Smith Haven Mall — Attraction in Town of Brookhaven

At about 5:15 tonight walking through the life style village there was a group of about twenty teenage boys. Not only were they screaming at the top of their lungs using the most disgusting profanities but as I turned the corner more teenage boys ran up to the ones already standing by the horrendously embarrassing display of the “Christmas tree” and ambushed them knocking into me and I almost fell on the floor face first. I called over to the security guard who stood there and watched the boys BRAWL in front of The Loft and I guess was so enamored with the show that it seemed as if I was ignored. This mall has gone so down hill over the past few years. I remember when my mother worked here at Barclay Jewelers and it was beautiful. A classy mall, beautiful stores with beautiful decorations and you felt safe. Macys is even a dump now, Macys, the only surviving department store in the mall that has anything of any kind of quality. The life style village has basically become the new WWE arena, a sleeping ground for the homeless, and simply a place for the security guards to stand behind the glass doors by what used to be M.A.C like mannequin’s and do nothing besides say “we aren’t allowed to do anything”. A word to the wise, DO NOT park in the back parking lot behind J. Jill, The Loft, Soma, etc. unless you want to get approached by every homeless person over there, at times have people following you to your car asking for a ride, drunk and high people stumbling around and unfortunately making you feel really unsafe. A suggestion to Simon, the presence of security guards at all times would help deter the things that people are avoiding from this mall. It might also stop people from driving over an hour to go to Huntington or Roosevelt for better quality all around. I myself was an employee here for many years especially during the holiday seasons. I remembered as if it were yesterday that if you had a situation you called security, if security answered the phone at all it took them 40 to 60 minutes to get to your store just for them to tell you “there’s nothing that we can do” - “even if someone is stealing we can’t do anything, we have to call the cops”. Great, so why do we have them? After the first two times I understood why my boss and all my coworkers said “if you see someone stealing, just let them steal, security does...

I love the variety here for shopping convenience and entertainment value. Yes, people-watching can provide hours of amusement. I came here when a mere lad of twelve until shipping out to the Navy at twenty. Good times, good memories. Before I left I had dinner with Joe Mayo and a couple of other people I knew from Sachem High School at Beefsteak Charlie's, a restaurant which no longer exists. Now the mall is much larger than it was in the mid-70's, yet the place seems much smaller. Because we all had just gotten our cars two years earlier our worlds expanded immensely. For me it meant a lot to come back here to visit on weekends while attending submarine school in Groton, Connecticut. This is where we began to hang out as teens as many teens still do today. Soon it wasn't enough once you have been to Europe and the Orient. We shopped in Paris or Miami or even St. Thomas. Seeing the mall today brings back all those memories and how the things of childhood lose their significance, but not completely. My favorite store was Spencer's with those black lights and velvet posters they sold along with the lava lamps. There was some R-rated material too which gives teenage boys a certain thrill. Then we grew up, but I haven't forgotten the freedom to go shopping on my own with money from my job and not my parents. By contrast, some of the people I met in small villages lived in grass or mud and straw huts and had no shoes on their feet, let alone Adidas with the three stripes on each side. It is something to think about when I go there now to buy running shoes at Foot Locker or products from one of the dozens of other store to be found here. Yes, it is like home again, yet I feel like a tourist revisiting a place as if I have never been here before. This isn't the review you normally would expect. Maybe it's because the Navy taught me to be a journalist and I want to paint these pictures for the one million plus people who read my trivial meanderings. Go to the mall with your kids and grandkids and make your own memories. Those thoughts won't leave you which you will discover on your next visit. I will post an album of the SH Mall soon. Perhaps I can find photos of the stores and clothing we bought and post it here. Ah yes, powder blue, velour bell bottom jeans. Who can forget buying...

Smith Haven Mall, located in Lake Grove, New York, is a popular shopping destination that offers a diverse range of retail options, dining experiences, and entertainment facilities. Here’s a detailed overview: Shopping Experience The mall features over 150 stores, catering to various tastes and budgets. You can find well-known brands such as Macy's, Nordstrom, and Apple, as well as a mix of specialty shops that offer unique products. Whether you’re looking for clothing, electronics, or home goods, the selection is extensive. Dining Options When it comes to dining, Smith Haven Mall has a variety of options to suit different cravings. From fast food chains to sit-down restaurants, you can enjoy a meal at places like The Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s Little Italy, and various food court offerings. There’s also a selection of cafes for those looking for a quick coffee or snack. Entertainment For entertainment, the mall includes a state-of-the-art movie theater, making it a great spot to catch the latest films. Additionally, the mall often hosts events and promotions, especially during holidays, which can add to the overall experience. Environment and Amenities The atmosphere in Smith Haven Mall is generally vibrant and family-friendly. The layout is spacious, making it easy to navigate between stores. Amenities such as comfortable seating areas, restrooms, and family-friendly facilities add to the convenience for shoppers. Accessibility The mall is accessible via major roadways and has ample parking available. It’s a popular destination for both local residents and visitors, and its location in Lake Grove makes it convenient to reach from surrounding areas. Community Engagement Smith Haven Mall also engages with the community through events and partnerships with local organizations. This makes it not just a shopping hub but also a place where community activities can take place. Conclusion Overall, Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove, NY, offers a comprehensive shopping and entertainment experience. Whether you’re on a mission to shop, looking for a place to dine, or hoping to catch a movie, it’s a versatile destination that caters to a wide range of preferences and needs. Have you visited the mall recently, or are you planning...