Zip through traffic in a sporty Ford EcoSport and discover fabulous places on day trips from Lynbrook, NY. Visit a four-century-old tulip tree and the oldest farm in New York State in the middle of Queens and stroll through the magnificent gardens and opulent mansions on the grandiose Guggenheim Estate. 1. The Sands Point Preserve The astonishing 216-acre Sands Point Preserve, the grandiose former estate of the Guggenheims, spreads out over picturesque gardens and scenic woodlands, runs along a mile-long beach and was the inspiration for The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. more Even upon arriving at the estate, crossing over the century-old bridge, and driving down the lane of mature trees past meticulously manicured gardens with glimpses of Castle Gould, Hempstead House, and Long Island Sound is an unforgettable experience. In addition to the Tudor-style castle and Hempstead House, the embodiment of Gold Coast opulence of the early 20th century, the estate also has two other palatial mansions, Falaise and Mille Fleur. Address and Hours Sands Point Preserve is at 127 Middle Neck Road in Sands Point and offers year-round tours of the estate from Wednesdays to Sundays until 6 p.m. 2. The Queens County Farm Museum The Queens County Farm was established in 1697 and is celebrating its 325th anniversary this year. The 47-acre historic farm is the oldest operating farm in the state and occupies the largest piece of farmland in New York City. The farm is near the Kew Gardens subway station in Queens, and the vineyard, orchard, herb garden, greenhouse, expansive fields, and livestock makes it easy to feel as if you're hundreds of miles away from the bustling city. The eggs, dairy products, and fleece produced by the hens, sheep, alpaca, goats, and cows are distributed to farmers' markets, restaurants, and shops around the city. The farm hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, especially in the fall when visitors can pick pumpkins in the patch and find their way through the enormous corn maze. Address and Hours The Queens County Farm Museum is on 73-50 Little Neck Parkway in Queens and is open daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. 3. The Alley Pond Giant The Alley Pond Giant, also known as the Queens Giant, is a beautiful flowering tulip poplar ( Liriodendron tulipifera) in Alley Pond Park and might very well be the oldest and tallest living organism in New York City. The magnificent tree was a gift from the Dutch West India Company to the Walloon Family of Manhattan in the 17th century. The old-timer is estimated to be between 350 and 400 years old, and when the giant was last measured in 2000, it boasted a circumference of 18.6 feet and stood 133.8 feet tall. These flowering behemoths can reach over 150 feet in height and can live for 600 years. Address and Hours The Alley Pond Giant is in Alley Pond Park at 67th Avenue in Queens. Go on an exciting drive in a Ford to fantastic places and see extraordinary things. Stop at Crown Ford today to take a closer look at the new 2023 Ford models on display.
