Hempstead's Hidden Gems

I was reading that Hempstead is known as the Watermelon Capital of the country, which got me thinking about what other local secrets we have in our town that newcomers might not know about. Given our small town feel with a population of about 5,430, I'm sure there are some spots or traditions that are cherished by long-time residents. What's your favorite hidden gem in Hempstead that you think everyone should know about?