Hiking Trails

Photos by David Korchin

Whether it’s woodland, wetland, shoreline or vernal pool you desire, the trails throughout the North Fork will surely hit the mark. Here’s a great list that will help you to find that perfect place for bird watching or for finding hidden treasures at the end of phragmite lined boardwalks. The walking levels are as varied as the terrain so be sure to prepare before heading out.

Downs Farm Preserve | Cutchogue

Goldsmith Inlet Park | Peconic

Inlet Pond Park | Greenport

Laurel Lake Preserve | Laurel

Orient Point County Park | Orient

Husing Pond Preserve | Mattituck

Our top pick is Inlet Pond Park in Greenport. Here you get to experience woodlands, ponds, sand and sound along with some amazing views of Connecticut. Happy trails!

Horseback Riding @ Hidden Lake Farm

Photo by David Korchin

It doesn’t matter if you don’t know your trot from your cantor, English from Western. At the Hidden Lake Farm in Southold, what ever your riding ability, you’ll find your perfect match among the 16 horses that reside there. Saddle up your pony and trot along a woodland trail or cantor along the beach. For the more adventurous there’s a cross-country course along with fox hunting in the winter.

Hidden Lake Farm | Route 48 | Southold | 631.765.9896

And for the perfect riding crop or boot - North Fork Saddlery in Mattituck.

A Scottish Tradition

The Mills family have made sailmaking a family tradition for five generations. And these classic totes haven't changed since the first was produced over 60 years ago. Made from durable duck cloth, water resistant and available in tons of colors makes it easy for one to help carry on with the tradition. From $100-$135. Check out their website or visit their shop in Greenport to see their entire line of canvas bags.

Check out other bags within, The Gear, in the Styl section of this site.

Wm. J. Mills | 74100 W. Front Street | Greenport | 800.477.1535 | shop on line

Material Objects

Photos by Joni Rentz

Located in a restored 1870 farmhouse and filled with beautiful objects, both old and new from around the globe. Upholstered furnishings, old signage, farm tables, armoires as well as a nod to wine related objects. After all, this is the new home for Sherwood House's Tasting Room. (soon to open) Can't think of a better way to treasure hunt than with a glass of Merlot in hand.

1291 Main Road | Jamesport | 917.687.0063

Small Holdings

Photos by Joni Rentz

Big finds. Wander through this well stocked antiques barn for farm and painted furniture, iron beds, lawn ornaments, bird houses, you name it. Owners Sherron and Walter have a flair for making old, chic. Best to call ahead for store hours.

965 Main Road (Rte 25) | Aquebogue | 631.722.3342

Mark. Are you there?

Photo by David Korchin

Russian born abstract artist Mark Rothko has been a resident of the East Marion Cemetery since his death in 1970, but his two children would like otherwise. Last year a court battle ensued with permission granted to have Mr. Rothko moved to Westchester. We're not sure but he still seems to be with us, thankfully. This from the New York Times. See more images at OneCameraOneLens.com.

Orient Linen Company

Photo by Joni Rentz

In the village of Orient sits a tiny oasis of linen and cotton. Found amidst sewing machine and bobbins are beautiful throws, quilts, pillow shams, table linens, curtains and totes, all handmade and marked with the emblematic Orient Linen red rooster. With no phone number and no real set hours of operation, finding this gem open is part of its charm!

Village Lane | Orient

Orient Country Store

Photos by David Korchin

For a slice of Americana head for the village of Orient. Stop into the Country Store where a bit of nostalgia is served up along with a cup of joe, deli sandwiches, breads and bagels from Tom Cat and all other household staples. Best of all come for the gossip dished in the back by the locals.

930 Village Lane | Orient | 631.323.2580

Beall & Bell

Photo by David Korchin

We love the aesthetics of this multi-faceted antique store with its great selection of mid-century furniture, flea market finds and farmhouse chic . This is a popular destination so the inventory moves quickly.

430 Main Street | Greenport | 631.477.8239 

White Flower Farmhouse

A charming little antique store that features very affordable painted and hand crafted furniture, old linen, grain sacs, candles, topiary, vintage garden accessories and an array of other flea market finds. The inventory here is always fresh and updated so it always warrants a repeat visit.

53971 Main Rd Rt.25 | Southold | 631.765.2353 | whiteflowerfarmhouse.com

Salamander General Store

Photos by David Korchin

This has to be one of our favorite markets in Greenport. Just tucked in off the main road this little shop has everything a true foodie craves. Claudia, chef and owner of Salamander, stocks her store with hard to find gourmet items from around the globe as well as serving up the best freshly baked croissants and muffins, buckets of fried chicken, freshly made soups, salads, cheeses and sandwiches. A great place to stop for a picnic boxed lunch to take with you to the beach or local winery.

38 Front Street | Greenport | 631.477.3711 | salamandersgreenport.com

Taste of the North Fork

Photos by Joni Rentz

This tiny shop has been preserving and pickling produce from all the local farm stands in the area. Bottles of North Fork chardonnay have been turned into vinegar, South Fork arugula into pesto as well as an assortment of pickles, jellies, mustards and preserves. Custom made gift baskets available.

53975 Main Rd (Rt 25) | Southold | 631.734.6100 | atasteofthenorthfork.com

Lavender by the Bay

Photos by Joni Rentz

A bit of Provence on the North Fork. This 17 acre farm located in the town of East Marion has been growing lavender for over 15 years. You can pick your own or purchase freshly cut. They also sell plants, sachets and honey from their own bee hives. 

7540 Main Road | East Marion | 631.477.1019 | lavenderbythebay.com

Catapano Dairy Farm

Photo by David Korchin

90 hard working goats give this small, family run goat dairy the the blue ribbon when it comes to goat cheese. Their award winning chevre is soft and lightly tangy. Perfect with a baguette and bottle of wine or atop a juicy hamburger (our personal favorite). Not only specializing in hand crafted artisan cheese but soothing goat milk beauty products as well.

33705 North Road | Peconic | 631.765.8042 | catapanodairyfarm.com

The Custer Institute

Photo by David Korchin

Check out the stars on Saturdays from dusk until midnight. The Custer Institute Observatory opens it’s high powered Meade telescope to everyone for free. This is Long Island's oldest observatory founded back in 1927 by a group of astronomy friends. The original building dates back to 1938 with the newest addition, which seats 100, completed in 1945. Stargazing continues at this down to earth site every Saturday night at dusk. Cloudy weather? Call ahead to check on visibility. 

All events are free but donations are greatly appreciated. 

1115 Main Bayview Road | Southold | 631.765.2626 | custerobservatory.org

North Fork Potato Chips

THE best potato chip around. But that's because potatoes have been in the Sidor family since 1910, when Martin's Polish grandfather started growing potatoes in Mattituck. The family took potato growing to the next level and created North Fork Potato Chips with more than five flavors, sweet potato, barbeque, sour cream & onion, cheddar & onion, cheddar and of course regular. Kettle-cooked, no preservatives, no cholesterol. Almost makes for guilt free snacking!