Smithtown, NY

The area of Smithtown was first settled around 1665. There is an urban legend surrounding this origin; Richard Smith, who had rescued a Native American chief's daughter, was allegedly told that he would be given as much land as he could circle in one day on a bull. Smith chose the longest day of the year to ride, and the area he circled is said to approximate the current location of Smithtown.

The Smithtown Historical Society, located on Main Street, dedicates itself to the preservation and interpretation of Smithtown's heritage. Six historical buildings reside at the location, with its staff dressed in period costumes. Exhibits there typically run from February through November in the Caleb Smith II House, showcasing Smithtown's rich history through creative exhibitions. A number of events are held throughout the year, educating the public through lectures, workshops and cultural fairs.

Dining in Smithtown features a balanced blend of upscale and affordable restaurants. Insignia Prime Steak & Sushi most certainly represents the former, with its stunning elegance and luxury. The extravagant interior design and comprehensive service amplify the dining experience. The food steals the show, headlined by perfectly cooked steak, with a charred outside and a soft, juicy inside; the sushi also stands out as a cut above. Sides are plentiful, with mashed potatoes, black truffle macaroni and cheese, and creamed spinach representing some favorites. For dessert, most patrons adore their famous warm doughnuts. The restaurant also has a bar area for some drinks before or after dinner. Prepare to walk into Insignia's with wallet open, as an upscale dinner doesn't come cheap. However, for that special occasion you do get what you pay for; a tasty, professionally-cooked meal and a luxurious ambiance.

Located on Main Street in Smithtown, Butera's has a solid reputation in the neighborhood and a growing and loyal customer base. A more moderately priced restaurant than Insignia, the understated and intimate environment make Butera's a great place for a date or family dinner. Butera's specializes in Italian cuisine and stands out for its generous portions and flawless pasta dishes. Meals generally extend the choice of individual or family sizes, though most agree that the individual size is large enough to more than fill one person. During the week Butera's features a fixed special that includes the entree, soup and dessert for one price. Butera's also has a bar area, with happy hour specials Sunday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A busy nightlife characterizes the happenings in Smithtown. The Tap and Barrel at Smithtown Bypass focuses on local Long Island craft beers. The bar boasts a whopping 52 beers on tap, most of which will run you about $5 to $6. To accompany the drinking, The Tap and Barrel also has food, darts, pool tables and video games in the back. Live music helps make the experience even more enjoyable.

Halo Lounge on West Main Street is a popular nightclub in the neighborhood. Often very busy on weekends, the lounge features DJs spinning house, dance and hip-hop beats to the youthful audience. Some events there are only for patrons 21 years of age or older, though many are for the 18 and over crowd. You can also find the Oasis Gentleman's Club, the oldest in Long Island, on Jericho Turnpike.

Located along New York State Route 25, Smithtown's position allows for accessible travel to key destinations. A short drive due south of Smithtown takes you to the Long Island Expressway, the most prominent highway for commuting and connecting to towns near and far. The Northern State Parkway also sits a short distance away from the area. Those in need of driving assistance can easily use Uber or contact the Smithtown Long Island Car Service, available 24/7. Biking lanes on Route 25 and surrounding areas should be used with caution due to sometimes heavy congestion; it is not advisable to ever walk along these well-traveled main roads.

Suffolk County Transit bus route S56 passes from Commack through Smithtown and ultimately to the Smith Haven Mall. You can find the Smithtown station of the Long Island Railroad off Main Street and just west of Route 111. There are a few free parking spots at the station and additional spots that require Smithtown permits. Finally, the nearest location to Smithtown for air travel is the convenient Long Island MacArthur Airport.

The Caleb Smith State Park is a hidden treasure in Smithtown -- so well hidden, in fact, that drivers should watch alertly for the entrance sign on Jericho Turnpike so that they don't miss it. The information center at the park contains some fascinating exhibits, and the outdoors area proves perfect for nature walks and exploration. Free of charge and rarely crowded, the park contains at least two to three miles of distinct trails. The grounds are well-maintained, and there are events and summer programs available for children. Pets, bikes and picnics are not permitted at the park.

Smithtown hosts some community focused annual events throughout the year. The annual Taste of Smithtown event allows residents to sample foods from over 30 local restaurants for a small fee. The annual Evening of Comedy to Benefit the Smithtown Rotary allows adults (only) to laugh it up with comedy routines from a number of up-and-coming comics. Food and alcohol are served at the event to accompany the entertainment.

Smithtown residents pay substantial prices to enjoy their area's impressive array of perks. The cost of living in Smithtown sits at 56% greater than the national average and a moderate 28% greater than the New York state average. Its cost of living is also moderately higher than the city average.

Along with goods, groceries, transportation and healthcare, housing maintains a moderately higher cost than city and state averages. Housing prices can run more expensive for the upper tier of apartments, but there are sometimes more cost efficient options available. The rent for a one-bedroom residence in Smithtown sits at a range of about $1,200 to $1,800 a month.

Gas prices in Smithtown are only slightly higher than the national average, at 11% greater. When heading out to a pub or bar, you'll find that a pint of beer will run you about $6.

Shopping in Smithtown makes for a pleasant and comprehensive experience; with a dense, affluent neighborhood and surrounding area, businesses do very well in the Smithtown hamlet. Supermarkets like ShopRite and Stop & Shop provide your main grocery stores. Route 111 in Smithtown houses Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace, which sells fresh pastas, fish, meats and cheeses. Giuseppe's makes a great choice for these more specialized grocery foods.

On Main Street you'll find the Smithtown Village Commons Shopping Center, easily accessible via its close proximity to the Long Island Railroad, the Long Island Expressway and the Northern State Parkway. The Elan Boutique, in the aforementioned shopping center, sells a large quantity of women's clothing both formal and casual; the boutique also specializes in women's handbags. The unassuming exterior appearance of the store gives way to an abundance of content within.

Smithtown also contains intriguing specialty stores, such as Fourth World Comics on Route 111. With its huge selection of comics, Fourth World Comics prides itself on always having the item you're looking for. The store also sells action figures, card games, art books and movies, so there's something here for everyone. Regular customers should consider purchasing a membership for an inexpensive $10, which covers an entire year and grants access to discounts throughout.