The Spy Ring is credited by General George Washington as being a leading factor in turning the tide of the American Revolution.  Historic sites on Long Island take you back to the days of 1778 when Long Island was a hotbed of intrigue under British military occupation.  A group of local patriots, determined to assist George Washington win the American Revolution, formed the Culper Spy Ring.  The AMC Series TURN (2014-2017) was based on actual events that took place on Long Island during the late 1700s.

Arrive in Oyster Bay, NY and start with a tour the Raynham Hall Museum, home of George Washington’s secret agent Robert Townsend.  Explore the Townsend home, discover the lives of the Townsend family and those they enslaved, and learn about the Revolutionary War and the Culper Spy Ring.  A museum educator will guide you through the historic home detailing daily life in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Next, visit the Conklin Farmhouse Museum in Huntington, NY.  The Conklins were among the earliest settlers of Huntington and were active in the Town’s affairs.  It is here where Sybil Conklin lived and worked while her husband David was held prisoner by the British during the Revolutionary War.  The Conklin house, which contains artifacts and is decorated to illustrate three periods of the country’s history: Colonial, Federal and Victorians including a table at which George Washington enjoyed a meal in April 1790.

While in Huntington, make a stop at the Nathan Hale Monument.  During the Revolutionary War, American forces suffered a humiliating defeat at the Battle of Long Island.  George Washington and his army had to escape from the battle to Manhattan at night under cover of fog.  The British army meanwhile took control of Long Island and Huntington.  They remained here for the duration of the war.  During this occupation Nathan Hale volunteered to gather intelligence on the British forces in New York.  He began his mission on the shores of Huntington Bay.  He was later captured, it is unclear where, perhaps in Huntington or perhaps closer to the city, and hanged in New York City.  The Nathan Hale Monument honors his sacrifice.

End the day in the Stony Brook, NY area for a two-night stay at a local hotel.  Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant. (D)

This morning, meet your local guided for a full day of touring the Washington Spy Trail.  About 50 miles of Route 25A was officially designated by New York State as the Washington Spy Trail, the historic path of the famed Culper spy ring.  The expanse of road on Long Island’s North Shore, stretching from Great Neck to Port Jefferson, was used during the American Revolution by a band of spies working for Gen. George Washington.

Start with a visit to the Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages (informally known as the Long Island Museum) is known for its collection of over 200 carriages and its extensive array of work by famed painter William Sidney Mount, and over 4,000 other paintings, sculptures and prints.  Since 1973, the museum has been accredited by the American Association of Museums for excellence in exhibitions, programs and collection care.  In 2006, the museum joined a small group of institutions nationwide as a Smithsonian Affiliate.

Then visit the Stony Brook Grist Mill where during the Revolutionary War, grains ground at the Mill were taken by the British to feed their soldiers.  Hear about the owners and workers of the mill and how it has developed over 320 years.  You can also visit the Country Store located at the mill.

The Thompson House was home to five generations of Thompsons.  American Patriot, Farmer and Physician, Doctor Thompson was a prestigious member of the Setauket community, who treated many local residents.  Members of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring are listed in his “Cash Receipt Book,” circa 1787, which was a list of his patients.

Here you learn about the influences of Thompson’s life, especially his involvement in the Revolutionary War and his bloodletting practices.  A discussion of Revolutionary War diseases including Yellow Fever, Smallpox and dysentery will give guests and understanding of the impact illness has had on the course of American history.

The afternoon includes a visit to the Brewster House which during the Revolutionary War was a tavern run by Joseph Brewster to entertain the British.  American Patriot Caleb Brewster, cousin of Joseph Brewster and presumably a frequent visitor to the house, was a member of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring during the Revolutionary War.

Explore the oldest house in the town of Brookhaven, and learn about the way that colonial long islanders lived under British rule during the American Revolution.  The history of the Culper Spy Ring is brought to life with an interactive and engaging presentation of the changing home, family and occupants through the centuries.  After the tour, experience an authentic colonial tea to drink in the original tavern room (circa 1740).

End the day with a dinner cruise on the Lauren Kristy Riverboat.  Sail around the Great South Bay while enjoying a buffet dinner and great music! (B,D)

This morning, visit Sagamore Hill, the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919.  During Roosevelt’s time in office, his “Summer White House” was the focus of international attention.  Explore the natural surroundings and become inspired by the legacy of one of America’s most popular presidents.

Then enjoy some free time in Oyster Bay for lunch on own.  Oyster Bay as a top shopping district with plenty of local shops and restaurants can be found in the pedestrian-friendly Main Street area.  Depart for home. (B)