Explore Bohemia, New York
Slavs settled in Bohemia, New York in 1855. They hailed from a section of European Bohemia known as Kadaň and named the new village they founded after their home area. The settlers supported themselves by making cigars, but that disappeared in the 1930s when automated production took over the industry.
Today, Bohemia is a small town of fewer than 10,000 people. It features many examples of Eastern European architecture, including cross-gable roofs. Because it lies on the south shore of Long Island, there are plenty of ocean beaches for summer swimming. Hop in your Bohemia, New York RV rental to discover Jones Beach, which is just 27 miles away from Bohemia.
The Bayard Cutting Arboretum, in the nearby town of Great River, was donated by the Bayard Cutting family. It is described as an "oasis of beauty and quiet" by the founding family. The current philosophy of the botanical garden is that it is a "museum of trees." You can walk through it for peaceful contemplation and to learn about the various species, but active games and sports are prohibited. Greentree Park, located approximately 13 miles from the arboretum, has a playground and baseball diamonds for more active pursuits.
Many favorite restaurants in and around Bohemia serve Italian food. Nearby Butera's is one of the most popular. The reasonably-priced menu features gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza is famous for its thin-crust pizza and also has vegetarian choices. If you are in the mood for traditional diner food, the Airport Diner is known for its extensive breakfast menu, along with plenty of hearty sandwich selections. The Locust Avenue Deli's sandwiches are a Long Island staple. This restaurant does not have a lot of seating, so you can sit down to enjoy a takeout lunch at an area park.
National Forests Near Bohemia, New York
Green Mountain National Forest is a little more than 200 miles north of Bohemia, New York. This Vermont forest contains over 2,000 archaeological sites to explore. You can also take your camper van on a driving tour during the autumn to see the brilliant fall foliage of the area. Experienced hikers will enjoy a vigorous 20-mile hike to the Stratton Fire Tower along the Stratton Mountain Loop. If you would rather have an easy walk after parking your travel trailer, check out the Texas Falls Nature Trail.
What the Green Mountain National Forest is to Vermont, the White Mountain National Forest is to New Hampshire. Its 800,000 acres contain abundant wildlife, and RV enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails of various difficulties, fishing, and boating within the forest. The ponds along the hiking trails are stocked with many fish species, including trout, walleye, and bass. This pet-friendly forest allows dogs if they are leashed and don't create disturbances for other visitors or the local wildlife. Visitors must also clean up after pets.
Finger Lakes National Forest lies in the western half of New York. It's a small national forest, but within, it features waterfalls, gorges, and scores of spring wildflowers. On clear nights, lucky visitors can spot the northern lights from within the forest. The hiking in this forest isn't known for its difficulty, but many trails end at lovely waterfalls. Note that some trails are impassable in the winter, and most are best traveled during the spring.
Events Near Bohemia, New York
Every spring, join art lovers at the Bay Shore Art Crawl, which features live art, live music, children's activities, and more in nearby Bay Shore's downtown district.
The annual Long Island Whiskey Fest takes place in Deer Park in May. Visitors can choose from up to 100 whiskies from New York and beyond as they enjoy food trucks, live entertainment, and other activities.
Also in Bay Shore, the upcoming Long Island Feast Fest is an annual food extravaganza every spring. It features live music, craft beers, and over 20 different food vendors.
Convenient Dump Stations Near Bohemia, New York
The closest free dump station for the general public is 21 miles west of Bohemia at the Huntington Treatment Plant in Huntington, New York. This dump station also offers potable and rinse water. Some RV campgrounds scattered around Long Island, such as Nickerson Beach Campground, offer free dump stations for registered guests. They typically charge a nominal fee for non-registered individuals to dump waste. Contact the applicable RV park and ask about dump station fees before arriving in your RV rental from Bohemia, New York.