Long Island

Like a giant crab claw stretching 118 miles out into the Atlantic from Manhattan, Long Island has close to 150 golf courses ranging from munis to ultra exclusive clubs such as Shinnecock Hills, the oldest formal golf club in the United States, dating back to 1890. There are Bethpage State Park's five golf courses, specifically the Black, an A.W. Tillinghast design and the first public course in the U.S. to host a U.S. Open Championship.

Long Island’s landscape contains just about every kind of neighborhood found in the country. From Levittown-style homes to stately seaside estates and casual beach villages, Long Island has attracted an eclectic mix of immigrants along with wealthy icons like the Vanderbilts and Roosevelts.

The south coast, blessed by soft sandy beaches has long been a haven for upscale New Yorkers who settle in pricey enclaves like the Hamptons and Sag Harbor known for their quaint collections of Victorian houses, boutiques and galleries while Glen Cove along the more rugged north shore or "Gold Coast" as portrayed in "The Great Gatsby" is known for its exquisite mansions, many built during the Gilded Age. Several large homes have been demolished but some remain and a few are open to the public.

With moderating ocean breezes, golf can be played much of the year with plenty of choices for public golfers like Eisenhower Park's four courses including 'Red,' venue for a Champions Tour event. Also try Tallgrass Golf Club with its feathery fescue and Smithtown Landing Golf Course cut through stately oaks with views of the Nissequogue River.

Aside from 'star-gazing' to catch a glimpse of the rich and famous, there is a lot to see and do starting with incredible beaches like Long Beach, The Hamptons and Fire Island. Hockey fans can root for the New York Islanders while baseball fans can cheer on the New York Mets. Site of Charles Lindberg's flight to Paris, aviation history is portrayed in the Cradle of Aviation Museum and the American Airpower Museum.

Take in a farmers market and try regional products such as LI Vodka, cheeses and wines produced by the 30 or more wineries, most located on the north fork where farming traditions are strong. The farm-to-table concept is celebrated in many restaurants and yes, Long Island Iced Tea originated here.

Accommodations include chain hotels, luxury beachfront hotels, inns and B&Bs and former mansions-turned-hotels.