When approaching from either direction on Long Island Sound, the open harbor is an inviting sight. After leaving Eaton's Neck and Asherokan Beach to port, and Caumsett State Park on Lloyd's Neck to starboard, a boater's paradise awaits. Several anchorages offer ample protection as well as an amphitheatre of natural surroundings. The quaint town of Northport lies immediately to the east, and to the west, through a well-marked and navigable channel, is Huntington Harbor. One of the first welcoming sights is the Huntington Yacht Club, founded in 1894. Mooring rentals are available here, as well as an Olympic-size pool and an excellent restaurant. A short cab ride will take visitors into town, where shopping and dining opportunities are abundant.

Huntington is located on Long Island's North Shore, aptly named the Gold Coast. The country is lush with greenery, rolling country and fine mansions from the past. Approximately 5,400 acres have been designated as town, county, state or federal parks. There are more than nine town beaches to enjoy, including one reserved specifically for senior citizens. For the athletic minded, there are public tennis courts, horseback riding, playing fields and a skating rink. In Dix Hills Park there is a 9-hole golf course, and Crab Meadow in nearby Northport offers a challenging 18 holes, open to the public. For nature lovers, there are formal gardens, wildlife refuges and walking tours available.

Huntington, purchased in 1653 from Raseokan, Sachem of the Matinecock Tribe, is rich in history, and several museums chronicle the past. Nathan Hale landed in Huntington in 1776, and a memorial stands on the approximate spot, located in an area known as Halesite. Best-known resident Walt Whitman was born here in 1819.

The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium on 43 acres overlooking Long Island Sound offers a glimpse into the Vanderbilt's opulent lifestyle. The Heckscher Museum of Art contains paintings of European and American masters from the 16 th century to the present, as well as works by contemporary Long Island artists.

This summer, the Huntington Arts Council is sponsoring its 40 th Annual Summer Arts Festival offering nightly concerts featuring music, theatre and dance.

Huntington offers plenty of onshore activity. But its also provides a setting that dispels everyday stress. Inhale the salty breeze, float at anchor, and savor the scenic surroundings.

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