Freeport, NY

The history of Freeport dates back to pre-colonial times. The Meroke Indians occupied the Freeport region until settlers arrived in the mid-17th century to build cabins. Since then, Freeport functioned as a seaport and built a reputation as an oyster village. Though commercial oystering later declined, the area around Freeport still supports large-scale commercial fishing, and the town retains its nautical pride.

Visitors who want to learn more about Freeport drive to the Freeport Historical Society & Museum, which houses historical collections and holds discussions about city landmarks. Arts enthusiasts find that Freeport supports many art galleries and craft stores, especially around Sunrise Highway.

Freeport hosts a number of annual festivals, including the Long Island Blues Festival, the Oyster Festival and the highly popular Nautical Mile event.

Most restaurants and nightlife options in Freeport lie along the Nautical Mile, the village’s commercial and tourist center. Seafood fans adore the many seafood options along the Mile. However, residents appreciate a few diners and eateries — namely Latin American fare — outside of the central area toward the north. Others travel to the neighboring towns of Merrick and Baldwin for clubbing and drinking opportunities.

Begin a journey in Freeport by visiting the Nautical Mile to have a meal at Nautilus Café. Regarded as the best restaurant on the Mile, Nautilus Café beats out other seafood restaurants in the area with its fresh fish and gourmet dishes. Order the halibut in wine sauce and chopped lobster for a combination of unique flavors. If you prefer turf over surf, sample their juicy prime rib cut. Pair your meal with one of the café’s wines from its extensive wine list.

Venture off the Nautical Mile to try Sazon Dominicano, an authentic Dominican joint with hearty meats and mofongo. Eat pepper skirt steak or broiled pork chops, accompanied by sweet plantains and rice. The flavorful sauces define Sazon Dominicano with their zesty taste.

Travelers who search for American food don’t need to look outside Freeport. Locals love Imperial Diner for its affordable food and breakfast items. Try a variety of egg dishes and the whole wheat pancakes in the morning, and then at lunchtime, enjoy a brand-new meal experience with the chicken salad club, crafted with the perfect balance of mayonnaise and chicken. Complete with good service, Imperial Diner draws in Freeport residents every day.

Turn back to the Nautical Mile to stop by a few bars, such as Tropix. Order amazing mixed drinks at Tropix, and munch on some seafood at Tropix. Come back to Tropix at night for drinks and dancing. If you want a more upscale nightclub with local music, check out some of the cities near Freeport for a variety of options. Go to Suite 1828 in Merrick for American pub fare, music and specialty cocktails. For karaoke and dancing, try out the LINX lounge in Baldwin, complete with Caribbean food.

Freeport residents generally drive their cars to get around the city and run errands. The city’s proximity to Sunrise Highway and Southern State Parkway makes traversing Long Island easy, and locals can follow those roads to head to New York City. While the Nautical Mile gives walkers an opportunity to browse shops and walk to attractions, the rest of Freeport spreads out and becomes less accessible for pedestrians.

The Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) provides a few bus lines through Freeport. The Long Island Rail Road also runs through the city. Call the All Island Taxi of Freeport for cab service, or look online for ridesharing options. Locals find it easy to park in most places in Freeport, but the Nautical Mile becomes crowded in the summer with the additional tourists.

A number of bike trails weave throughout the city of Freeport, and bikers can use the bike lanes on the main roads. Bikers will enjoy the compact nature of the area surrounding the Nautical Mile, but should be careful to avoid both car and foot traffic in the region.

Freeport residents visit the Cow Meadow Park and Preserve in nice weather to bird-watch and walk along the quarter-mile trail. Set on 150 acres, the preserve protects 150 species of birds and 15 mammal species. At the free park, children enjoy the playground area and facilities for tennis, softball and handball. Adults and children alike can play chess and checkers in the park. Exercise enthusiasts can jog on the one-mile jogging path or take the short nature walk into the preserve.

For more exercise options, locals travel to the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick. Hike to the top of a hill on several groomed trails, or take a tour around the park to learn more about the local wildlife. Fish on the pier and have a relaxing day. Keep dogs at home, since the park does not allow them.

Freeport locals travel to other parks around Nassau County for annual events and festivals. Stop by Grant Park in Hewlett to go ice skating or play hockey, or attend summer family movie nights at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford.

Living in Freeport has a higher cost of living than the national average. To get around the village, plan to pay $2.50 for a one-way ride on NICE with cash and $2.75 using a mobile ticket. Pay for 20 tickets, with one free ticket, for $50.

A one-bedroom apartment in Freeport costs an average of $1,268.65 in rent each month. Expect to pay 4 percent more for the price of gas in Freeport compared to the national average. While out on the town at night, anticipate paying around $4 for a beer.

Many residents in Freeport travel up to Main Street, just south of the highway, to shop at Marshall's, Avenue Menswear and other stores. If you prefer an enclosed shopping mall, drive to Valley Stream, where Green Acres Mall houses retailers such as Macy’s and Sears. Stop by the mall for high-end shopping as well at retail spots such as Raphael, H&M and Zale's.

Stick around Freeport for cute local shops such as the Nassau Hobby Center. There, you can find remote-control planes, cars and model railroads. Find rockets and die-cast models to have fun the rest of the day. If you like bigger toys, head to Blackbeard’s Motorcycle Gear on the Nautical Mile with other motorcycle fans. Pick out a new helmet and bike gear to fit your style.

Women and men looking for a formal outfit find them at Asarela Boutique. Pick out a cocktail dress, or get fitted for a suit for your next party or wedding. In addition, go to Asarela to pick out affordable wedding dresses.

Stay in town for grocery shopping at Stop & Shop and Compare Food Farms. Trader Joe’s in Merrick attracts Long Islanders as well, and grK Market draws in those who like to cook Greek cuisine. The Baldwin Farmers Market and Oceanside Farmers Market provide organic produce, breads and meats for all Long Islanders who aim to eat healthy.