The Great Escape: Visit a Gold Coast Mansion in Oyster Bay

Today's escape will transport you back in time to experience the opulent lifestyle of a Standard Oil heiress as you enter the 1920's Tudor Revival style estate and grounds of the Coe's.

To get there, take Mill River Road, a winding scenic route off of 25A, and follow the signs to this enchanting place where you can take advantage of a multitude of things throughout the 409-acre historic landscape. You can go on a tour of the manor house, view an exhibition, listen to a concert or musical, observe a lecture, meander through the greenhouses, attend a festival, try a craft class, see a flower show, dine at the cafe, and browse around the Hay Barn--all at your disposal mainly during the spring and summer.

From April 1 through September 30 the mansion is open everyday from 11:30 until 3:30 and the arboretum, maintained by the New York State Historic Parks, is open 364 days a year from 9 to 5, closed on Christmas Day. Click here for more detailed hours of operation and fees.

Right now, until September 30, you can head up a flight of stairs in Coe Hall and peruse the exhibit, Robert Moses and Long Island: 1925-1975. Besides highlighting how Moses reshaped the methods of popular transit it also focuses on his defeats, mainly the Oyster Bay-Rye Bridge that would have directly altered the landscape of our area forever.

And on August 12 from 7pm until 9:30pm you can sample Great South Bay Brewery's Robert Moses Pale Ale during the Planting Fields Foundation 3rd Annual Champagne Party. Besides hors d'oevres, drinks, and lawn games you can purchase and enjoy hand rolled cigars on the west portico while listening to the sounds of Caribbean music.  $50 per person/$30 for members.

This Saturday on July 23 from 6pm until 8pm, tote along a picnic dinner and lawn chairs and sing along to Bye Bye Birdie at a free performance outside the Haybarn.

On August 5 they are offering another free musical, The Wizard of Oz, same time, same place.

Come by on a Sunday for a smorgasbord style buffet brunch and live music from 11am until 2pm, at the Cafe located in the Hay Barn, brought to you by Periwinkles Caterers. Make a day of it and check out the 20 specialty gardens and the exotic specimen trees from all over the world.

Address: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

Phone: (516) 922-8600