Center Moriches

Center Moriches stretches from Sunrise Highway on the north to Moriches Bay on the south. Close to the water, the land divides into long peninsulas separated by creeks. In the southern parts of Center Moriches there are beaches, marinas and private docks. There are some industrial areas in the northern parts of town. Homes here are generally more affordable than many homes farther east, though there are historic homes and mansions as well. Of the three Moriches hamlets, Center Moriches has the largest business district along Montauk Highway, where there are shops, restaurants and a venerable men’s clothing store.
The small town atmosphere of Center Moriches is one reason many of its residents like living here. In many ways, Center Moriches retains a feeling of the way Long Island used to be when fewer people lived here. Favorite activities include bike riding, kayaking, sailing and fishing. Terrell River County Park has hiking trails, birdwatching, beach access and beautiful water views. Webby’s Park is right on the bay, with a public beach, playground and picnic tables. Kaler’s Pond Park has a pond for fishing, a couple of playgrounds and a TWA Flight 800 memorial. Community events here include the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and a holiday tree lighting in December.
The Moriches Bay Historical Society maintains the Historic Havens Homestead, built by one of the original families of Suffolk County and today a museum and shop. The Terry-Ketcham Inn, located on Main Street, is a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, where Thomas Jefferson and James Madison stayed when they came to visit General William Floyd in 1791. The Ketcham Inn offers a look at 18th century life on Long Island, and is maintained by the Ketcham Inn Foundation, Inc.