Winter on the North Fork

Closed for the season! Though many places along the North Fork go into hibernation during the winter months there is still plenty to do, with no crowds and lots of personal attention. Here are some of our favorites.

10 Reasons to Love the North Fork When It's Cold

1.   Stroll along windswept beaches 
2.   A foamy latte and porridge at the Love Lane Kitchen 
3.   Scenic drives through sleepy villages  
4.   A horseback ride at dusk 
5.   Cheese samplings and fondu dipping at the Village Cheese Shop 
6.   Barn spotting 
7.   A bottle of Cabernet Franc 
8.   A steaming bowl of potato-leek soup with bacon at the North Fork Table & Inn 
9.   Stargazing at the Custer Institute observatory 
10. A game of Scrabble in front of the fire at the Shinn Estate Farmhouse

Barn Spotting

Hit the back roads with Mary Ann Spencer’s "The Barns of the North Fork" in hand and discover the hidden beauties of the North Fork. Photographer and author, Ann has spent the last five years documenting the barns throughout Suffolk county, in particular Southold, where the majority of them still remain in tact. These great barns dotting the countryside, some dating back to the seventeenth century, are not always easily found. Go it alone or bring along a copy of Mary’s book. 

Order Mary’s book online at amazon.com

Hit the Beach

Who said the beach is for summer? Pull on your fleece and long johns and get out there. With the bay on one side and the sound on the other there’s plenty of beach to romp on. Plus plenty of free parking!

Here are a few places to get you started.

Orient Beach State Park | Orient | MAP IT >

Truman’s Beach | Orient | MAP IT >

Rocky Point | East Marion | MAP IT >

Horton Point | Southold | MAP IT >

Bailie Beach | Mattituck | MAP IT >

Goldsmith Inlet Beach | Peconic | MAP IT >

Local Flavor

Wondering what to order? Here’s what the chefs in the region are choosing as the best in season produce to round out their menus.

Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Leeks, Onion, Parsnips, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Rutabega, Turnips, Winter Squash, Blackfish, Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Chicken, Clams, Duck, Eggs, Flounder, Lobster, Mackerel, Monkfish, Mussels, Oysters, Pheasant, Rabbit, Scallops, Striped Bass, Skate, Swordfish, Tuna and Turkey.

Now find a great restaurant to sample some of the best the North Fork has to offer.