Local Traditions & Customs in Brookhaven, New York, United States
1. Long Island Duck Derby Festival
Annual event featuring rubber duck races for charity in the Yaphank River. Unique experience combining fun and philanthropy.
- Rubber Duck Race: Participants can adopt ducks to compete in the race.
- Community Gathering: A family-friendly event with live music, food vendors, and activities.
- Charitable Cause: Proceeds benefit local charities, including the Brookhaven Memorial Annual Scholarship Fund.
2. Westhampton Beach's Annual Clam Festival
Celebration of local seafood, music, and arts in Westhampton Beach. A quintessential Long Island experience showcasing the region's clamming heritage.
- Seafood Galore: Featuring local clams, lobsters, and other seafood delicacies.
- Arts & Crafts Fair: Showcasing works from local artists and crafters.
- Live Entertainment: A variety of music performances to entertain attendees.
3. Garden of Eve Organic Farm Stand
Locally-sourced organic produce and farm-fresh products in Aquebogue. Offers workshops on sustainable living and seasonal cooking.
- Organic Produce: Offering a variety of fresh, locally-grown organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
- Workshops & Classes: Educational events teaching sustainable farming practices and seasonal cooking techniques.
- Community Events: Hosting events like summer concerts, farm-to-table dinners, and harvest celebrations.
4. Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum
Preserves the history of Sag Harbor's whaling industry and its impact on local culture. Offers exhibits, programs, and educational resources.
- Whaling History: Exhibiting artifacts from the whaling era and telling the stories of those who sailed.
- Educational Resources: Providing educational materials for visitors to learn about the area's history.
- Community Programs: Hosting lectures, workshops, and events focusing on local history and culture.
5. The Big Duck of Flanders
Iconic roadside attraction in Flanders featuring a giant duck-shaped building selling Long Island duck products.
- Giant Duck Sculpture: Constructed in the 1930s as a Long Island duck farm promotion.
- Duck Products: Selling fresh local duck products, including meat, eggs, and souvenirs.
- Roadside Attraction: An instagrammable spot along Route 24 for travelers passing through.
6. The Big Tuna of Hampton Bays
Giant tuna sculpture and seafood market in Hampton Bays. Known for fresh seafood and local maritime history.
- Giant Tuna Sculpture: Constructed as a tribute to the local fishing industry.
- Seafood Market: Selling fresh seafood caught locally by fishermen.
- Local History: Educational resources and exhibits highlighting the area's maritime history.
7. Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center
Community theater offering performances, workshops, and educational programs in Westhampton Beach.
- Performances: Offering a variety of plays, musicals, concerts, and dance performances.
- Workshops & Classes: Providing acting, dancing, singing, and technical theater workshops for all ages.
- Educational Programs: Hosting educational programs focused on various aspects of the performing arts.
8. The Watermill Center
Interdisciplinary laboratory for the arts in Water Mill. Offers artist residencies, performances, and workshops.
- Artist Residencies: Providing a space for artists to develop their work and collaborate with others.
- Performances & Workshops: Hosting performances, workshops, and events throughout the year.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Integrating multiple art forms, including visual arts, performance, music, and architecture.
9. Southampton Historical Museum
Explores the history of Southampton through exhibits, programs, and educational resources.
- Exhibits & Collections: Showcasing artifacts, photographs, and other materials related to local history.
- Educational Programs: Offering educational resources, lectures, and workshops for visitors.
- Community Events: Hosting events like family days, book talks, and historical reenactments.
10. The Parrish Art Museum
Modern and contemporary art museum in Water Mill. Offers exhibitions, education programs, and community events.
- Exhibitions: Showcasing modern and contemporary art by local, national, and international artists.
- Education Programs: Providing educational resources and workshops for visitors of all ages.
- Community Events: Hosting lectures, performances, and film screenings related to contemporary art and culture.
11. The Southampton Cultural Center
Multi-purpose cultural center in Southampton offering arts, education, and community programs.
- Arts & Education: Providing visual art exhibits, classes, workshops, and educational resources.
- Community Programs: Offering events like film screenings, book talks, and concerts for the community.
- Event Rental: Space available for private events, meetings, and gatherings.
12. The South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center
Educational center in Bridgehampton dedicated to local ecology and conservation.
- Ecological Education: Offering programs focused on local ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation.
- Nature Trails & Exhibits: Providing nature trails, interactive exhibits, and educational resources for visitors.
- Community Involvement: Involving the community in conservation efforts through volunteer opportunities and events.
13. The Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park
Beautiful garden and nature preserve in Great River showcasing local flora and fauna.
- Garden & Nature Preserve: Featuring over 60 acres of gardens, woodlands, and wetlands.
- Educational Programs: Offering educational programs and workshops focused on horticulture, ecology, and conservation.
- Special Events: Hosting events like concerts, art exhibitions, and guided tours.
14. The Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center
Marine life exhibit in Riverhead showcasing local aquatic ecosystems and conservation efforts.
- Marine Life Exhibits: Featuring over 100 exhibits showcasing local marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and seals.
- Conservation Efforts: Involved in various conservation programs aimed at protecting local marine ecosystems.
- Educational Programs: Offering educational resources, workshops, and interactive exhibits for visitors.
15. The Sunken Forest on Meshomasett Point
Unique pine forest on Fire Island growing in a marshy area, creating a beautiful and mysterious landscape.
- Natural Wonder: An unusual ecosystem where a pine forest grows over a marsh.
- Hiking Trails: Providing hiking trails for visitors to explore the unique landscape.
- Wildlife Observation: Opportunities to observe local wildlife, including birds and deer, in their natural habitat.