Our family adventure to Port Jefferson, NY was a spontaneous trip that we took on the perfect Connecticut day. The girls and I have talked about taking a ride on the Bridgeport and Port Jefferson ferry. Port Jefferson village is a Long Island’s hidden treasure that we enjoyed visiting a few years back before our third daughter was born.
Located about 45 minutes ferry ride from Bridgeport, CT, Port Jefferson village combines beauty and history with its picturesque water views and a rich maritime heritage. When we boarded the ferry, the girls were besides themselves, especially Babygirl who was experiencing it for the first time.
Our family adventure to Port Jefferson, NY set off with the girls enjoying the view of the Long Island Sound, some board games, and a lunch aboard because we wanted to focus on exploring the village and then have an early dinner there before heading back.
Port Jefferson Harbor is one of the north shore’s top destinations for boaters in the northeast and one of Long Island’s two ports for access from Connecticut. The calm waters of the harbor along with a deep draft, provides transient boaters with easy access to many unique shops, specialty restaurants and year-round cultural activities, all within a short walk from the marina docks.
The Village Center is nestled along the harbor and offers breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound. Celebrating its opening in 2005, and open to residents and non-residents alike, the center offers a vibrant space for social, recreational, and educational functions, along with exhibitions and special events.
Our family adventure to Port Jefferson, NY led us to Kilwins Port Jefferson to my delight. Hubby and I have been huge fans of Kilwins’ ice cream since the beginning of our love store in Rochester, NY. I was very bummed when they closed down in Rochester, NY but was definitely besides myself when we found their brand new shop at the Port Jefferson Village Center.
Kilwins is where you will always find hand-crafted chocolates, fudge, and original recipe ice cream that has been pleasing customers since 1947. Having earned a reputation for providing high quality chocolates, ice cream, and confections combined with excellent service, I was more than happy to introduce it to my girls who loved every bite.
Our family adventure to Port Jefferson, NY continued with a visit to Port Jefferson Village magnificent Harbor front Park and Village Center, a focal point for many educational and social activities, including historic exhibits, and outdoor movies and concerts. We stopped by Boardwalk Games, a unique game store, perfect the game enthusiasts like us. We left with some goodies to help us on the ferry ride back.
Our family adventure to Port Jefferson, NY continued in the heart of the downtown area where we made our way to Clifton H. Lee Memorial Park, known as “Rocket Ship Park”. Accessible from many points, the park has multiple swings and climbing equipment, a basketball court, three lighted tennis courts, and a large picnic area. Port Jefferson Village officials reopened the space exploration-era Clifton H. Lee Memorial Park, making it officially known by its longtime nickname, Rocketship Park.
The new park includes a redesigned rocket jungle gym reflective of the space exploration of the 1970s era when it opened as well as a pirate ship-like climbing structure and other playground equipment. The park also includes handicapped-accessible facilities, and the sand floor has been replaced with a rubberized surface.
Rocketship Park also includes toddler-friendly play areas, a bridge structure and toddler swings, all favorite of my toddler. For my oldest, a tall climbing spinner was their favorite along with a spinning sphere that we all enjoyed getting dizzy over.
Our family adventure to Port Jefferson, NY was everything and more as we rode back in the ferry full of beautiful memories that will last us for a lifetime. The girls asked about our next ferry adventure and the proximity of Port Jefferson makes it hard to resist.
