Seniors Discover a Real Pearl in Oyster Bay

The Town of Oyster Bay is easternmost of the three towns in Nassau County, New York. According to Business Insider, Oyster Bay is one of the wealthiest communities in the entire US. To confuse us just a bit, Oyster Bay is also the name of a hamlet on the north shore, within the town of Oyster Bay.

The oysters that give the bay its name are now the only source of traditionally farmed oysters from Long Island, providing up to 90% of all the oysters harvested in New York State.

Senior visitors will find beautiful Gold Coast Mansions wherever you look and perhaps this is why Theodore Roosevelt made Oyster Bay his home.

There are in fact three statues depicting Roosevelt on horseback. Add this to the fact that many well known entertainers spent their youth in this area.

The Town of Oyster Bay (pop. 7,000) enjoys a rich and well-documented history. The first known European to sail past Long Island’s south shore was Giovanni de Verrazano in 1524. David deVries was the first to record the name of Oyster Bay for the beautiful harbor on the town’s north shore in 1639.

Originally inhabited by the Matinecock Indians, Oyster Bay was settled and named (primarily due to its abundance of shellfish) by the Dutch in 1615 . It was the boundary between the Dutch New Amsterdam colony and the English New England Colonies.

Home of Theodore Roosevelt

The town’s most famous resident, was the only President from Long Island, Theodore Roosevelt. Sagamore Hill in Cove Neck, a National Historic Site, was the home of Theodore Roosevelt from 1902 to 1906. Considered the “Summer White House,” this beautiful 23-room Victorian mansion estate was built in 1885.

Senior visitors will find a plethora of things to see and do in town. Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park is a major draw for senior travelers. The Raynham Hall Museum and Earle-Wightman House are historical sites not to be missed and the Wilson House, one of the oldest, is still standing on its original site dating back to 1750. If you love just viewing awesome homes, Oyster Bay is the place to be.

The WaterFront Center provides entertainment to those of us who enjoy water activities. Don’t miss the Oyster Festival this October 18-19,  a fun family festival, with something for folks of all ages… Tall Ships, a petting zoo, live music, delicious food, carnival rides, arts and crafts, antiques, interactive exhibits, harbor cruises, and Audrey Avenue, a version of Main Street USA.

Seniors, check out these multiple scenes of Oyster Bay and then set your sails for a good visit. jeb