Travel Planner: Islip, NY

Standing in the lush grass of this park, you'd never imagine that it was once a swamp and a dumping ground. But the gleaming Unisphere (an enormous 140-foot-high steel globe) might tip you off that this 1,255-acre park was also the site of two World's Fairs.

Many New Yorkers head to a specific attraction, such as a Mets game or the science museum, not realizing the many discoveries to be made nearby. But savvy visitors can take advantage of "one-stop park shopping." Here are not only typical grassy knolls, barbecue pits, and sports fields, but also an art museum, a petting zoo, golf and minigolf, and even a model-plane field. It is too large to see everything in one day, so aim to hit a few primary spots. Though several destinations are clustered together on the northwest side of the park, be prepared for long peaceful walks in between. The flat grounds are ideal for family biking; rent bikes near the park entrance or Meadow Lake from March to October. Although the park is great in daytime, avoid visiting once it gets dark; there has been some crime in this area. Subway: 7 to 111th St. or Willets Point.

This sports-and-entertainment complex along the Hudson River between 17th and 23rd streets (entrance on 23rd), a phenomenal example of adaptive reuse, is the size of four 80-story buildings lying flat. There's pretty much every kind of sports activity going on inside and out, from golf to ice-skating, rock climbing, soccer, bowling, gymnastics, and basketball. Plus there's a spa, elite sport-specific training, film studios, and a brewery. It's the jumping-off point for some of the city's varied water tours and dinner cruises. Trips on the river via private yacht can be arranged by Surfside 3 Marinemax Marina

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). Lunch cruises, dinner cruises, and cabaret sails can be reserved on

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, which both leave from

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leave from Pier 62 through

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). www.chelseapiers.com. Subway: C, E to 23rd St.

On a narrow strip of land between Montauk Highway and sparkling Fort Pond, this complex encompasses a miniature-golf course, video game room, and boat-rental center. Boats for hire include Sunfish, pedal boats, canoes, rowboats, and kayaks. The waters of Fort Pond are usually quite calm, and sightings of local waterfowl are common. Admission: Miniature golf $5, boat rentals $13-$22. Hours: July and Aug., daily; Sept.-June, weekends. Hrs vary; call for details.

At this 1929 colonial-style inn, Adirondack chairs are scattered across lawns sloping down to Coecles Harbor. The secluded spot at the end of Ram Island has a small beach for swimming (bring insect repellant) or sailing. Rooms, furnished in a simple country style, are bright; they often book up months ahead of time. The restaurant is known for its outstanding seasonal fare. Jazz musicians play during Sunday brunch, served late May to late October. Pros:

hotel pick-up at the Shelter Island Ferry House.

located in remote section of the island and not within walking distance to stores or restaurants. www.shelterislandinns.com. 13 rooms, 4 suites. In-room: safe, kitchen, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, golf course, pool, tennis court, gym. Credit cards accepted. Closed Nov.-Mar. Rate includes: Breakfast.

This sprawling resort has a modern Colonial look and extensive facilities. Guest rooms have neutral-tone color schemes, dark wood furniture, and modern amenities; some have river or golf-course views. Drop by Schadrack's Tap Room for light fare or a drink after a day on the greens. Pros:

extensive recreational facilities, equidistant to both I-84 and Woodbury's antiques shopping, attractive and contemporary rooms.

adjacent to a sprawling retirement condominium community, independent travelers may not appreciate that it's extremely popular with groups and conventions. www.heritagesouthbury.com. 163 rooms, 5 suites. In-room: Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, golf course, pool, tennis courts, gym, spa. Credit cards accepted.

This posh Georgian-style inn is on 42 rolling acres right by the Thames River. The spa, the state's finest, provides an entire spectrum of skin care, massages, body treatments, and fitness classes. You'll find four-poster beds, wood-burning fireplaces, CD players, and a complete galley kitchen in the luxe villas as well as comfy country furnishings in the guest rooms. The inn's elegant restaurant serves tasty, yet health-conscious, fare. The top-notch seafood scampi with fresh Maine lobster, sea scallops, and Gulf shrimp over linguine has just 425 calories—and you'd never know it. Pros:

one of the best spas in the state, short drive from casinos, beautiful grounds.

oriented toward spa guests, so less appealing if that's not your interest. www.thespaatnorwichinn.com. 49 rooms, 54 villas. In-room: Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurants, golf course, pool, tennis courts, spa. Credit cards accepted.

The rambling Victorian-era hotel—a jumble of towers, chimneys, porches, and turrets—sits at the edge of a mountaintop lake. The resort's 2,200 acres encompass private woodland and elaborate gardens and overflow with options for recreation, including 85 mi of hiking trails. Antiques fill the guest rooms, which are luxurious and spacious. Choice accommodations in the towers have original Victorian woodwork, wood-burning fireplaces, and balconies. Your room rate includes three meals daily, plus afternoon tea and cookies. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style; dinner is a formal affair (men may want to wear jackets). Four self-catering cottages, which sleep four to six people, are also available and include full kitchens. Pros:

all-inclusive plan; tons of activities; great for kids.

grounds can be packed with day-trippers; not for those looking for quiet getaway. www.mohonk.com. 265 rooms, 7 suites, 4 cottages. In-room: safe, no TV (some), Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurants, bar, golf course, pool, tennis courts, gym, spa, water sports, children's programs, laundry facilities, business center. Credit cards accepted. Cottages closed mid-Oct.-mid-May.