Phoebe and Bell

Photos: David Korchin

Once again, something notable has occurred on the corner of Skunk Lane and the Main Road in Cutchogue with the opening of Phoebe and Bell, a well curated home décor and lifestyle shop owned and run by Kathy Perratta. Housed in the 19th century Post Office where the infamous letter from Einstein to Roosevelt was mailed, Perratta is making a kind of history of her own with one of the only shops on the North Fork selling contemporary furniture, textiles and objects for the home and garden.

37070 Main Road | Cutchogue | 631-765-5120

Open Space

Photos by David Korchin

Tucked inside the charming Sterling Square in Greenport, designer Joann Brancato's aptly named, Open Space, is like walking into a gallery with its well curated selection of art, photography, found objects, furniture and Joann's own unique jewelry designs.

300 Maine St | Greenport | 917-566-4647

8 Hands Farm

Photos by David Korchin

When we first stumbled upon 8 Hands Farm, our thought was, a little bit of Scotland has landed on the North Fork. Small rolling hills of green, dotted with full coated sheep in white, grey and black bucolic beauty. But after meeting Tom Geppel and his wife, Carol Festa, owners of the farm, it turns out actually to be a bit of Iceland, with their ever-growing herd of Icelandic sheep. 28 sheep and counting - this spring they’ll be adding to the flock with the birth of an expected 50+ lambs.

For Tom and Carol and their two children, education and sustainability are the two working mantras at 8 Hands. Their 50 acres, used for both grazing and cultivating, already supply local restaurants and green markets with fine cuts of meats and home grown vegetables.

Stop by their barn in Cutchogue, where you’ll find skeins of wool residing next to crates of farm fresh eggs. Jars of pickles alongside beautifully crafted sheep horn jewelry. And a clapboard, placed roadside, that tells passers-by of their daily selections. On most Sunday mornings you’ll find the North Fork Food Truck serving up breakfast sandwiches made with the farms morning supply of eggs.

4735 Cox Lane |  Cutchogue | (917) 913-7287 | facebook.com/8HandsFarm

Lido

Photo by Joni Rentz

A bit of Mediterranean panache comes to Greenport via Lido, Heidi Kelso and Fran Lombardi-Reilly’s lifestyle boutique, formerly known at Eureka Beach. The shop, with its well curated selection of beachwear, jewelry, accessories and home design, all sourced from their travels to Turkey, India, Thailand and Spain, makes you feel as if you were there! We love their cotton prints, striped espadrilles, cotton throws and beaded necklaces.

Photo by Joni Rentz

Looking for the ultimate Mediterranean experience? 1. Grab a summery printed cotton dress + striped espadrilles at Lido2. Pick up souvlaki to go at the Hellenic in East Marion 3. Head to the beach located on Narrow River Road in Orient. Then sit back and soak it in. If it weren’t for everyone speaking English you’d think you were on the Greek island of Paros instead of Long Island.

119 Main St. | Greenport | (631) 477-2350

Greenport's Antique Carousel

Photo by David Korchin

Hop aboard the famous 1920s carousel that plays center stage in Greenport’s waterfront village. The 40-foot wide, wooden carousel twirls its riders upon 36, hand painted, jumping horses and 2 chariots for an exuberant three-minute ride. Tensions run high to saddle up on one of the outside horses for the chance at grabbing the brass ring. The lucky rider to do so is awarded with another spin for free. Perfectly placed under a glass enclosed pavilion makes this a year round favorite for not only the young but also the young at heart. Us included! Open 10am to 9pm.

Mitchell Park (Front Street) | Greenport

Artist: Cindy Pease Roe

Click on the link above to watch the video on Cindy or to read the full story go to our feature in the Summer 2013 issue.

190 Sterling Street | Greenport | cindypeaseroe.com

One Love Beach

Photos by Joni Rentz

At first glance it may look like a surf shop but it’s actually more than that. Owners Blake and Chris Dowling stock their newly opened shop with stuff that’ll get you moving and enjoying the outdoors. The shop is vibrant with its brightly colored, sleek paddleboards and wakeboards lining the walls, neon colored Penny skateboards, custom colored and adorned bikes, straw bags, surf wear, sunglasses, havianas and wetsuits. Blake and Chris think of it as more than a shop but rather a community, where you can get the latest marine forecast, pick up some equipment, schedule a lesson or rental or simply to hang. The shop will be opened all year where the inventory will evolve with the seasons so stay tuned for snowboards and snowsuits!

211 Main Street | Greenport | onelovebeach.com

East End Charters

Photos by Joni Rentz

For the ultimate North Fork experience you need to see it from a totally different perspective, you need to get out on the water. And no one on the Fork delivers a more unique experience than East End Charters, specializing in two-hour, half, full day or for however long you’d like, adventures.

Climb aboard Surprise, their 57 foot Spaulding Dunbar ketch, with Captain Pat Mundus and her friendly crew for an unforgettable North Fork Adventure. How about sailing off to your own private island oasis where you spend the day taking in the sun, relaxing and frolicking in the water. While on land a lobster and seafood feast is all being perfectly prepared and set up for you, by your crew, to enjoy on the beach. Or discover the Wine Trail by sea with a days-long tour including three select vineyards and lunch on deck. All perfectly choreographed for you to return just in time for dinner ashore. They have many adventures to choose from, but no matter your plans, you’ll always be pleasantly surprised.

Along with Surprise, Pat’s fleet can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 30 guests aboard sail or power driven vessels and can cover anything from a simple harbor tour to a 5 star customized luxury adventure.

So lace up your deck shoes, pull on your navy stripes and set off on an adventure you’ll never forget.

East End Charters |  Greenport | (631) 477-6993 | eastendcharters.com

Bicycle Rentals

Photo by Joni Rentz

Instead of 4 wheels take the slow scenic route on 2. For renting, there are two great bike rental options for you in Greenport. One, located right in the center of town on Front Street called Port Side Rentals. They rent comfy retro cruisers. Big seats. Big wheels. Perfect for cruising. The second is Dan’s Bike Rental. Dan has a fleet of high quality Specialized and Trek hybrid bikes. He’ll even deliver them right to your door. Either way, please peddle responsibly.

North Found Co

Photos by Joni Rentz

North Found Co, a general store of sorts, carries an eclectic array of new and found objects, vintage lighting, haberdashery, woolen blankets even imported Italian olive oils, pasta and sauces. This new arrival to the Fork is a sure winner in our book.

2845 Peconic Lane | Peconic | 631.765.8701 | facebook.com/NorthFoundCo

Five Branches Wellness

Photos by David Korchin

is not just a spa but an overall wellness center located on Main Street in Greenport's old Masonic Temple. Owner Rachel Reich, along with her two sisters Jenny Wood and Carolyn Reich, offer up a variety of services to enhance your overall well being that include acupuncture, massage, diet, herbs and exercise. Zumba in the morning, a massage and facial in the afternoon is one routine I could easily fall into. Massages are available by appointment either at their location or if you prefer, yours. Additional services are in the works such as Pilates and an essential oils bar so we'll keep you posted.

430 Main Street | Greenport | 631.629.6636 | fivebranchesgreenport.com

Vines and Branches

Photos by David Korchin

A new kind of tasting room has opened in the village of Greenport called Vines and Branches. Here you can sample 45 varieties of olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the globe. Owner Rita Winkler opened her shop to share her passion for her products not only for their flavor but health benefits as well. Added to that there's a nice selection of sea salts, spices and olive oil-based skin-care products. And if you're hungry, sandwiches locally sourced salads and other tasty morsels along with freshly brewed coffee and teas are available and can be enjoyed inside or on the front patio.

110 Front Street | Greenport |  631.477.6800 | vinesandbranches.net

67 Steps

Photos by Joni Rentz

Don’t let the number of stairs intimidate you from this idyllic beach location on the sound in Greenport. It's the perfect spot for a late afternoon swim or picnic as you watch the sun dip into the water. Tuck in behind one of the giant boulders that line the beach for your own private oasis. And here's a bit of tradition: Leave a stone along the railing at the top of the stairs to commemorate your visit.

MAP IT >

Sound Road | Greenport

Book Hampton - Sadly CLOSED

Photos by Joni Rentz

If you’re a lover of books, the kind with a cover and pages in-between, then head over to Love Lane in Mattituck where you’ll find the most recent addition to the hood, Book Hampton. It’s comforting to know bookstores like this still exist. Oversized white washed tables proudly showcase the most recent and noteworthy of covers while the stacks house a choice selection ranging from fiction to sci-fi, and everything in between. Put down your e-book and pick up a real book.

50 Love Lane | Mattituck | 631.315.5064 | bookhampton.com

Oysterponds Farm

Photos by David Korchin

Oysterponds Farm, started in 2003, is the creation of the Apostle and Stevenson families, mother, father, daughter and son-in-law. All share in the responsibilities of growing, harvesting and stirring up batches of the best jam on the fork. Only using sustainable methods of farming they produce 6 varieties, Blueberry (their newest addition), Red Raspberry, Strawberry, Blackberry, Golden Raspberry and Black Raspberry which all contain just 3 ingredients: berries, sugar and pectin. Pure and simple. Drive by the farm, located in Orient, Monday thru Saturday and pick up a few jars off their charming farm stand just outside the farms gates. Off season, give them a call. They'll be happy to sell you their wares out of their garage located behind the farm.

24850 Main Rd | Orient | 631.323.2463 | oysterpondsfarm.com

The Idle Hour: CLOSED

Photos by David Korchin

In the tiny village of Orient you'll find a general store, a post office and the Idle Hour, a charming ice cream parlor whose scoops are sourced from Brooklyn based Blue Marble organic ice cream and good old fashioned Hershey’s. The favorite flaves go to mint chocolate chip, cappuccino crunch, organic cinnamon and cotton candy. Rosy Brown, the owner and operator, also sells T-shirts, aprons, kid’s beach clothes and hand towels, all hand sewn in India with proceeds going to aid India’s needy children… it's all around goodness.

1010 Village Lane | Orient

Shelter Ego - CLOSED

Photos by David Korchin & Joni Rentz

This cool, home decor shop located on Shelter Island has a little bit of everything to hip up your home. The interior, tented in recycled sails, sets the stage for their inventory of glass, wood, ceramics and other artful wares. Just another reason to hop the ferry to Shelter Island.

183 North Ferry Road | Shelter Island | 631.749.5700 | shelterego.com

North Fork Farm Stands

Photos by Joni Rentz

Fruits, vegetables, sunflowers, pies, donuts, jellies and jams are abundant throughout the North Fork. Though all the farm stands carry a selection of farm fresh produce, it's knowing where to get what...

Wickham's Fruit Farm Peaches, Tomatoes and Doughnuts.

Briermere Farms Pies. Pies and more Pies. Try the blackberry-apple.

Sep's Amazing corn when in season.

Sang Lee Farms All organic Heirloom tomatoes.

Farmer Joe's Straight from the farm veggies and eggs.

Go to FARM STANDS for more information.

Briermere Farms

Photos by David Korchin

Here on the North Fork one can't mention apple pie without Briermere Farms. Baking pies since 1961, Gertrude and Leonard McCombe have built a small empire with their freshly baked fruit pies. It's mecca to pie lovers so don't leave the North Fork without picking up one or two. Some local favorites... strawberry-rhubarb, raspberry-peach or the blackbery-apple. Good thing to note, it's cash only, so don't forget the green.

Briermere Farms | 4414 Sound Avenue | Riverhead | 631.722.3931

Golfing on the North Fork

Photos by David Korchin

There are a number of golf courses on the North Fork but non as charming as Cedars Golf Club in Cutchogue. Following the design of the original "sheep pasture" courses of Scotland it's noted that this is the first place where golf was played on the North Fork around the turn of the last century. Upgraded and improved in 1963 by noted golf course architect, Russel Case, the 9-hole course is perfectly designed for both pro and newbie golfers. Case's Lane | Cutchogue | 631.734.6363

Here are some other recommended courses:

Island's End Golf & Country Club  Route 25 | Greenport | 631.477.8190 | islandsendgolf.com

Calverton Links  149Edwards Avenue | Calverton | 631.369.5200 | calvertonlinks.com

Shelter Island Country Club  26 Sunnyside Avenue | Shelter Island | 631.749.0416

Drossos Mini Golf  Route 25 | Greenport | 631.477.1339 | drossosmotel.com

Cedars Golf Club | 305 Cases Lane | Cutchogue | 631.734.6363