Out & About in…St. James
Although I grew up in St. James, I think I took for granted what the town had to offer, or simply moved away before I was really old enough to appreciate it. When some friends from out of town recently came to visit, and talk of “where did you grow up?” came about, I decided to revisit some of my old stomping grounds. I guess it takes an outsider to get you to notice what’s right next door. Or, in this case, what’s right down 25A and Lake Avenue.
If you are heading out to the east end, or even just to Port Jefferson, make a stop in St. James on the way. A hamlet in the town of Smithtown, St. James has a lot of history, character, and some pretty good places to eat, too. Here are some of my favorite hangouts in St. James…some are my old-reliables and some just recently discovered. Check them out the next time you are in the area:
St. James General Store
516 Moriches Road
(631) 862-8333
No visit to St. James would be complete without hitting this historical site. Built in 1857, it is believed to be the oldest, continuously operating general store in the Country. They still have the candy sticks and red- hots and everlasting jaw-breakers I remember as a kid, plus toys, books and home décor.
Short Beach
Yes, it’s a “north shore” beach, which is to say you definitely need your water shoes to deal with that rocky sand, but Short Beach is still a fun place to go with the family. Along with the requisite water and sand, there is a playground for the kiddies, and a concession stand for snacks.
Tic Toc Café
269 Lake Avenue
(631) 862-2233
There’s something for everyone at Tic Toc. Go there for breakfast and you will find homemade bagels and baked goods along with freshly squeezed orange juice. Hit it for lunch and try the fabulous buffalo chicken wrap or turkey and cranberry butter panini. In the mood for a late night snack? Scoop up some chocochino ice cream (courtesy of famed McNulty’s Ice Cream in Miller Place) with a cup of organic coffee, beans roasted on the premises. Owner Greg Koke tells me that Tic Toc is also planning a “movie night” and “guest-chef nights”, where you can experience having your own restaurant, both tentatively scheduled for September. Stop by Tic Toc for more info and grab a cup of that great coffee while you are there!
Garguilo’s Bakery
503 Lake Ave
(631) 584-9400
Owner Mike Garguilo caters to all of his customers needs by offering Italian, German and Jewish baked goods. For those with allergies, he has recently added gluten-free products as well. The bakery also holds children’s birthday parties which include a tour of the bakery. The butter cookies are the best around, but my personal favorite is the “chocolate cream ring”—a decadent, addictive coffee cake; it never lasts on my kitchen counter for more than a day!
Pat’s Place Haircutters
230 Lake Ave
(631) 862-7023
Whether you need a cut, color, trim, wax, or all of the above, Pat’s is a great salon. Pat’s Place has been around since 1979 and is always adding new services to its menu. Six months ago they added “Purely Grace Day Spa” for facials, hair extensions and eyelash extensions.
Caligiuri’s Patio Pizza & Restaurant
262 Lake Ave
(631) 862-7475
For over 33 years, simply known as “Patio” to the locals, the Caligiuri family now has three generations in the business. In addition to its delicious pizza, Patio is known for its chicken dishes and garlic knots. Mondays and Tuesdays they serve free glasses of wine with dinner in the dining room adjoining the original pizza parlor. Don’t forget to look at the wall of photos next to the pizza counter; you just may recognize some old friends from St. James.
Deepwells Mansion
25A/ North Country Road & Moriches Road
(631) 854-3719
This historic home, built in 1845, is a beautiful example of the Greek Revival architecture of its time. Deepwells is home to “Acoustic Long Island”, a weekly music performance (Wednesdays 8-10 pm) that is broadcast to thousands over the internet. There are also free outdoor movie nights during the summer and holiday festivals are scheduled for November 29 & 30 and December 6 & 7. Tours of the home are available on Sunday mornings at 11:00-call (631) 862-2020 for more info on house tours.
Upcoming Events in St. James:
•St. James Day: a craft and vendor street fair on Lake Avenue: September 28
•Annual Halloween Parade: date to be announced
•Menorah Lighting: date to be announced
•Tree Lighting & Santa Claus: date to be announced
For more info, check out: www.stjameschamber.org
