Port Jefferson Station, NY

Port Jefferson Station was originally named Comsewogue by early Native American inhabitants. In 1750, a man named William Tooker was the first Colonial resident to arrive to the area. 1873 saw the Long Island Railroad enter the region, and with the railroad came construction of the Port Jefferson Train Station that gives the town its name. Though Port Jefferson Station was once a predominantly farming community, the development of the Nesconset Highway Route 347 in the 1950s accelerated the shift to a suburban area. By the 1970s, the village had fully adopted a suburban way of life.

The Mather House Museum in Port Jefferson documents the proud history of the region, complete with art exhibits, historic old-fashioned buildings and 19th-century antiques. Museum tours are available by appointment. As for additional arts in the village, the Port Jefferson Dance Academy teaches comprehensive ballet, jazz, tap and hip-hop lessons complete with recitals (for which tickets are available) at affordable prices.

The Port Jefferson Station restaurant scene features a nice mix of various ethnic cuisines. Many of the restaurants are located in or near shopping destinations such as the Nesconset Shopping Center.

Operating in the area for years, Thai Gourmet on Nesconset Highway in Port Jefferson Station serves up a bona fide feast of authentic Thai food from its unassuming strip mall location. Thai Gourmet provides convenience with its BYOB practice and no corkage fee, though the restaurant accepts cash only. A simple, comfortable ambiance combines with speedy and friendly service to create an understated but first-rate dining experience. Food is cooked in an open kitchen, and the soup dumplings, noodles and curries are well-praised favorites. Order takeout from this outstanding Thai restaurant for a quick meal on the go.

Carnival Restaurant in the Nesconset Shopping Center in Port Jefferson Station is a local pizzeria and Italian restaurant with huge servings of high-quality food. The pizzeria sees plenty of action with its well-established popularity, and customers can order takeout in the front or sit and dine in-house in the back. Prompt and friendly service are a staple at this local spot. When eating in, the complimentary bread basket has a varied selection of breads with unlimited free refills; many diners call the garlic rolls the "best in town." Carnival's extensive menu has an impressive number of pastas, pizzas, steaks, seafood and chicken entrees at reasonable prices. The pastas make for a huge and satisfying dinner, with the creamy pasta carbonara one of the house favorites. The 'Carnival Special,' a feast of clams, shrimp and mussels with a light marinara sauce served over linguini, also stands out one of the most popular choices on the menu.

The nightlife in the Port Jefferson Station area features exciting local bars, pubs and clubs. The L.I. Pour House Bar and Grill on Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station offers a unique drinking experience: it allows and encourages patrons to pour their own beer. Upon starting a tab, each patron receives a bracelet that lets you act as your own bartender and sample from over 20 craft beers on tap. More than a gimmick, the system gives customers a fun, easy way to access the variety of beers on tap without having to wait for service. The kitchen at the L.I Pour House specializes in BBQ and pub fare, with the pulled pork, wings and brisket all expertly cooked to perfection. Many of the food items are even half-off on football nights.

For those in search of an active way to spend a summer evening, The Arden in Port Jefferson is a popular choice. The Arden is a restaurant, bar and club hybrid with great drinks and live music. Beers on tap are served at the tables, along with an upscale menu of cocktails and unique food. Their live entertainment features some of the most popular local bands on Long Island. Go to the Arden for great date night, or just to grab some drinks and meet new people in the friendly crowd.

There are many sensible travel options for travel around Port Jefferson Station. For travel by car, Port Jefferson Station has several important roads in the immediate area, with ample free and metered public parking. New York State Route 25a passes through the village and stands as the main east-west route along the north shore of Long Island. State Route 347 Nesconset Highway also goes through Port Jefferson Station, and connects to neighboring villages and highways. Route 112 is another key road in the village. Generally, it is advisable to bike or walk only along local roads in Port Jefferson Station, as opposed to these busy major highways.

Other public transportation options include cabs, where residents and visitors have the choice to use a service like Uber or a company like Last Minute Taxi. Suffolk County Transit provides bus transportation services, with many regular routes passing through the neighborhood and connecting to surrounding areas. The notable Port Jefferson Train Station carries passengers by train to regions across Long Island and all the way to New York City's Penn Station. The nearest major airport is the Long Island MacArthur Airport, which serves a large portion of Long Island from its location in Ronkonkoma.

Port Jefferson Station has a number of beautiful public parks in the vicinity, most of which are located to the north in Port Jefferson proper. Harborfront Park is a multipurpose park overlooking Port Jefferson harbor. Free to access, the park has a picnic and playground area where families can go to relax and enjoy being near the water. You can even bring the dog if leashed. During the summer, there are often outdoor movies shown to the public. An ice-skating rink opens during the winter months, giving this destination a year-round appeal.

In the downtown area of Port Jefferson rests the Clifton H. Memorial Park, referred to locally as "Rocket Ship Park" due to the design of its unique play set, installed when it was originally established in 1972. This free public park features a playground with plenty of slides, swings and climbing equipment for children, with many of these adapted to be friendly towards those with disabilities. Additional attractions include a large picnic area and multiple sports facilities, including three lighted tennis courts and a basketball court.

Many annual events grace the Port Jefferson Station area, such as the yearly Dickens Festival, celebrating the famed Victorian author Charles Dickens. The festival turns back the clock with costumed characters, decorated streets, food and other low-cost attractions. Participants and their families can also take carriage rides and gather to watch the large, Dickensian-themed parade during this two day extravaganza. Another annual community event, A Taste of Port Jefferson, allows residents to sample food and drinks from 35 local restaurants.

Port Jefferson Station, near the historically affluent north shore of Long Island, has an above-average cost of living as compared to state and national averages. Compared to the rest of the area surrounding Brookhaven, Port Jefferson's overall cost of living is about 5 percent cheaper, buoyed by slightly more affordable housing prices. Those seeking residence in Port Jefferson Station will find that the average rent for a one bedroom-residence is, as of 2014, about $1500 per month.

As far as other costs in Port Jefferson Station, the multiple Suffolk County transit buses coming through the village only cost $2 for the full fare, and can take you to neighboring villages throughout Brookhaven. Local gas prices sit at about 11 percent above the national average, and a night out to the nearby bars and pubs will have you paying about $6 to $7 for a pint of beer.

Shopping areas around Port Jefferson Station concentrate around Route 112 and local shopping centers such as the Nesconset Shopping Center. While Port Jefferson Station has many large chain stores for shopping needs, it also has a number of independent businesses that have been thriving locally for years. Port Jeff Sports has been owned and operated for over 43 years, and provides custom sports-themed sweatshirts, T-shirts, and hoodies, and also sells essential equipment for major local sports such as lacrosse, softball and soccer.

The Snow Shed on Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station provides customers with skis, snowboards and other winter recreation accessories, for rent or for sale. During summer time, kayaks and paddle boards are sold. The friendly staff is well-informed and always ready to answer questions that can help you choose the best equipment. Services at Snow Shed like free ski/snowboard tuning and car rack installation enhance the value of this long-established, locally-owned business. Port Jefferson Station has major grocery stores such as Pathmark and King Kullen on Nesconset Highway. In Port Jefferson proper, the Port Jefferson Farmer's Market sells fresh produce and other local goods from its location on Main Street. A great place to browse and shop in a relaxing outdoor atmosphere, live music usually plays while you shop.