Today’s drive was one that I was not excited about. I had to make my way north from Atlantic City to Long Island. Most of my road trips are in the western states where the population density is low and the roads are open. Driving anywhere near NYC is just the opposite and rarely makes for a pleasant day behind the wheel. Luckily, the weather was perfect and the one spot where I did sit in traffic for a while was near Kennedy Airport where planes flying just above me kept me amused.
Long Island is known for its industrial-age mansions scattered along the north coast and the highlight of my day was visiting one of the more interesting mansions, the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium. Unfortunately, the planetarium was not open but the estate’s location is spectacular and the mansion is a cross between a castle and a residence. The grounds are also an interesting juxtaposition of features, ranging from grand views and formal gardens to barely passable trails and stairways through the woods and exploring everything was very enjoyable.
The journey ended at Riverhead where I am well placed to explore the eastern end of the island tomorrow. To see today’s video and map click here.
The castle aspects of the Vanderbilt Mansion can be seen in the first two photos.
One of many great views of Long Island Sound from the Vanderbilt estate.
Cool mansion. I toured around the Newport mansions this summer but have never done the LI ones. Trip looks to be going well so far. Have fun. Cathy
Gorgeous day!
Where are you getting the soundtrack music from? Until I find out I’m going to imagine you sitting each night in your hotel room using Garage Band to play live to the speeded up video.
The music tracks are from YouTube who have hundreds of copyright-free tracks. Before I left I downloaded some that seemed suitable.
Beautiful. Good reporting thus far. There might be a pictorial book wrapped in the perimeter.
Gautam
I remember going to Hyde Park on the Hudson in 1967 at the age of 12 and thought that was a Vanderbilt mansion too. Roosevelts I discover – a different rich family of Dutch descent.