South Valley Stream - Valley Stream, NY

Original settler Robert Pagan came from Scotland to make Valley Stream his home. He named the hamlet for the topographical appearance of the area.

The Valley Stream Historical Society oversees the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration, an art museum of local interest. Fletcher was Pagan's son-in-law and subsequently lived in the house with his wife, Catherine. This residence is significant because it was the first piece of property in Valley Stream.

Valley Stream's library, the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, hosts most cultural events in this small area. Popular events include family movie nights and young adult game nights.

The Valley Stream Presbyterian Church also holds an annual community fair where locals set up tables and hold open-air garage sales. Garage sales and “tag sales” are popular ways to shop on Long Island.

La Bistecca on Rockaway Avenue is the best in all of Valley Stream, according to many local diners. It consistently produces excellent food, and customers never walk away disappointed. Be sure to try the Tartufo, an Italian ice-cream dessert. Bronx BBQ draws customers away from fast-food havens in Green Acres Mall. With attentive waitresses and huge portions, it is no wonder. Customers especially enjoy the fried macaroni and cheese and the barbecue beef rib tips. They also enjoy complimentary baskets of cornbread placed on each table.

Knicks and Nets fans like to watch their teams play at Charlie Meaney's, which features many television sets so sports fans do not have to choose between their favorite New York teams. Have a cold beer while you cheer on your favorite team. The teriyaki wings are a local favorite. Larry's Pub has a different vibe. Playing darts and video games while sipping a Long Island iced tea helps pass the time here. There's no Wi-Fi access, and this low-key bar has a friendly, albeit smoky atmosphere. Be sure to try the boneless chicken wings. Film fans head to the nearby Malverne Cinema 4, which shows the latest movies. Additional night time entertainment options include hanging out at the Green Acres Mall. Many different seasonal activities in the mall keep Valley Stream residents engaged year-round.

A steady flow of traffic runs through South Valley Stream because of its proximity to Sunrise Highway. The Long Island Railroad stops at Gibson and goes into the city. Nassau Inter-County Express runs from Queens and brings New Yorkers to the Island for about $2. Uber does not run on Long island, but several car services work the area. New Way Car Service picks up customers and takes them places without calling ahead.

Certain portions of South Valley Stream lend themselves to leisurely walks, but sections around the Gibson LIRR train stop and Munro Boulevard are best left for daytime strolls.

Although there is an active bicycling club in Valley Stream, there are no bike lanes, and members use local and state parks for bike runs.

South Valley Stream has a small park, Brook Road Park, which has one tennis court. There is no fee at this public court, but players may register with a service and play with others. Village Green Park is another small park with a walking/bike path but not much else. Dog are not allowed, and there are no amenities for children here.

However, Valley Stream State Park, located off the Southern State Parkway, has plenty for children to do. A unique walking path guides young ones through the natural habitats in the park. This exercise-centric park has just the thing for patrons who want to work out. A walking course with 15 exercise stations helps locals to strengthen and tone their bodies. Bikers have their choice of places to ride, and runners enjoy the crowds that the Annual Summer Run Series brings.

Dog owners in the area frequent Valley Stream Dog Park, where dogs are able to play off-leash. A registration fee is required here.

Even with the high cost of living, which is approximately 30 percent higher than in New York, it is a nice and safe area. Getting into the city via the LIRR costs $11 one way during peak hours and $8 one way during off-peak hours. The NICE bus does not run to the city, but it carries residents in and around Long Island for $2.. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in South Valley Stream costs approximately $1,300, and gas prices run around 11% higher than the national average. A beer at a local pub costs as low as $2.

Green Acres Mall is the clear center of commerce in Valley Stream, and many Queens residents prefer it to Brooklyn’s Kings Plaza. Large discount retailers like Walmart and Target moved into the area but hardly stem the tide of shoppers to the mall. Meanwhile, boutique shops offer smaller crowds and a more pleasant shopping experience.

Olive and Tuesday in nearby Woodmere gives customers a unique shopping experience. Adorable clothing that stands out from traditional Long Island attire has local customers returning time and again. Local artists hand craft some of the accessories. Mothers and daughters can shop together because they sell age-appropriate clothing for all age groups.

Central Florist has been serving Valley Stream since the mid-1960s. Providing free delivery distinguishes this shop from its competitors. Shoppers can order blooms online or over the phone.

Fiesta Food Market has a number of grocery stores in the Long Island area. The location on Merrick Boulevard specializes in Oriental products and groceries. Filipino delicacies, like lychee and atis fruit, are available here. The store also procures baked treats from a local Filipino bakery.

The Elmont Farmers Market is one among many such ventures in the area. This market opens once per week and closes when the food runs out. Shoppers prefer buying fresh local produce directly from growers.