About Port Jefferson
Located in the Town of Brookhaven in Suffolk County, on Long Island’s North Shore, Port Jefferson boasts amazing views of the waterfront as well as a unique maritime heritage that delights residents and visitors alike. Once a thriving hub of shipbuilding, the village’s economy now largely revolves around tourism. Located 50 miles east of New York City, “Port Jeff,” as it is nicknamed, is a village featuring many activities and amenities, but which also allows for direct access to Bridgeport, Connecticut via the Port Jefferson Ferry.
Port Jefferson has so many amenities that residents and visitors shouldn’t feel the need to go far to fulfill their wants & needs. One of the unique benefits of the village is the Port Jeff Ferry. The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company provides a ferry service from Port Jefferson, New York to Bridgeport, Connecticut for $58 for one driver and car. Skip the traffic and get to your destination faster with this unique service connecting two vibrant communities. If you are looking for a mini weekend vacation be sure to refer to the Port Jefferson ferry schedule.
Seven thousand seven hundred ninety-five residents call Port Jeff their home. The median household income is $98,864, and the median property value is $499,400. The local economy employs 3,694 people, and major industries include Educational Services, Healthcare, and Social Assistance, Scientific Services, Finance and Insurance, and Real Estate. Located just ten minutes away, the world-class State University of New York at Stony Brook provides unparalleled higher education opportunities.
The Port Jefferson School District provides an intimate learning experience to its students. Edna Louise Spear Elementary School is the only elementary school on Long Island with its pool, and students in grades 1-5 receive swimming lessons every other week. Port Jefferson Middle School serves 300 students in grades 6-8, while 390 students in grades 9-12 attend Earl L. Vandermeulen High School.
Port Jefferson is the perfect place to host a wedding or other social event.
Danfords Hotel, Marina & Spa: This boutique hotel boasts views of Long Island Sound. Their ballroom can accommodate up to 165 guests, and rehearsal dinner spaces include intimate salons or their in-house restaurant, WAVE Seafood Kitchen. LIWeddings.com included Danfords on their Best of 2017 list.
The WaterView at Port Jefferson Country Club: Located on a hilltop overlooking Long Island Sound, The WaterView features a deck and a cocktail room for memorable cocktail receptions. In addition to weddings, the WaterView also offers a Sweet Sixteen package, among other event packages.
The Meadow Club: An affordable and elegant destination for weddings, holiday parties, and other social events, The Meadow Club is a Victorian-style catering venue featuring gardens, gazebos, and stone patios. They have partnered with The Curry Club of East Setauket to provide a variety of dining options—from Italian to Indian and beyond.
Those looking for unique recreation and enrichment opportunities need not look further than Port Jefferson. Jeanne Garant Harborfront Park is the perfect place to stroll along the waterfront and even have a picnic. It’s connected to the Port Jefferson Village Center, which also features a seasonal outdoor ice-skating rink. Located in the historic Chandlery Building built in the 1890s, the Long Island Explorium is a children’s museum of science and engineering. Bayles Boat Shop focuses on the restoration of historic boats. An initiative of Long Island Seaport and Education Center, it is open to the public. The Historical Society of Greater Port Jefferson is housed within The Mather House. Guided tours are available of this historic home that served as the family home of the Mathers, 19th century Port Jefferson ship builders.
While in town, be sure to explore Port Jefferson’s wonderful dining establishments, including:
C’est Cheese: A cheese-focused restaurant in a hip space featuring live music, a craft beer selection, and a retail cheese shop.
Slurp Ramen: A vegetarian-friendly restaurant specializing in authentic Japanese ramen, along with pork buns and salads.
Fifth Season: Seasonal menus featuring fresh, local ingredients.
Gourmet Burger Bistro: Tasty burgers in a contemporary American setting.
Tiger Lily Café: A vegetarian-friendly café with some vegan options, features a juice bar and outdoor patio.
The Pie: Coal-fired and brick oven Neopolitan pizza.
Port Jefferson is home to many events that are sure to entertain the entire family throughout all four seasons—from the Fourth of July parade to the Harvest Fest and beyond. The Boater’s Maritime Festival celebrates the village’s maritime heritage with a boat show and educational presentations over one weekend in June. The internationally acclaimed Charles Dickens Festival pays homage to the great 19th century British novelist by transforming the streets in early December as Dickensian characters roam the village. The Farmer’s Market features unique items in both winter and summer.
Port Jefferson has been the birthplace or place of residence for many notable Americans, including:
Robert Farrar Capon: Born in 1925, served as a full-time Episcopal priest in Port Jefferson for nearly 30 years and was the author of over 20 books.
Ted Chiang: Born 1967, a speculative fiction writer whose short story “Story of Your Life” was the basis for the movie Arrival (2016).
Vivien Cardone: Born in 1993, known for her role as Delia Brown in The WB television show Everwood.
William Moore Davis: Born in 1829, a painter best known for his landscapes.
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