Our regional treasure that is Old Westbury Gardens always is a place to revel in spring's glory. This weekend offers a Talk and Tour about "Early Spring Perennials," on Saturday at 1 p.m. Visitors can stroll through the Gardens with master gardener/docent Dan Mahony, admire all the vibrant spring plants and learn how to grow them at home. Porsche car aficionados are in for a treat on Sunday, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., when the spring Porsche Concours rolls into the Gardens. Visitors can view a wide array of cars, from mid '50s to current models, presented by the metro New York chapter of Porsche Club of America. Also that day, a Young Musician's Concert is featured in Westbury House's Red Ballroom, at 3 p.m. Visit Old Westbury Gardens at 71 Old Westbury Rd., Westbury. For further information, contact (516) 333-0048 or www.oldwestburygardens.org.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Spring has indeed sprung at Old Bethpage Village. The farm animals have welcomed their newborns, in one of the Village's traditional rites of spring. Visit with the farm animals and join in the daily activities of 19th century life, when history comes alive, on Saturdays, through the end of May. This special program gives visitors a chance to experience first-hand how Long Islanders lived over 150 years ago.Children and accompanying adults are invited and encouraged to try their hand at writing on a slate board with a slate pencil at the School House, churning fresh cream into butter at the Powell Farmhouse, rolling wooden hoops on dirt streets beside the Noon Inn, weaving on a small loom at the Williams Farmhouse, carding wool at the Benjamin House, along with other activities.Visitors may also find themselves asked to sweep the porch at the General Store, with a handmade corn broom, or assist the hatter in making a hat. Another spring pasttime and a popular attraction, the old time baseball league, is in full swing, with two games played on Sunday. The Village sponsors two vintage baseball leagues: 1864 Rules and 1887 Rules. Each features teams recreated from actual baseball clubs that played on Long Island. In all, there are ten teams in the program. In addition to the eight regular season teams, the league has its own traveling squad, the New York Mutuals, who represent Old Bethpage at various tournaments and whenever other traveling clubs come to town.The games are competitive, and played in recreated period uniforms, with period equipment. Old Time Base Ball, by the way, is an all-volunteer program and welcomes new players at any time during the season.Old Bethpage Village Restoration is at Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. For further information, contact (516) 572-8400.
The Cradle Of Aviation Museum
Go fly a kite! Before you do, learn some fascinating facts about the kite's role in aviation history at a kitemaking workshop, Saturday, at Cradle of Aviation Museum."The kite is more than just a children's toy, "said Cradle of Aviation Museum's chief operating officer Claudia Oakes. "It has played a major role in providing insight into our understanding of flying.Find out more and make a kite to take home, at one of three workshops at 1, 2 or 3 p.m. The Cradle of Aviation Museum is on Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City. For more information, contact (516) 572-4111 or www.cradleofaviationmuseum.org.
Nassau County Museum of Art
It's a weekend for the family at Nassau County Museum of Art. Musician/educator Hayes Greenfield, presents "Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz," an interactive musical show, on Saturday, at 10 a.m. Designed for ages 5-8, the program introduces children to jazz in a lively way that encourages the young audience to clap, call out responses, and even dance.Then, the next day, at 1-3 p.m., NCMA offers "Family Art Day." Visitors can participate in varied art activities, including hands-on projects, mural making, clay work, and painting. While you're there, take some time out to see the current exhibit, "Beyond The Frame: Impressionism Revisited, The Sculptures of J. Seward Johnson, Jr." It all takes place at 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Reservations are required for Saturday's performance. For tickets and information, contact (516) 484-9337 or www.nassaumuseum.com.
