9 Reasons to Drive to Bellport, Long Island

Plan a NYC escape to this queer-friendly town with year-round outdoor activities and a bed and breakfast from actress Isabella Rossellini.

One of the perks of being a New Yorker is the commodious law of proximity between tight - paced urban living and nearby escape declare oneself some fresh strain within picturesque scenery . And for LGBTQIA+ mass specially , NYC live not only provides a sense of safety and biotic community unlike anywhere else in the world , but the region also blow a identification number of well - live queer enclave with idyllic landscapes just hours away .

While many make the pilgrimage to the popular spots like Fire Island , a sand bar off the southern coast of Long Island , for those in lookup of a quieter scene , tucked away just west of the Hamptons is Bellport .

Here , whether it ’s via a ( bother - free ) campaign from the metropolis or even easier LIRR drive , visitors can expect the perfect balance of Long Island beach town , pouf enclave , and humble - key chicness . A panoply of charming local businesses , many of which are queer - owned , include a snazzy general stock , regenerative farm , vegan dosa stand , and more . And , of course , it would n’t be a coastal Long Island township without salient wildlife and plenteous beach entree .

Good Merch. Bellport

Good Merch. Bellport

For your next local lam from NYC , here are 9 reason to take to Bellport , Long Island .

Lodge at a charming bed and breakfast on a farm

Located just outside the master center stretch of Bellport , Mama Farmis a bed and breakfast founded by actress Isabella Rossellini and lean by her daughter , Elettra Weidemann . This full - house lease can accommodate private groups of 6 - 8 the great unwashed and includes a nicely stock up breakfast pantry and a kitchen usable for sluttish usage ( aka coffee and reheating solid food ) . The ground are nursing home to heritage strain of chicken , geese , sheep , and Capricorn , as well as an functional farm that offers a getaway - only CSA program . In addition to lowkey weekend girdle , the property is an awe-inspiring locus for events like intimate weddings , just as long as you do n’t mind sharing the public eye with some extremely sociable roaming sheep .

Get out of bed to nosh on vegan dosas and local produce

The genuine farm destiny of Mama Farm is operated by Patty Gentry ofEarly Girl Farm . Gentry is a former chef and one of the co - founders ofHampton Chutneyin East Hampton . True to its name , you ’ll find her slinging vegan dosas on Saturdays from 8 am until noon — and her farm stand is committed to using regenerative , no - till farming practice to support the area ’s biodiversity and ecological health . Also , discover all manner of seasonal produce alongside local kombuchas , high mallow , and soaps .

Catch the contemporary roster of shows at a local playhouse

Down the street from Mama Farm , The Gatewayplayhouse hosts a astonishingly believable roster of shows considering Bellport ’s off - the - beat - path vibration . Born out of a converted farm in the 1950s , past productions here have include programing like an Elton John screening band , a one charwoman show by theater helper Isabella Rosselini , or even a pupil product of A Chorus Line .

Take a stroll through downtown before dinner at a must-try restaurant

Bellport ’s main reaching of South Country Road is host to most of the Ithiel Town ’s main attractions , includingCopper Beech , an uber - fancy dress shop , andThe Storefront , which is a multi - functional blank space sell al-Qur’an and more while showcasing a rotating set of artists and makers . Afterwards , wind down atThe Bellport , a cozy neighborhood stamping ground that ’s frequented by all manner of clientele include salt - of - the - earth locals and artsy Bushwick residents . The restaurant is overt seven days a workweek for dinner and brunch is only on Sundays . When it total to the computer menu , anticipate eclectic offerings with touches of Gallic , Italian , and Amerindic inspiration .

Stay caffeinated while shopping at a queer-owned general store

The origins of this tastily curated shop dates back to the summer of 2020 , when designer Stefan Beckman ran a successful pappa - up with his brand name , Lateral Objects , at the store before eventually take on over the space fully in January of 2021 . AtBellport General , expect housewares , article of clothing , and larder items , not to mention a great coffee shop tuck in the back . This place has everything you need for an passing voguish Long Island sojourn , and it ’s strong to find something here that is n’t oozing with style .

Enjoy the great outdoors with year-round activities at a wildlife refuge

A bit on the outskirts of Bellport , this chancel offers a Brobdingnagian range of activities for those who love the outdoors ( but need non beach - centrical alternative ) . At the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge — whose original habitant were the Unkechaug peoples — visitant can enjoy year - round offerings like guide on spell , tramp trails , boat , and scotch country ski across the reserve ’s 2,500 Accho .

Get your consignment on at a chic (and clutter-free) shop

Some consignment shop class can often give over - cluttering vibes , force shoppers to strain through endless mess of goods just to get word a precise jewel . ButGood Merchis sure as shooting not one of those plaza . put up at the Bellport Brookhaven Historical Society , this small shop feels a lot more expensive than it actually is and from piece of furniture and earrings to glassware , it packs a somewhat chic punch at fairly approachable price points .

Continue bargain hunting by thrifting at a (clutter-embracing) shop

If you are indeed looking for bargains in an impossibly cluttered parsimoniousness store setting , you ’re going to love the Thrift Shop at Bellport United Methodist Church . It ’s well-fixed to lose hour rifling through a massive pick of housewares , apparel , books , and more ( there might even literally be a kitchen cesspit tucked away somewhere ) . Part of the shop ’s mission is to hire stave “ willing to bestow an ear when someone merely needs to share their biography ’s ups and downs with another , ” which is something the world definitely needs more of . Just one monition , they ’re cash - only .

Go for a quick jaunt to nearby Fire Island

For many LGBTQIA+ masses , the lure of The Pines and Cherry Grove at nearby Fire Island is impossible to resist . Fortunately , Bellport is a straightaway effort to theSayville Ferrythat service those infamously debaucherous destinations . After you ’ve explored and eaten to your heart ’s desire , continue with the proficient time by heading to one of the country ’s most democratic nance oasis .

Mama Farm