Giant and funny must-visits on the east end of LI
North Fork:
The Big Duck - Flanders
If you plan to stay locally, don't take advantage of the opportunity to visit The Big Duck. This quirky structure, similar to Lucy the Elephant (Margate, New Jersey), was built in 1931 to bring attention to Martin Maurer's duck farm. Long Island had numerous duck farms back then, and The Big Duck, with its distinctive red, glowing eyes made from a Model-T Ford, set Maurer's farm apart from the rest. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Big Duck is a must-see roadside attraction, perfect for capturing memorable photos. Additionally, there's a charming gift shop inside where you can find adorable duck-themed items. I visited recently for the 1st time. Ask Mr. T to tell you all the Duck's secrets!
Chief Running Fair or Muffler Man-Riverhead
Overlooking Main Road on the North Fork, Chief Running Fair commands a view of the traffic and race attendees, making him as iconic as the Riverhead Raceway. A remarkable historical Fact: The Indian at Riverhead Raceway was initially purchased from the defunct Danbury Fair in Connecticut in 1980. The owners used to host the Suffolk County Fair at the raceway, where the Indian was utilized to educate children about Long Island's Native American population. Due to this history, the Indian was named Chief Running Fair by the Cromartys. This local icon gained national attention when the TV show "The Sopranos" featured Riverhead Raceway in a segment aiming to showcase the larger-than-life Indian.
Behind the Fence Gallery Statue Menagerie – Riverhead
Giant lions, tigers, dinosaurs, statues of celebrities and bears...oh my, and so much more!!! Now in Riverhead!
Vintage Neon: Modern Snack Bar – Aquebogue
The Modern Snack Bar has evolved since John and Wanda Wittmeier took ownership in the early 1950s1950s. Originally a true snack bar with a grill, six counter seats, and a pass-through window to a few stools outside, it is today a full-service restaurant with two dining rooms seating 125 guests. The iconic sign, created by the Neimeyer Sign Company, went up in 1956 and has become a North Fork landmark. Customers were family to the Wittmeier’s and with the addition of a full kitchen they could serve some of the many requests that have become our most popular menu items. We take pride in our local sourcing, with roast duck from Crescent Farms across the street, chicken croquettes, lemon meringue pie, and our award-winning lobster salad are but a few. Not to mention Wanda’s famous mashed turnips.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, here are 70+ years of words through our archived photos.
Giant Corn on the Cob – Calverton
Located at Rottkamp's Fox Hollow Farms. They specialize in sweet corn!
The Giant Bull – Calverton/Manorville
There's a giant bull in a ranch field near the road. It's on Wading River Manor Rd, close to River Rd.
Giant Clogs and Tree Gnomes
Waterdrinker Farm, Riverhead
Kaufold’s Big Rooster – Ridge
Located at Kaufold’s Country Sheds – 724 Middle Country Rd Ridge, NY 11961
The Flying Pig -Miller Place
Located at the Flying Pig Cafe: An Upscale American Restaurant and Bar.
Are you looking to grab a great meal any time of day? Head over to the Flying Pig Cafe! In Miller Place, treat yourself to everything from a hearty breakfast to a prime rib sandwich.
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The Pirate House – Miller Place
The Pirate House in Miller Place is a local attraction that may annoy its neighbors with the frequent visitors it attracts. Rumor has it that the owner built the house as a pirate-themed sanctuary for his daughter following a brain injury, inspired by her joy on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney World. While it's uncertain if this story is true or just an urban legend, the house also features a notary public sign, suggesting that one can learn more about its history while getting a document notarized. The house is located at 9 Woodland Place, Miller Place, NY.
Jaws III Plow Train – Greenport
Location: Railroad Museum of Long Island – 440 4th St, Greenport, NY 11944
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South Fork
Mr. Millennium – The Giant Snowman – Tuckahoe
The smiling snowman is nearly 20 feet tall and stands outside North Sea Auto Radiator on Sandy Hollow Rd. I love his big mittens. They're so cute! His plaque says he was made in the year 2000 and that his name is Mr. Millenium [sic].
Located at the North Sea Auto Radiator-Towing – 25 Sandy Hollow Rd., Southampton, NY
Dan Riding a Giant Lobster – Southampton
Headed east on Sunrise Highway, at the corner of Hills Station Road, you will see a curious sight. It’s Dan Rattiner of Dan’s Papers astride a lobster welcoming you to the Hamptons.
Roy Lichtenstein Giant Sculptures: Tokyo Brushstroke I & II – Water Mill
The Parish Art Museum in Water Mill proudly displays two of the Pop Art giant Roy Lichtenstein‘s painted aluminum sculptures – Tokyo Brushstroke I & II. You will find the pieces outdoors at the west driveway. They can be respectfully enjoyed even when the museum is closed.
Larry Rivers Big Legs – Sag Harbor
Location: Henry Street Sag Harbor, NY
Casa Basso Restaurant – Westhampton
Casa Basso, an Italian restaurant situated on the eastern end of Long Island in Westhampton, New York, is also home to the Theophilus Brouwer House. The property has been recognized as a Westhampton Hamlet Heritage Resource due to including the ruins of the pottery studio and kiln of Theophilus Anthony Brouwer, Jr. The property, originally purchased by American artist Theophilus Anthony Brouwer, Jr., is bordered by Montauk Highway to the front and the Beaver Dam Creek to the back. The restaurant was established in 1928 by New York restaurateur M.L. Basso, and his family operated it until 1958, when Valerio "Rene" Mondini purchased it. In 1986, Mondini sold the restaurant to his longtime apprentice, Bejto Bracovic, who became the new owner and executive chef.
The Giant Tiki-Montauk
The tiki stands outside of the former Ronjo, now Montauk Beach House hotel.
Atlantic Seafood Company's Shark Mouth – Center Moriches
When hunger strikes on the South Shore, go to Atlantic Seafood, where you'll encounter an eye-catching entrance in the form of a shark's mouth. Stepping through this unique entrance excites the dining experience, especially for kids who enjoy playful interaction. Once inside, the restaurant offers a diverse menu that caters to various preferences, making it an excellent choice for families, adults, and even picky eaters. Kid-friendly!
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Up-Island
Hercules Pavilion-Stony Brook
You rarely find a hero on Main Street, but Stony Brook has its own Hercules!
Historical Fact: Located on Main Street in Stony Brook is the Hercules figurehead and anchor from the prestigious U.S.S. Ohio, the first ship launched from the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1820. Toward the end of the century, the U.S.S. Ohio was decommissioned, destroyed, and sunk in Greenport, Long Island; however, the figurehead was saved.
Yarnbombed Trees of Stony Brook
There is a new yarn-bombed tree at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. The stunning crochet-covered tree can be seen on the museum's grounds and is a striking addition to the existing yarn-bombed trees on the campus. The artist Carol Hummel, known for her crocheted tree designs, is returning to the museum this year to revitalize some of the current trees and create a new design for an additional tree. It's definitely worth supporting the museum to see this colorful and vibrant creation!
Keith Haring Sculpture – New Hyde Park
Keith Haring created this piece, as well as some interior murals, for the then-named Schneider's Children's Hospital in New Hyde Park, NY in 1987. Today you'll still be able to spot the sculpture it the courtyard of the newly-renamed Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York.
The Ural Monkey & a Double Chicken Fantasy -Holbrook
Bello Poultry Farm in Holbrook has not one but TWO fiberglass roosters on their property. The rooster out front pulls a wagon and has been outfitted to become a fountain.
Nipper the Dog and Mobil Beer Truck– Babylon
Located at Plesser's Appliances -6 East Main Street Babylon Village, NY 11702
