The Smithtown Special Library District: Bus Trip to the Culinary Institute and the Vanderbilt Mansion - Ages 18 and Up (Nesconset)

We’ll depart from the Nesconset Branch parking lot at 6:45am for historic Hyde Park.

1st stop will be the renowned Culinary Institute, where at 10:15, we’ll enjoy a 1-hour student-led tour of its outstanding facilities followed at 11:30 by a 4-course feast: appetizer (ravioli filled w/spinach and ricotta, topped w/butter and sage), 1st course (baby arugula salad w/endive and carrots; warm goat cheese crostini), main course (pan-fried chicken Milanese w/Fontina and mozzarella cheese; warm Mediterranean potato salad) and dessert (warm chocolate “lava” cake w/vanilla gelato) - plus coffee/tea/iced tea - at its Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici.

We’ll then go back in time to the Gilded Age - to the Vanderbilt Mansion, that is - where we’ll walk off our meal while admiring the architecture, interiors, Italian gardens and spectacular views of the Hudson on our 1-hour guided tour. The Beaux-Arts splendor of this National Historic Site may make you want to stay; but, at 4:45pm, our luxury coach will head home.

Notes: You will be served light snacks on the bus. BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS, THOUGH, AND SNACKS TO SUPPLEMENT THE SMALL SNACKS WE'LL PROVIDE. A fair amount of walking is involved during the trip - including stairs at the Mansion. IMPORTANT: Please read the webpage www.nps.gov/vama/planyourvisit/things2know.htm. If you have concerns, call Anya at 265-3994, ext. 135.

Non-refundable $97 cash/ck to "Smithtown Library" (includes all) is due at in-person registration, which is ongoing and now open to all. NEW REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS 5/23 or when trip is filled. Call 265-3994 to check on the status of registration.