Head to the East End’s lesser-known peninsula for wine tasting, vintage shopping, and more.
When you ’d rather not take part in the bougie splendor ofthe Hamptonsor feel as though you ’ve outgrow the kitschy nostalgia of theJersey Shore , count no further than the North Fork — a moth-eaten chic stretch of Long Island that , in the last few years , has welcomed a bevy of new boutique hotel and restaurant run by Michelin - starred chef . And unlike its resort - township counterpart , who lean to get sleepyheaded once the chill arrives , the North Fork concur its own in thefall .
Long Island ’s East End split — like a fork — into two , with North Fork at the top and the Hamptons on the bottom . The northerly peninsula boast wineries , endless farm stands , and few bunch . It contain a number of hamlets , with much of the natural process take in place in Cutchogue , Southold , Mattituck , and Greenport . While you could take the Long Island Railroad as far as Greenport , the North Fork is best feel by car , because you ’re going to want to make some roadside stop for apple cider donuts .
Now is an first-class time of twelvemonth to expend a weekend , when you may have to yourself the peaceable landscapes that inspired creative person like Walt Whitman and Richard Serra , taste what thefall harvesthas to proffer , and bask a glass of wine by a campfire . There ’s a stack survive on in townsfolk , too . On October 13 , various oyster farms on the peninsula will drop the day shucking at the one-year Greenport Oyster Festival , taking place atLittle Ram . And flop now you may make a pit stop on your way out from New York City to say hello to theBig Duckin Flanders .
Photo by T. McQuade/Shutterstock
Here are our recommendation for the best things to see , eat , and do in an autumnal “ NOFO , ” as the locals care to call it .
Travel Time:
2 hours from New York City
If You Only Do One Thing: Go Wine Tasting
The North Fork ’s wine rural area has been liken to that of Napa , boasting more than 60 vineyards . The result Cartesian product has an interesting terroir thanks to the raise part ’s location between the Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay . Some of the most popular stay includeMacari Vineyardsin Mattituck , which has an graceful tasting room beleaguer by the 500 - Akko vinery , andKontakosta Wineryin Greenport , famous for its wholesale views of the Long Island Sound .
If you ’re a sports fan of rosé , Croteuxin Peconic is a must - visit , the only vineyard in the US solely commit to develop vinifera grapes . MeanwhileSparkling Pointeis one of the few spots out Orient making bubble — and they ’ve been doing it well for 20 years . Over in Cutchogue , you ’ve gotMcCall Wines , known for its Pinot Noir varieties , andBedell Cellars , who have been specializing in Merlot since the ’ 80s .
EV&EM Vineyardsin Laurel combines opulence with sustainability , as the first North Fork vineyard to earn certifications from both Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing and the New York Wine & Grape Foundation . Paumanok Vineyardsin Aquebogue offers a laid - back experience , where you could sprawl out on an Adirondack death chair and sip on the winery ’s Chenin Blanc , a fan favorite . If you ’re in Southold , make trusted to terminate byOne Woman , owned by Claudia Purita , who brings her farming cognition from Calabria , Italy .
Fill the Weekend With:
Outdoor Activities : While it might be too cold to take a dip , you’re able to still enjoy a brisk walk along the pebbly shore ofOrient Beach State Park , which overlook Gardner Bay . get into the park is like participate a rude oasis ; you might see an osprey or two soaring ahead as you pass by the red cedarwood , black - jack oak Tree , and prickly - pear cacti that form its nautical forests . Sound View Dunes Parkis another selection , where you’re able to take off on a hiking trail that offers both timber forest and coastal sand dune . If you favour a lake surrounded by gloam foliage , Laurel Lake Preserveoffers 14 miles of hike track that give way to all kinds of wildlife , from snapping turtles and foxes to deer and otters .
Farm Visits : orchard apple tree season in North Fork starts in September , and there ’s no shortage of pick - your - own plantation , fromBreeze Hill Farmin Peconic toWoodside Orchardsin Aquebogue(apple cyder donut are a given).If it ’s a pumpkin - picking - corn - maze - hayride situation you ’re after , turn back outHarbes Family Farmin Riverhead , orLewin Farmsin Calverton . And for the best Proto-Indo European in town , drumhead toBriermere Farms ; they ’ve have all the seasonal varieties , from Malus pumila crisp to pumpkin .
Vintage Shopping : Shoppy - shop abound in Greenport , and you ’re potential to take the air past at least one vintage clothing or outmoded article of furniture storage on your strolls through townsfolk . walk intoThe Times Vintageis like stepping back in time to the ’ 70s , and you could spend minute scouring the technicolor rack . NearbyLidosells globally - sourced homewares as well as a few one - of - a - kind vintage dresses . For antique furniture , Beal & Bellis a mid - century modern treasure trove . Over in Jamesport , strain through all kinds of rescued target for the home or garden at the elevated junkyard that isLumber & Salt .
Photo courtesy of EV&EM
Where to Eat and Drink on the North Fork
Breakfast : You ca n’t leave the North Fork without trying the noted breakfast sandwich at Greenport’sBruce & Son , a unadulterated assemblage of folded bollock , gruyere , and saccharify bacon . Southold Generalis a cracking office to stop by if you ’re in motivation of some provisions to - go , whileLove Lane Kitchenin Mattituck does a hearty brunch . For coffee , stop byAldo ’s Coffee Company , a Greenport mainstay that has been handcrafting little - mess coffee since the ’ 80s .
Dinner : North Fork Table & Innis a major name on the East ending . The chef , John Fraser , also run a few restaurants in New York City , such asIrisandLa Marchande . Come here for classic farm - to - board dishes , like roasted Long Island duck’s egg and Georges Bank scallops . Minnow At the Galley Hooffers the very best in seafood , whileSouthhold Socialexcels when it comes to dessert ( it ’s helm by pastry chef Francois Payard ) .
Drinks : workmanship brewerGreenport Harbor Brewing Companyboasts two locations in North Fork — one in Greenport and one in Peconic — and you may almost always expect fire fossa and alive medicine . Brix & Ryeserves definitive cocktails alongside some theatre favorites , like the popular Backsliding Presbyterian , a concoction of Bourbon dynasty , Campari , ginger syrup , refreshful lime juice , soda ( they also make really right pizza ) .
Photo courtesy of Harbes Orchard
Hotels on the North Fork
Budget : TheShorewood Innin Jamesport — with its unaired proximity toPaumanok VineyardsandJason ’s Vineyard — is a simple , intimate selection if you ’re looking to spend around $ 100 a night .
Splurge : Hotel Morraineis the best luxury option on the North Fork . The space has exactly what you picture when you recall of coastal beach hideaway : crispy , lily-white linen ; an expansive , heated pool ; and a private beach . Originally advertised by a neon signal in 1957,Silver Sandshas been re - imagined into an exalted , boutique motel , with kinky , colorful trappings that hearken back to its mid - century root .
Our Pick : TheSound Viewin Greenport is another re - interpreting of an old - school motel , but we like it for its serene accommodations , on - site seafood restaurantThe Halyard , and originative computer programming , such as aweekly Fireside Series .
Photo courtesy of North Fork Table and Inn
Photo courtesy of Hotel Moraine
