IT'S SUMMER. GET FRKD. EXPERIENCE WHAT MAKES THE NORTH FORK OF LONG ISLAND UNIQUE. ACRES AND ACRES OF VINEYARDS. DINING ON THE BAY. THE SCENT OF LAVENDER. A ROUND OF GOLF. GALLERY WALKS. CAROUSEL RIDES. PICNICS. FARM STANDS. LOBSTER ROLLS. A BOTTLE OF WHITE.
Tee Off
Fore! Lace up your golf shoes and grab your nine iron, there are courses to conquer on the North Fork. Semi-private, public and miniature there's a course for everyone. Our insider source recommends the Island's End Golf & Country Club for its Four Star rated course and the view of Long Island Sound from the 16th hole. Another favorite is Cedars Golf Club. A nine hole, beautiful par 3 course in the town of Cutchogue.
Island's End Golf & Country Club Route 25 | Greenport | 631.477.8190 | islandsendgolf.com
Calverton Links 149 Edwards Avenue | Calverton | 631.369.5200 | calvertonlinks.com
Cedars Golf Club 305 Cases Lane | Cutchogue | 631.734.6363
Shelter Island Country Club 26 Sunnyside Avenue | Shelter Island | 631.749.0416
Drossos Mini Golf Route 25 | Greenport | 631.477.1339 | drossosmotel.com
A Summer Sipper
Shinn Estate Vineyards has united 4 wines into one yummy bottle called Coalescence. 54% Chardonnay, 23% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Viognier and 10% Merlot. Fresh and citrusy. And at $14 a bottle it's the perfect wine to have stocked in your frig for any occasion. Love Lane Kitchen offers it by the glass. Great with their lobster roll or fish taco.
Al Fresco Dining
Nothing says Summer more than the joys of dining out under the sun or stars. There're lots of outdoor spots to choose, from curbside, wide verandas, docks on the bay. Here are some of the musts for summer drinking and dining:
Scrimshaw A romantic dinner under the stars on Preston's Wharf in Greenport.
Vine Enjoy small plates and a flight of wine under the shade of the large veranda or umbrella covered patio.
The Old Mill Grab a lobster roll and cold brew out on the dock overlooking Mattituck inlet.
Sunset Beach Located on Shelter Island. Caipirinhas and Ceviche are in order at this hip beachside resort.
Go to OUTDOOR DINING for more information on these restaurants.
Birds of a Feather
These skyscraper nests dot the coastline throughout the North Fork and the return of the Osprey is the true mark of Spring. Migrating from South America, the male Osprey makes the long journey home returning to his nest from the previous season. He'll spend the next few weeks sprucing it up for his female companion who arrives later. Some "unattached" females arrive to scope out the tonyiest nests; the males who occupy them, well, they're secondary. Keep an eye out for one such nest reported to be 10 feet tall and 125 years old.
Top Grape
Our top wine choice for this season - a nice cold, crip Rosé. Perfect for Spring and Summer sipping. We like our Rosés on the lighter side, similar to French Provençal style wines, with their delicate, fruity flavors.
OUR FAVES Try Corey Creek's 2006 Domaine CC Rosé and 2007 Croteaux Merlot 314 Rosé.
Check out other VINEYARDS on the North Fork.
Farm Fresh
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.
South of France on the North Fork
17 acres of fresh lavender fill the air in East Marion bringing a sense of calm and relaxation to the area. Known to reduce stress and anxiety this beautiful scented flower is also great on that stinging sunburn. For a mild case, mix lavender oil with rose water or plain water and mist over your skin several times a day. But if you've really overdone it on the beach fill up a tub with cool water and lavender oil and enjoy a nice long soak. The best place for everything lavender? None other than Lavender by the Bay in East Marion.
Surf's Up
With the Bay on one side and the Sound on the other there’s just a ton of sun and surf for everyone. Child friendly or secluded here are some of our favorite beaches.
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 >
Oysters "R" in Season
Did you ever wonder why oysters are labeled the greatest aphrodisiac? Well, it was Casanova, the 18th-century lover’s diet of 50 oysters everyday for breakfast, which led to that belief. But don’t snicker. Based on research, some scientists today agree and claim that spring is when they’re most potent. So stock up! You can get the local favorite, Pipes Cover Oysters, every morning on the beach of the Silver Sands Motel and Beach Cottages in Greenport. Not an early riser? Then order up a dozen or so at Scrimshaw Restaurant or the Frisky Oyster Bar.
A novice when it comes to oysters? Go to OYSTERS for the 101 primer.