Roslyn, on the North Shore of Long Island, is one of those small places that surprise people who only know the highways. It is a village with a historic centre, a clock tower, a mill pond and a mix of cafés and independent shops. Roslyn Long Island is about 25 miles from Manhattan, which makes it an easy half-day trip.
Roslyn long island: where Roslyn is
Roslyn belongs to the Town of North Hempstead in Nassau County. The village includes a harbour area and slopes up to residential neighbourhoods. You can reach it by car from Manhattan in roughly 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. The Long Island Rail Road stops at Roslyn station, with trains from Penn Station that take about 35 to 50 minutes, usually with a change. Check the schedule, since service varies by time of day.
A short history
The area was settled in the seventeenth century and was originally called Hempstead Harbor. The name Roslyn was adopted in the early nineteenth century. Over the years, it grew as a mill town, and it later became a getaway for wealthy New Yorkers, who built estates. Roslyn has many buildings dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and parts of the village are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This heritage is one of the main reasons to visit.
What to see
The Roslyn Clock Tower
The clock tower stands at the head of the village and is the symbol of Roslyn. It was given to the community in the early twentieth century, and it is a favourite spot for photographs, particularly with the pond in front.
Roslyn Grist Mill and Roslyn Pond
A historic mill beside the pond dates back to the eighteenth century. The pond is home to ducks and geese, and a walking path circles part of it. It is a quiet place for a stroll, and families often bring bread to feed the birds, although feeding rules should be respected.
Main Street and Old Northern Boulevard
The old streets have small shops, antique stores, cafés and restaurants. Many buildings have plaques that tell about their past. Look for the older houses, some of which were built before the American Revolution.
Cedarmere
Cedarmere, the former home of the poet and editor William Cullen Bryant, is a historic estate with gardens overlooking Hempstead Harbor. It is run as a museum and open at certain times, so check before you go.
Nearby parks and gardens
Roslyn Harbor and Bryant Preserve have walking paths and views of the water. Sands Point Preserve and Old Westbury Gardens are within driving distance, and offer a view of the Gold Coast mansions.
Food and drink
Roslyn has a good range of restaurants for a village its size, with Italian, Mediterranean, Asian and American options. Some are in old buildings with original beams. There are coffee shops and bakeries, and many people stop for a sandwich or brunch. Prices tend to be higher than in other parts of Long Island because the area is affluent. Reservations are useful on weekends.
Things to do with kids
The pond and the playgrounds in the area suit families. The Nassau County Museum of Art in nearby Roslyn Harbor is set in a former estate with sculpture gardens, and it hosts exhibitions. Check the programme and ticket details online.
When to go
Spring and autumn are lovely for walking, with blossom or fall colours around the pond. Summer evenings can be warm and pleasant. In winter, a light snow gives the village a postcard look, but some places may close earlier.
Practical tips
1. Parking is limited near Main Street, so look for public lots and watch posted time limits.
2. Wear comfortable shoes for sloping sidewalks.
3. Combine your visit with another North Shore stop, such as Manhasset or Port Washington.
4. Check opening times in advance for museums and small shops.
5. Respect private property, because many historic homes are still lived in.
Is it worth it?
Roslyn is not a place to rush through. It is a good place to slow down, enjoy the pond and the old buildings, and have lunch in a pleasant setting. If you are driving out to see the Gold Coast mansions or exploring the North Shore, it makes a good stop and gives a taste of Long Island beyond the beaches.
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