Though time travel hasn’t been mastered outside of sci-fi, some Long Island towns revitalize an old world charm. Next up in Pulse’s monthly Town Matchmaker series: Sag Harbor and Cold Spring Harbor. For those who can’t get enough of Sag Harbor’s rich whaling history and quaint dining scene, the old-fashioned village of Cold Spring Harbor can be just as charming.
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Cold Spring Harbor
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
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As one of the three whaling ports on Long Island, the notable museum turns back the clock to the whaling town during the 19th century. Through artifacts and archives from the Cold Spring whaling fleet, the museum explores the ever-changing relationship between humans and whales. Phone: 631-367-3418 | Address: 301 Main St. Click to visit
Sandbar
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As the name hints, diners can expect a casual seaside ambiance featuring upscale American cuisine “from both land and sea.” There’s a ceiling sprinkled with mahogany, a two-story, transparent wine cellar and a Moroccan tiled foyer. The menu works to combine “local fare, tavern favorites and seafood specialties” into tasteful presentations and elevated comfort foods. Customers rave about the seared sea scallops, herb and garlic crusted swordfish and the pecan crusted chicken breast. Phone: 631-498-6188 | Address: 55 Main St Click to taste
Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities
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Founded in 1948 by Howard Sherwood, SPLIA works to preserve specific historic structures and artifacts through the creation of house museums. Over the last five decades, SPLIA has become “the regional advocate for historic preservation on Long Island,” raising awareness, appreciation and support for the protection of a shared past. Phone: 631-692-4664 | Address: 161 Main Street Click to visit
Sweetie Pies on Main
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What small town doesn’t have a raved about sweet shop? The humble café features apple crumb pies, raspberry linzer cookies and macaroons baked with big flavor. The homemade espresso and fresh-ground coffee are known to thrust guests over the workday hump or give them a second wind on a scorching beach day. Phone: 631-367-9500 | Address: 181 Main St Click to taste
Sag Harbor
Grindstone Coffee & Donuts
image: grindstone coffee & donuts
The atmosphere at Grindstone Coffee & Donuts is as timeless as its fare. Think vintage black tin ceilings, a 100-year old workbench coffee station and menu boards with rustic black and white letters. Delicious doughnut flavors range from dark chocolate coconut and cinnamon sugar to lemon poppy with organic blackberry and the coveted everything bagel. Wash them down with a sip of freshly brewed java like Ethiopian coffee or frothy espressos. Phone: 631-808-3370 | Address: 7 Main St Click to taste
Sag Harbor Whaling Museum
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Dedicated to the town’s past as an affluent whaling port, the museum houses whaling equipment, scrimshaw, fishing gear, log books, artwork, ships models and memorabilia. Through contemporary exhibits, visitors can learn about the rich culture of the village and how it came to be successful. Phone: 631-725-0770 | Address: 200 Main St Click to visit
The Bell & Anchor
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Through a tranquil coastal vibe, visitors are transported to their own private island with specialty cocktails to boot. Try the sun burn, a margarita with jalapeño infused tequila, while feasting on Montauk pearl oysters, Peconic Bay scallops and mussels and soaring shellfish towers. Phone: 631-725-3400 | Address: 3253 Noyac Rd Click to taste
Bay Street Theater
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Bay Street Theater is lauded for live performances, some of which premiered or were developed there and have moved to Broadway, Off-Broadway, regionally and abroad. The popular Sag Harbor space also hosts independent films, comedy shows and music performances. Phone: 631-725-9500 | Address: 1 Bay St Click to visit