
Address: 2350 Broadhollow Rd.
Description: Farmingdale State College’s roots are as an agricultural college, founded in the early 1900s. Over the years, however, it has transformed into an academic institution focused on applied technology, ground-breaking research, and economic development in a wide range of fields. Today, as Farmingdale State approaches its 100th anniversary and its 15th anniversary as a four-year, baccalaureate institution, it offers 33 degree programs in areas as diverse as aeronautical science, applied economics, and electrical engineering. The coeducational public school has approximately 6,500 students enrolled, and boasts that it has become one of the most important centers of learning and research on Long Island.Farmingdale State is located on 380 acres in the heart of Long Island, approximately 45 minutes from New York City. Since the 1980s, when the school successfully made the transition from being an agricultural college to a technology college, the campus has continued to focus heavily on preparing students for careers in the workplace, through its Schools of Business, Arts and Sciences, Engineering Technology, and Health Sciences. Regardless of the area of study a student pursues here, technology is integrated into the coursework, so students are provided cutting-edge instructional techniques that make them attractive recruits for public and private industries. As part of the State University of New York, Farmingdale State offers a top-quality education that is affordable.
2. Black Forest Brew Haus
City: Farmingdale, NY
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (631) 291-9500
Address: 2015 New Hwy.
Description: Three bars are offered here, including one that’s outside. In addition to a traditional bar menu, the finest malts from their own maltery in the Black Forest region of Germany is served here, along with a variety of beers.
3. Croxley Ale House
City: Farmingdale, NY
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (516) 293-7700
Address: 190 Main St.
Description: With three locations in addition to Farmingdale—Franklin Square (516-326-9542), Rockville Centre (516-764-0470), and Manhattan (212-253-6140)—this is a popular place to watch sports, dine, and drink. Live music is also presented here, with local bands appearing on Wed nights. This chain is famous for its beer and wings. Happy hour extends throughout much of the day on weekdays, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The kitchen remains open until 1 a.m. nightly.
4. Crazy Donkey Bar & Grill
City: Farmingdale, NY
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (631) 753-1975
Address: 1058 Rte. 110
Description: The Crazy Donkey is one of the most popular dance/nightclubs in the area. Eat, drink, and socialize at this local watering hole where, of course, full bar service is offered nightly. Special themed events, like Latin Night, are hosted throughout the week. The dance club area is more than 6,000 square feet, and there’s a large outdoor deck area (open seasonally).
5. Library Cafe
City: Farmingdale, NY
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (516) 752-7678
Address: 274 Main St.
Description: Located in the heart of Farmingdale’s main shopping district, and convenient to many areas of Nassau County, this charming restaurant and bar offers a casual but elegant setting and a library motif. Lunch and dinner are served daily. During the day Library Cafe attracts a local business clientele. People come dressed in business casual attire to enjoy a quality but affordable lunch, or after-work drinks at the full bar adjacent to the dining room. In the evening a full dinner menu is offered. The upper level of the restaurant can easily host private parties and corporate events. The lunch menu features sandwiches, wraps, salads, and burgers. The all-American fare extends to the dinner menu, which includes chicken bruschetta, grilled chicken, marinated skirt steak, bone-in short rib, and a handful of fresh seafood dishes. Locals who dine here appreciate the money-saving frequent diner loyalty program that Library Cafe offers.
6. American Airpower Museum
City: Farmingdale, NY
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (631) 293-6398
Address: 1300 New Hwy. at Republic Airport
Description: This museum showcases an impressive collection of operational World War II aircraft housed in a former airport hangar. The site where this museum is now located was the former home of Republic Aviation, a company that produced more than 9,000 P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft used during WWII. The museum is open throughout the year, but hours vary by season. An aviation-themed gift shop is also on the premises.
7. Bethpage State Park’S Black Course
City: Farmingdale, NY
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (516) 249-0700
Address: 99 Quaker Meetinghouse Rd.
Description: In addition to the internationally known Black Course, Bethpage State Park is home to four other 18-hole golf courses (the Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow), which are open to the public. The Black Course was designed by A. W. Tillinghast, and was home to the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009. Approximately 300,000 rounds of golf are played annually, plus these courses regularly host tournaments.
8. Adventureland Amusement Park
City: Farmingdale, NY
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (631) 694-6868
Address: 2245 Broadhollow Rd. (Rte. 110)
Description: Since 1962 Adventureland has been one of the island’s most popular family-friendly attractions. It combines theme park rides with shops and dining to create a fun-filled, carnival-like atmosphere. Some of the major rides include a roller coaster, log flume, Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and a haunted house. There are also plenty of kiddy rides, plus arcade games and classic pinball. Adventureland is open between Apr and Nov; hours vary throughout the seasons. Guests can pay per ride or purchase one of two “Pay One Price” packages: One offers unlimited rides during a single day from the park’s opening until 7 p.m., and the other is offered from 4 p.m. until closing.
9. Adventureland Amusement Park
City: Farmingdale, NY
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (631) 694-6868
Address: 2245 Broadhollow Rd. (Rte. 110)
Description: Open seasonally between Apr and Nov, Adventureland is Suffolk County’s largest and most impressive amusement park. Here you’ll find a fun-filled carnival atmosphere, complete with rides, shows, games, and attractions. Some of the popular rides for teens and adults include a roller coaster, log flume, haunted house, Ferris wheel, and bumper cars. There is also a bunch of kiddie rides, plus an arcade and on-site dining opportunities.A season pass for Adventureland is priced at just under $100. If you plan to visit several times throughout the summer and fall, it’s an excellent deal compared to the regular daily admission fee of $24.99 for adults. The park is open seven days a week, but hours vary throughout the season. Check the Web site or call for details. Special events and shows are presented throughout the summer season. If you’re visiting with kids, plan on spending at least a full day here. This is a great place to host a child’s birthday party.