Nearby: Sands Point Preserve's Fall Season to Include New Music Series

A new series of performances will be among the highlights this fall at Sands Point Preserve. Also on tap: a host of family and educational activities on the 216-acre preserve, which is home of the Guggenheim estate and includes historic mansions, hiking trails, beach and open space.

The first performance is Friday when the Friends of Sands Point Preserve presents “Puccini’s Passion.” The piece tells the story of the famed composer, near the end of his life, as he reflects on his life and loves — how they became the inspiration for his operatic heroines.  On Oct. 19, “And The Merry Widow Waltzed” – an Arts Alive Long Island Signature Series event – is a journey through the development of the American Musical, from Lehar to Bernstein to Sondheim. These evenings also include a three-course gourmet dinner prepared by Philip Stone Caterer. Guests can mingle and meet the artists following the performances. Look for future announcements about upcoming classical music, musical theater, choral concerts, cabaret and jazz.

Other events include the annual Village Day Fall Festival on Sept. 29 (rain date Oct. 6).  Outdoor activities include a petting zoo, hayrides, pumpkin painting, and a green grocer selling artisanal cheeses and fresh baked goods. Also on sale is fresh honey from the preserve’s honeybees.  

Just in time for Halloween, Friends of the Sands Point Preserve will feature a one-hour family opera “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and a Halloween party – both on Oct. 27.  And for the Christmas holiday season, the organization presents “Amahl and the Night Visitors” on Dec. 1 and “Holiday Tales at the Hearth” Dec. 8.    

This year also brings the Design Showhouse at Hempstead House, with the theme, “Titans of Business & the Best of Design." The 1912 Tudor-style mansion will be decorated by 15 designers who have been inspired by so-called captain of of industry in business, entertainment, technology, fashion, and the arts.  Tours will run from Nov. 2-24, Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-4p.m.  The new Palm Court Café will serve lunches on the tour dates. Kicking off the designer showcase is a masquerade ball on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m., with proceeds helping to help support restoration projects at the mansion. And designer Sally Miller will hold a fashion and trunk show on Nov.  23 – with local young models in her couture designs taking to the runway in Castle Gould.  Girls ages 8-16 who would like to model are encouraged to apply by calling (516) 571-7901.

Additional programs include a coastal cleanup and beach life workshop on Saturday.  And the Falaise French Norman-style mansion, which was originally Harry Guggenheim’s home situated on the bluffs overlooking Hempstead Harbor, is open for tours through October, Thursdays through Sundays.

For tickets and more information call 516-571-7901, email info@friendsspp.org, visit www.thesandspointpreserve.com or stop by the gate house at 127 Middle Neck Road in Sands Point, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.