Melville, NY

Obtained by Oyster Bay in 1653 as part of the First Purchase, the area encompassing modern-day Melville was called Sunsquams by the Native Americans who lived on the land. In the 17th century the locale was known as Samuel Ketcham’s Valley, and later as Sweet Hollow. In 1854, the name was changed to Melville. Some believe Melville was named in honor of American author Herman Melville while others think the name was derived from the Latin word for honey, as honey bees were abundant in the area.

Melville residents often take advantage of the wide range of cultural offerings throughout New York City, but there are also numerous activities even closer to home. At the Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington, rotating exhibits join a permanent collection of 2,500 works focusing on landscapes and modernist pieces. More than 6,000 artifacts on display at the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum document the whaling and general maritime history of both the Harbor and Long Island.

A passion for good times and fine food has made Cirella’s a Melville institution since 1987. A friendly atmosphere makes the restaurant perfect for both personal and business gatherings. Not your typical Italian restaurant, Cirella’s has a unique twist. Not only does it present a menu of tantalizing dishes blending classic Italian and modern approaches, but it also has a sushi chef on the premises. The Italian side of the menu features favorites such as mussels prepared three different ways, penne alla vodka made with Ketel One vodka and prosciutto, and melanzane (eggplant) parmigiana. Custom sushi creations on the crudo (raw) menu include the popular Cirella roll made with tuna, white tuna, yellow tail, salmon, avocado, cucumber and spicy mayo.

Considered by many to be Long Island’s premier steakhouse, Blackstone stands handsomely appointed with quarried stone and rich woods which are warmed by the glow of chandeliers and fireplaces. Weather permitting, patrons can dine al fresco on the lush outdoor patio. Carnivores relish the various cuts of prime dry-aged and Kobe beef, including filet mignon (in two sizes), a 22- or 30-ounce bone-in rib eye or a porterhouse that serves from one to four people. Seafood lovers enjoy dishes such as lime n’ coconut Chilean sea bass, black garlic shrimp scampi, and an array of freshly prepared sushi, sashimi and special rolls. If you have room, cap off your meal with a rich dessert like the triple chocolate plunge.

Tucked away in one of the many office buildings along the Route 110 corridor, Jewel is another gem from local icon Chef Tom Schaudel. The interior lives up to its name; upscale and chic, there are strings of blown glass balls hanging from the ceiling and a glassed-in kitchen where diners can view the chefs at work. Menu highlights include the root beer braised short ribs accompanied by buttermilk smashed potatoes, baby carrots and pickled onions, blackened catfish atop a tasso hash with creole mustard, and the millionaire’s pizza, a unique combination of black truffles, mushrooms and fontina cheese on a crispy crust topped with a fried egg. Schaudel, long known for his innovative desserts, does not disappoint with sweets that include a flourless chocolate lava cake with Nutella and coffee gelato. Another favorite includes a spiced white chocolate cherry bread pudding served with brandy macerated sour cherries and a cherry vanilla reduction with vanilla gelato.

A handful of nightlife spots sit within Melville’s borders, and residents can venture a short distance to find additional options. Both Blackstone Steakhouse and Jewel have an active bar scene. Bowlmor Lanes, a great late-night venue, has 49 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, a nine-lane private bowling suite, billiard tables and a full-size bar serving domestic and craft brews, house and premium wines, and signature cocktails. In addition to numerous bars and lounges, nearby Huntington Village is home to the Paramount, the premier music venue on Long Island. Farmingdale, just south of Melville, has a collection of bars and pubs such a The Main Event, The Nutty Irishman and The Dark Horse Tavern.

As with most communities on Long Island, having a car in Melville is a necessity. Other than strolling through residential neighborhoods, the area is not conducive to walking. The same holds true for cyclists; with no bicycle lanes, only the most skilled riders can navigate the busy main roads in Melville. Although Uber is not yet available on Long Island, Hertz, Avis and Enterprise have car rental outlets along Jericho Turnpike in Huntington. There are no public parking garages in the area, but all of the office complexes have ample parking.

The Long Island Rail Road does not have a stop in Melville. Therefore, residents take the train into New York City from either the Huntington or Farmingdale stations. The trip from Huntington to Penn Station takes around an hour and 10 minutes and a monthly ticket costs $325. Suffolk County Transit operates the S1 bus with stops along the entire length of Route 110. Taxi service is available 24/7 from local Orange & White Taxi, which also offers shuttle service to the three area airports: Long Island MacArthur, LaGuardia and JFK.

The historic Walt Whitman Trail to Jayne’s Hill (Long Island’s highest peak at an elevation of 400 feet), runs through picturesque West Hills County Park. Managed by the Suffolk County Parks Department, West Hills flora and fauna includes wild mountain laurel, moccasin flower, salamanders, turtles and red fox. Some of Long Island’s finest bridle paths are found in the park, and horses are available for lease from the on-site, public Sweet Hills Stables. Camping is offered to organized youth groups by reservation only.

A one-bedroom duplex with a loft space costs around $2300 a month, which is approximately 40 percent higher than the median for downstate New York. Although the cost of living in Melville stands significantly higher than the rest of the nation, it's comparable to the New York area. Gas prices hover around 12 percent higher than the national average, while beer drinkers can expect to pay $7 to $8 for a pint of their favorite brew.

The limited shopping area in Melville runs along Route 110 in a series of strip malls. Interspersed amongst the restaurants, service businesses and large chain retailers (Marshall’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Costco), are a handful of smaller boutiques.

With an edgy Greenwich Village vibe, the Lost Souls Boutique sells clothing, accessories and gift items for men and women from brands such as Free People, Buffalo and French Connection. An offshoot of the Soho original, Mystique Boutique offers club and casual fashions at a fraction of the price of name brands. For over 89 years, Riebe’s Artists Materials has been serving the creative community as Suffolk County’s largest and most competitively priced art store. Family-owned and operated, its fast, friendly service is unsurpassed. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, Murphy’s Music has the musical instrument, equipment or sheet music you need. Instrument rentals, repairs and lessons are also available.

Just a few minutes north on Route 110 in Huntington, the Walt Whitman Shops house over 80 of the finest stores in the country, including Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, and Macy’s.

Melville residents can do their grocery shopping at the Waldbaum’s supermarket in the Melville Mall at the intersection of Route 110 and the Northern State Parkway. For gourmet items, fresh pastas, homemade breads, cakes and pies, the shop at White Post Farms has been a popular choice for shoppers for decades.