Bayard Cutting Arboretum — Attraction in Town of Islip

This review focuses primarily on the Manor House owned by the Cutting family at Bayard Cutting Arboretum. The Arboretum itself is renowned with trees from all over the world, and being designed by the iconic Fredrick Law Olmstead, I definitely recommend visiting the grounds.

I scheduled a house tour which guides visitors through the first and second floors. The Cutting's summer home is a beautiful place, sitting on a peaceful estate. The first floor of the home is apparently open to the public, however, it's the second floor that you pay to access during this tour. They also have an attic tour as well which is separate.

The home is mostly furnished with unoriginal pieces, with some rooms, prominently the dining room being original (which was so cool to see!) My biggest quip, though, was the pacing of the tour which felt very dragged out. It was a little claustrophobic having a large group fit through some of the tiny corridor spaces, coupled with the heat of the home from the warm summer months. Likewise, although our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly, some aspects of the storytelling didn't feel cohesive and at times, repetitive. It didn't have to be over an hour long, at least in my opinion, but as someone whose visited many historic homes (this is my 17th), I totally understand the role of docents and the etiquette of tours.

I recommend stopping by the house leisurely, and picking up a pamphlet to check out the first floor at your own pace. If you're deeply interested in the history of the Cutting family, then you should go on the tour, but if not, then I feel like you could do without it and have a lovely time instead checking out the grounds and grabbing a bite...

Absolutely beautiful!

We try to visit at least 7-8 times each year.

In the spring it's nice to see the baby ducks, baby geese, and baby swans.

In the summer the dahlias are typically in full bloom. The dahlia garden is quite large - about 1/3 acre

The little snack shop is great. One of our favorite things is the spinach quiche. It's very rich. Almost like a spinach alfredo. It's really delicious! Perfect with a slice of one of their homemade pies.

I think our very favorite time of year at Bayard is late July through Labor Day. If you're patient you will see hummingbirds. Last summer we went about 3 weekends in a row and they were there each time. Today we saw two so we know they are back on Long Island.

For an amateur photographer the hummingbirds are pretty difficult to capture but if you're lucky you'll get at least one really good photo and it'll all be worth it.

There are free concerts throughout the summer.

In December there is a tree lighting.

It's a really beautiful spot! Do check it out and be sure you bring...

It was a perfect day to explore this hidden gem along the Connetquot River in Islip. Just off HWY 27A, there is plenty of parking but for a fee. If there was one thing, we like the best was the tour of the 1920s manor located right at the front of the park. Surrounding the manor are numerous trails and a magnificent green area that extends from the manor to the Connetquot River. There are many places for you to sit and simply enjoy the so many aspects of this estate. Everywhere we went, we were pleasantly surprised at just how well maintained the entire estate was, from the manor to the outdoor landscaping. This would be a wonderful place to visit in the fall when all the leaves begin to change, I am sure the colorful display is phenomenal. There is also a restaurant at this location, but we did not partake so we cannot provide any feedback. In the end, this is a wonderful and peaceful location to visit, if not to just sit for hours on the lawn and take in all that nature has...