NEWSLETTER
Long Island's vineyard-studded North Fork is the perfect weekend getaway for families, food and drink enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates scenic seaside villages. Spend your weekend sampling the region’s award-winning varietals and locally made dishes, then hit the beach for a sun-soaked day on the Long Island Sound. Here's your guide for a relaxing 48 hours among the blissful coastal communities of the North Fork.
FRIDAY
4 pm: Explore Scenic Greenport
If you're looking for live music, charming boutiques, and restaurants with outdoor terraces, head to Greenport, a vibrant waterfront village where an adorable historic district and marina create an enchanting afternoon and evening. Try the local beers at Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. before heading out to walk around Mitchell Park, where you can take the kids for a spin at the 100-year-old Jess Owen Carousel House (there's also ice skating in the park in winter) or learn about the rich maritime heritage of Long Island’s East End at the East End Seaport Museum.
8 pm: Dine in Greenport
For dinner, go for lobster and other delicious seafood at Claudio’s Restaurant & Clam Bar (pictured), one of Long Island’s most historic and well-known dining and boating sites, or for a more contemporary setting, head to Noah's, a pioneering North Fork farm-to-table restaurant with a wine list that highlights bottles from nearby vineyards.
SATURDAY
9 am: Grab a bite at Love Lane Kitchen
Fuel up at Love Lane, right off Route 25 in Mattituck, where a menu full of mouthwatering breakfast items like challah French toast and made-to-order omelets will leave you ready to conquer the day. Grab a sandwich or salad to go for lunch—you'll be spending most of the day partaking in beach activities or wine-tasting. Both options will work up an appetite.
11 am: Take a walk on the beach
Go for a walk or just enjoy the views from the sand at Orient Beach State Park, which Travel + Leisure magazine named one of the best secluded beaches in the United States in 2019. During the summer, rent a kayak or canoe from Eagle's Neck Paddling Company
1 pm: Visit wine country
With more than 60 wineries in Long Island’s Wine Country, the North Fork offers a selection of vineyards for every taste. Head to Bedell Cellars (pictured) for a picturesque vineyard and customized experiences in a barn-style tasting room, Pindar Vineyards for in-depth cellar tours, or head to Discoverlongisland.com to choose from the many varietals—whether white, red, or rosé is your preference—and start sippin'.
4 pm: Sail for Shelter Island, or go shopping in Greenport Village
Take the North Ferry to Shelter Island and soak in the region's seaside charm. Check out the historic Pridwin Hotel and Cottages, classic American resort hotel that has been providing guests a unique experience on Shelter Island since 1927, or venture to Mashomack Nature Preserve for miles of sandy coastline and woodland trails.
Let the ferry take you back to Greenport's Main Street and Front Street to peruse boutiques and antique shops for clothing and decor pieces created by the area's artists and artisans.
7 pm: Dine out in charming North Fork villages
The North Fork is a close-knit community filled with family businesses and farm-to-table restaurants. Head to The Halyard at Sound View (pictured) for fresh, local fare prepared by chef Stephan Bogardus. In the town of Southold, the North Fork Table offers seasonally inspired American dishes and an elegant ambiance. For your after-dinner cocktail back in Greenpoint, Brix and Rye has outstanding mixologists and live music all night long.
SUNDAY
9 am: Start the day at North Fork Roasting Co.
Grab breakfast at this popular coffee shop. A variety of freshly roasted coffee is offered along with a delicious meal before heading out for the day’s adventures.
11 am: Take selfies at Lavender by the Bay
Head over to Lavender by the Bay in East Marion. It's New York's premier lavender farm and one of the largest in the entire country—as well as one of the best selfie spots on the North Fork! (There's now a second location a bit further west in Calverton, a good option for summer visits with kids as it's across from Splish Splash water park.) Meander through the gardens and enjoy a snack in the fields, all the while soaking in the sunshine and taking in the beautiful scents. While the lavender fields are typically in bloom in June and July, you can visit the farm from April to December to purchase lavender-scented everything—soaps, sachets, lotions, bath salts, and more.
1 pm: Experience family fun at Harbes Family Farm
With three different locations on the North Fork including a farm and vineyard in Mattituck (pictured), this family-run farm has offered fresh produce and more for 30 years. The farm hosts memory-making apple- and pumpkin-picking experiences in season, as well as family fun such as hayrides and corn mazes. The winery is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the North Fork terroir; Harbes has earned major awards for its sparkling blanc de blancs and several red varietals (Syrah, merlot, and cabernet franc).
2 pm: Shop at Tanger Outlets
Before you go home, stop by the Tanger Outlets in Riverhead for designer bargains including brands like Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors.
GETTING THERE
By train or bus:
Take the LIRR to Greenport station. By bus, check out the Hampton Jitney schedule.
By car:
• From New York City: 2.5 hours
• From Albany: 4 hours
• From Boston, MA: 4 hours
• From Philadelphia, PA: 4 hours
By plane:
Fly into Long Island MacArthur Airport then catch a 40-minute cab or shuttle to the North Fork.
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