Photo by David KorchinHop 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.
Top Grape: Lieb Cellars 2008 Craft Sparkling
Photo by David KorchinOur top pick this season is Lieb Cellars Craft Sparkling. This 2008 Blanc de Blanc is a winning collaboration with Lieb and the Sommelier at Craft restaurant in Manhattan, and with only 88 cases produced it won’t be lingering on the shelves for long. It’s not on any of Lieb’s tasting flights but is sold by the glass as well as bottle. A beautiful straw color along with the taste of pears, lemon zest and sea minerals make this the perfect bottle to toast the welcoming of spring.
On the Town: Southold
Photo by David KorchinThe town of Southold, settled in 1640, is proclaimed to be the oldest English town in NY state. This small hamlet, stretching from sound to bay, tucked between Cutchogue and Greenport, comes packed with charm and offers up a fun array of things to do from shopping to star gazing, fine restaurants to a gourmet lunch truck, light rosés to lighthouses it’s all here. Here are our top 8 things for Southold:
1. White Flower Farmhouse
2. Taste of the North Fork
3. Lunch Truck
4. North Fork Table and Inn
5. Croteaux Vineyards
6. One Woman Wines & Vineyards
7. Horton’s Point Lighthouse
8. Custer Institute
Stars Worth Watching
Photo by David KorchinStargazing is a popular pass time on the North Fork and there just so happens to be two great places where it becomes an event. Established in 1927, the Custer Institute and Observatory is not only LI’s oldest public observatory but it has the largest telescope. Located in Southold and open to the public every Saturday evening from dark until midnight makes this a popular choice. The other is Sherwood House Vineyard’s tasting room. The Custer Institute supplies the gazing equipment while Sherwood supplies the Merlot. Here's a list of the best stargazing events. And remember, meteor showers are a bit like fishing - You go, you enjoy, and sometimes you catch something.
April 22 The Lyrids
April’s “shooting stars.” These meteors tend to be bright and often leave trails. Best viewed in the northeast sky at about 10 p.m. Best watching is after moonset and before dawn on April 22.
May 5 The Eta Aquarid
Best viewed in the east-southeast sky at about 4 a.m. The most meteors will probably rain down on May 5, in the dark hours before dawn.
July 29 and 30 The Delta Aquarids
These meteors are best viewed from the southern part of the sky. An hour or two before dawn is the best viewing time. Try watching in late July – but also early August.
August 10/11, 11/12, and 12/13 Perseids
Meteors
One of the best meteor showers for the Northern Hemisphere. These typically fast and bright meteors will appear in all parts of the sky. The Perseids are considered by many people to be the year’s best.
October 7 Draconids
These meteors are best viewed in the northern sky. Best viewed in the evening hours than in the morning hours after midnight, so try watching at nightfall and early evening on October 7 and 8.
Weather App*ropriate
Deciding whether to pack sandals or hip boots, bikini or burka? Here are two great weather apps that will help you navigate the upcoming weather forecast in style.
Partly Cloudy - The interface is designed like a traditional clock face. Moving the hand around the dial changes the various colors and textures representing time, temperature, precipitation level, wind force, the day's high/low and the weather situation (rainy, cloudy, partly cloudy). All of which is updated in real time. Partly Cloudy is available for 99¢ in the iTunes App Store.
WTHR - Minimalism at its finest. Taking its cue from designer Dieter Rams this app uses an ultra simple interface to tell the user the current weather plus the upcoming five-day forecast. WTHR is available for $1 in the iTunes App Store.