Smithtown
Smithtown is the geographic + commercial center of Suffolk County — corporate offices by day, family-restaurant scene by evening. The Bull (the iconic statue) marks the crossroads. Quieter than Huntington, more developed than Northport.
Known for
- The Bull statue
- Smith Haven Mall
- family-friendly downtown
- Caleb Smith State Park
Smithtown is the often-overlooked anchor of central Suffolk — a real commercial center with the practical advantages (parking, accessibility) but quieter than the bigger downtowns to the east and west. Smith Haven Mall is the regional retail draw; the downtown stretch around Main Street has the steady-favorite restaurants.
The signature landmarks:
- The Bull statue at the intersection of Jericho Turnpike + Route 25 — Smithtown’s symbol
- Smith Haven Mall — central Long Island retail, seasonal carnival events
- Caleb Smith State Park — trails, pond, history
Best paired with: an evening at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center or dinner at one of the Main Street family-favorite restaurants.
Upcoming in Smithtown
Little Birdie Mahjong x Garden Grill
Mahjong night at Garden Grill where you can play American or Chinese style, and beginners are welcome. Bring someone who knows how to play or learn together—either way, you're eating well after at one of Smithtown's better spots on North Country Road.
- When
- Where
- Garden Grill, Smithtown
- Price
- See ticket page
Hike Through History: Caleb Smith, Family Program, $4 per person
This guided walk through Caleb Smith ties the preserve's history to America's 250th anniversary—think Revolutionary War context meets Long Island ecology. The trail's easy enough for kids and covers about a mile through the woods off Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown. Parking's right at the preserve entrance, $4 per person at the door.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown
Bat Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Head into Caleb Smith after sunset to watch bats emerge and hunt over the ponds. The preserve gets properly dark, so you'll actually see them swoop and hear their echolocation clicks. Bring $4 cash per person and a flashlight—the trail back to the parking lot isn't lit.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown
Insect Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
A morning walk through Caleb Smith's meadows and woods to find beetles, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and whatever else is crawling in early September. Naturalists bring nets and magnifying containers so kids can get a close look before releasing them. $4 cash per person at the trailhead.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown