Rockaway Avenue

he calling card of any town or city is often its main street. And Valley Stream is no exception. Conveniently located just north of the Long Island Rail Road, Rockaway Avenue is a commercial hub home to more than a dozen independent businesses. This downtown gem is alive and at its best on a bright sunny day with shoppers perusing the stores, kids laughing and pedaling their bikes, and families strolling through the charming ambiance.

If you’re looking to grab a bite, the street boasts a hearty sampling of restaurants, local eateries, delis, cafes and bars. Whether you’re in the mood for upscale fine dining or simply hungry for more casual fare, there's no shortage of places to choose from with cuisine as dynamic and vibrant as the people who live here.

But good food aside, Rockaway Avenue is also the site where commerce meets culture and community. Take a brisk walk along the street and you’ll be sure to spot the banners hanging on the lamp posts showcasing Valley Stream iconography painted by acclaimed New

the not-so-hidden gem T American-style resident artist Mike Stanko. “I love the fact that the banners don’t have ‘stock’ artwork,” Mayor Edwin Fare said, “but of Valley Stream are original Valley Stream scenes by Stanko.” Rockaway Avenue is also the traditional spot where the Memorial Day Parade announcer salutes and greets the companies passing through along its route. Come summertime, Friday evenings on Rockaway Avenue are transformed into a scene of yesteryear with a lineup of classic and retro cars during the annual Classic Car Show sponsored by the village and chamber of commerce that are bound to rev your spirits up. Do check out other seasonal treats like onstreet dining also offered when the weather gets warm. You won’t regret taking an hour — maybe two — to look around and explore what all the hustle and bustle is all about. — Juan Lasso Tim Baker/Herald photos Top: Rockaway Avenue, the village’s popular downtown business district, hosts a world of services with more than a dozen restaurants and shops.

Top: Rockaway hosts the village’s annual Classic Car Show with a lineup of antique and vintage cars on display for everyone to enjoy during summer Fridays.

Bottom: The banners on the lampposts feature village iconography from New American-style resident artist Mike Stanko.