Historic downtown Riverhead, blending past and future.
Historic downtown Riverhead (DTR) blends past and future. Prominent architecture melds into the East End of Long Island’s most Metropolitan-like setting. The Peconic River serves as a beautiful backdrop to the downtown area, lending itself to the newly refurbished town park and outdoor events. Established in 1792, there is diversity in its art, culture, and community that has been carried into the modern day. A transportation and growing tourism hub, DTR has become a place to eat, play, work, and stay for businesses and residents.
An entry to the North Fork and the Hamptons, DTR is being rediscovered - and reimagined. With a profound understanding of its unique diversity, the Riverhead Business Improvement District (BID) endeavors to rally the business community and engage with its residents and visitors through a number of free community events. The largest street-painting festival on Long Island takes place in the summer months. Crowds have gathered for the cardboard boat race down the Peconic River since its maiden voyage in 2010. Families flock to the Alive on 25 summer street fair with its classic car show. When the sun sets, Grangebel Park lights up with the Reflextions Art in the Park exhibit. Not to mention numerous concerts from varied performers, the famous Riverhead County Fair, and holiday bonfire where all gather to sip hot cocoa and sing carols. This is DTR.
Entertainment is just a small thread in the community fabric. In the center of East Main Street, the meticulously restored art deco Suffolk Theater, which first opened in 1933, came back to life in 2013 as a venue featuring big-name concerts and cabaret shows. The late 19th century saw the arrival of the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall, whose stage has been graced by local to international talents. Two of Main Street’s oldest buildings, the historic Corwin (circa 1830) and Benjamin (circa 1850) houses are owned by the Town of Riverhead and occupied by the East End Arts Council, which runs a gallery and community school for the arts. The grounds of these two restored historic homes connect Main Street with the riverfront.
With the water being one of Long Island’s major draws, supporting tourism and the local economy, the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center draws families and budding marine biologists to Main Street. Hyatt Place East End and the Preston House and Hotel are the two hotels where visitors can eat, stay, and play. Attractions like the Tanger Outlet Center and Splish Splash Water Park are just moments away. Dozens of vineyards lining the Long Island Wine Region is just at our doorstep.
From gastropub fare to French bistros, pizza to upscale continental, and of course, fresh seafood, DTR’s variety of restaurants cater to families looking for the best deal to couples treating themselves to a night out, and everything in between.
The backbone of this magical community, the businesses that have chosen to make DTR their place are passionate about the work they do and where they do it. From mom-and-pops to corporations, business owners and their staff know their customers, know their neighbors, and love their home. Things are happening in DTR. Join us.
The Riverhead Business Improvement District is home to the Suffolk County Historical Society located at 300 West Main Street Riverhead, New York 11901. With over 20,000 historical artifacts cared for in the museum, the society operates a history museum, a library and archives, and offers educational programs and events. The society houses a unique, ever-growing collection of artifacts, reflecting more than three centuries of history in Suffolk County.
