A magnet for those who enjoy the good life, Glen Cove, New York, is a wealthy and picturesque enclave on Long Island, 30 miles from New York City. In the early 20th century, America’s richest families flocked to the scenic shores of Long Island Sound and built exquisite country mansions with acres of landscaped gardens. Residents today appreciate the same characteristics that attracted the Vanderbilts and du Ponts -- waterfront views, sea breezes perfect for sailing and a sporty attitude where leisure is a top priority. There are plenty of opportunities to experience arts, culture and recreation in Glen Cove.
Boating
- Glen Cove sits on a protected bay off Long Island Sound, a perfect setup for recreational boating. The town maintains a concrete boat ramp for the public at the western end of Garvies Point Road, so anyone with a craft can get on the water. Both residents and nonresidents need to buy a one-day or seasonal permit, which can be purchased at the ramp, to launch private boats, jet skis or commercial vessels. The city also has one public marina, the Brewer Yacht Yard; inside the yard, visitors can rent kayaks, bikes, stand-up paddleboards and more from Shore Thing Rentals.
Golf and Other Sports
- Though many of Glen Cove’s city-owned recreation facilities are open only to residents, anyone can take a swing at the Glen Cove Municipal Golf Course. Eighteen holes are spread over rolling, grassy vales with stunning views of the Sound. The course offers a pro shop, driving range and cafe on-site. Adjacent to the course, Stanco Park boasts tennis courts and a playground. Glen Cove also manages John Maccarone Memorial Stadium, an impressive complex with batting cages, snack bars, announcer’s booth, and eight ball fields, plus a regulation-sized basketball court. Soccer fans can check out the games at Pascucci Soccer Field next to the Long Island Rail Road station.
- Arts and Culture
- Two local museums commemorate Glen Cove’s heritage. Garvies Point Museum, open Tuesday through Saturday except holidays, year-round, displays geological and archaeological collections with ties to Long Island. The museum’s archaeologists conduct research into Long Island’s Native American history as well. The second institution, the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, offers lectures and public programs about the Jewish experience. The center is open daily all year long. In summer months, Glen Cove also hosts two outdoor concert series with live bands and entertainers.
Gold Coast Mansions
- The Gold Coast of Long Island gets its nickname from its abundance of opulent homes designed for Gilded Age tycoons. No visit to Glen Cove would be complete without a side trip to view some of these extravagant manors. Many are open to the public but reservations are required for guided tours. A few miles from Glen Cove lies Mill Neck Manor, a stately Tudor Revival mansion built for cosmetics heiress Lillian Sefton Dodge. Next door you'll find the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, a former estate, and Coe Hall on its grounds, built in 1915 also in the Tudor Revival style. Slightly south of Glen Cove, the former du Pont property now belongs to the New York Institute of Technology, which renamed it the NYIT de Seversky Mansion.
