The Open Gate
a retirement home for Christian Scientists

The Neighborhood

Bay Shore was once a recreational area for the turn-of-the-century wealthy from New York City, who maintained their summer "cottages" here - huge, rambling frame houses just like the one that forms the architectural core of The Open Gate. The cool breezes from the Great South Bay and the pristine beaches along bay and ocean attracted people then, as they do today.

Many of our residents and Rest-and-Study guests love the short walk south to the marina where fishermen and clammers are at work, or they may just enjoy sitting out on the open back deck or the enclosed front porch watching the scenery and reading.

A short walk to the north is the main street of Bay Shore with banks, restaurants, shops, and a gazebo overlooking the newly landscaped canal to the Bay where regular summer outdoor concerts are held.  The Christian Science Society and its Reading Room are on Main Street, too, a walk away. The Open Gate van takes residents to the services.

The Long Island Railroad is nearby in town, giving our visitors and residents access to the treasures of New York City; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center, Broadway Theaters, Central Park, South Street Seaport, the Cloisters and endless other attractions.