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Articles about activities and the unique resources of the North Fork
Wonders of the North Fork Falling in love with the North Fork is easy, and there is a very strong possibility that you will want to become a permanent or part time resident... Read More...
Great Things to Do on the North Fork One of my favorite things to do on a spring afternoon is to take a bicycle ride to the vineyards. Leaving our house, we pedal west along... Read More...
Imaginative Activities for Everyone Good manners prevent most of us from saying aloud what we really feel about bridal showers, seminars, and, yes, even bachelor parties... Read More...
Things You Should Know About Lodging on the North Fork One reason the North Fork is so very beautiful is that town governments have taken various steps to preserve open space &... Read More... |
Dining On The North Fork One thing I have learned as an innkeeper is that a whole lot of people eat dinner much later than I do... Read More...
Selecting a Venue In choosing the site for your event, you take the first step towards turning your vision of the function into a reality... Read More...
Thirty Years of Wine on the North Fork Thirty years ago the very first vines were implanted into the earth by Alex and Lousia Hargrave... Read More...
Creative Suggestions for your Wedding Your wedding should be as individual as you. If you prefer a classic wedding with a cocktail hour, sit down dinner and dancing... Read More... |
Promotions
Lodging PromotionsGreat discounts and deals offered by North Fork Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) and Inns... Read More... |
Special Events and More Promotions Find special events and offers by North Fork Wineries, Vineyards, Restaurants, and more... Read More... |
Article: Wonders of the North Fork
Falling in love with the North Fork is easy, and there is a very strong possibility that you will want to become a permanent or part time resident. Guests at my B&B always comment on the beauty, the serenity and the friendliness of the area and I always agree with them totally. There is no place I would rather live.
One of the things I love most about the area is that the quality of life extends to everyone. We have so many beaches and parks that any resident can enjoy the same views that the owners of a waterfront estate enjoy. There are multiple boat ramps and public marinas. If you don't own a boat, you can easily rent a canoe or kayak to explore the coves, inlets and marshes. There are miles of roads perfect for jogging or bicycling or trails for hiking or horseback riding. You don't need to be wealthy to go clamming or fishing and the sunset over Long Island Sound is free.
When I drive downtown, I am almost irked if I can't park directly in front of my drugstore. If I forget my wallet at the local grocery store, the manager lets me take the groceries home and pay the next day. I know where to drop my slacks off to be shortened and I don't even have to tell the seamstress what my inseam is; she knows. The jewelry store knows just the string of pearls I want someday and the florist knows I love daisies and yellow roses. Almost all of our cars come from one local dealer and when one is serviced, they know to leave it outside with the keys in the visor for us to pick up later that night. When I do, it is all washed and vacuumed. If my children forgot their lunch money when they were attending local schools, they sometimes borrowed it from the principal or a teacher! This is not just because I have lived her so long. Newcomers have the same experiences.
There's little, if any, social snobbery on the North Fork. The entire area is lovely and we are all neighbors to each other. You are as likely to socialize with your doctor as you are with your chap who does your spring yard clean up. Our town board has a farmer, a builder, a retiree, a business owner, and one of the youngest supervisors ever elected. The volunteer fire department is staffed by plumbers, lawyers, and fellows working at the lumber company. The school board has had sheriffs, doctors, bus drivers, pharmacists, and stay at home mothers.
Now that I have told you all the wonders of North Fork living, I need to tell you how to find your place out here. Go to one of our local real estate offices. There are a number of them listed on our site and I know each of them. All are professional and all have integrity. Tell them what you want, and they will either tell you that there's "no such animal, "(for instance, a waterfront estate for under three hundred thousand), or will help you find it! We don't have multiple listings out here, so you are very likely to find a property listed with one broker, but not another. However, as is typical of the area, real estate people cooperate with each other and work together to serve their customers. Vacation rentals are also found through local realtors. Don't be afraid to stop at local realtors. They are here to help you.
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Article: Great Things to Do on the North Fork
One of my favorite things to do on a spring afternoon is to take a bicycle ride to the vineyards. Leaving our house, we pedal west along Soundview Avenue, designated as the North Fork's Scenic Route. We detour a bit towards the LI Sound and stop awhile to soak up some sun, skip some stones across the water's surface and watch the seagulls and terns. Soundview Avenue is shaded by trees and in spring the air has that wonderful scent of lilacs, sea, and moss. On Peconic Lane we turn towards the North Road where we pause to choose our destination. Whichever winery we choose, we know we will have a place to rest, refresh ourselves, and then pedal on home again.
Bicycling is a great thing to do out on the North Fork and local bike shops offer rentals and will even deliver to the B&B at which you are a guest. If you have already toured the vineyards, (perhaps you took one of the tours offered by Vintage Tours), you can pedal to so many other wonderful places. Your host or the bicycle rental shop owner will be glad to make suggestions, but I will tell you some of my favorites.
If you bicycle in Orient, you'll be taken back in time towards a life that is so incredibly beautiful, you'll be moved to silence. Visit the museums, feed some swans on Narrow River Road, and then, if you're getting hungry, get some strawberries at Latham's Farm Stand, home- made ice cream at Orient Ice Cream Parlor, or hand made chocolates from Orient's famous CandyMan.
Peconic Boulevard from Mattituck to Jamesport offers exquisite views of Peconic Bay and wetlands. Wickham's Farm in Cutchogue has some of the best fruit you will ever taste and it makes wonderful snacking as you pedal along New Suffolk Avenue where you'll see ospreys and other waterfowl. In the towns of Jamesport, Aquebogue, and Riverhead, you'll have wonderful vistas of farmland and horse farms and perhaps a visit to Hallockville, a restored farm with historic recreations. Wildwood State Park in Wading River is worth a visit. There are picnic tables in the woods, and a boardwalk on the beach. Maybe you'll even catch a softball game on the fields.
Bicycling around the North Fork in any season allows you to really get up close and personal with its beauty. I've mentioned only a few courses, but you will no doubt find your own favorites and discover some of the North Forks secrets yourself.
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Article: Imaginative Activities for Everyone
Good manners prevent most of us from saying aloud what we really feel about bridal showers, seminars, and, yes, even bachelor parties. But inside we are saying "I have to go, but I wish I didn't." It's a good idea to remember this feeling when planning a special event. Wouldn't it be better to have your friends, family, and co-workers thinking "I can't wait to go; it sounds so neat!"? Well, it's possible. In fact, it's actually probable if you just do a bit of investigation and have even the slightest bit of adventure!
Vintage Tours will gladly arrange a special tour for a bridal shower and the bride is free! If there's a large invitation list, you can have them meet you at a winery and have only the bridal party use the limousine. The guys would love this "bachelor party" too. The groom might even decide to let each of his groomsmen select a favorite wine as a gift (Do you have any idea how many groomsmen who have stayed at my B&B leave the cufflinks behind?) Have one of our local caterers prepare a picnic lunch on the lawn.
Wineries aren't the only sites worthy of tours on the North Fork. There are antique shops, and lighthouses, and of course, there are our farms!! Have you ever tasted our fresh roasted corn? Wickham's Fruit Farm in Cutchogue has seasonal "pick your own" fruit: peaches, apples, pears, and yes, of course our famous strawberries. They'll gladly arrange a hay ride tour of the farm for you and your guests. Sang Lee Farms in Peconic is famous for its fresh Asian greens and they often have cooking demonstrations. Sang Lee has even been on TV with Martha Stewart so you know the farm is special and unique.
Shopping excursions!! Start in Greenport and take the gals to Jacobs Jewelry and the guys to Preston's Marine Store. Southold has great gift shops and by then you'll want to stop for a snack. Love Lane in Mattituck has Village Cheese Shop where you can have cheese and baguettes. Fortified, move on to Mattituck Plaza: ladies to Renee's Fashions, men to Chaps Haberdashery. If the guys are "shopped out" Chaps even has a big screen TV or them to enjoy. End up at Riverhead's Tanger Mall where there's a shop for everyone and cap off the entire day with dinner at Digger's Fine Food and Spirits. You'll be right at the head of Interstate 495 (LIE or Long Island Expressway) to return home.
If you're looking to get your employees more energetic and focused, rent some bicycles and plan an outing to one of the local parks or beaches. Have a clambake or a cookout. Canoes and kayaks are also available. The rental stores deliver them to the launch spot and you can have them for either half or full day. End the day with clams at Claudio's Clam Bar or souvlaki at Hellenic Snack Bar! A creative seminar leader might present a challenging question and ask each kayaker or cyclist to think about it on the next leg of the trip.
What about some spa treatments for your guests? There are so many options in that department. You can go to Quintessentials B&B and Spa to get everything in one place. Or stay at a seaside B&B and have a masseuse come in to really loosen up your friends. How about a charming Victorian B&B where you can have high tea served and all the ladies get make-up applied by a visiting aesthetician? Some of the B&B's are experts in arranging seminars and group gatherings. Musicians love Orient Inn for its large open room and for the musical talents of its owners. Harbor Knoll is owned by a former UN ambassador and has the most perfect library and enclosed porch overlooking the water. Take a look at the descriptions of the B&B's on the site; you'll find that suits you! The owner of Red Barn is an astronomer and you can stargaze through his telescopes on a clear North Fork night.
Be imaginative. If you don't have a lot of time to plan things, ask for some assistance from a north fork caterer, the host at your B&B, or even North Fork Weddings.com!! Drop us a note and we'll give you some ideas!!
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Lodging on the North Fork
One reason the North Fork is so very beautiful is that town governments have taken various steps to preserve open space and contain business development. Riverhead is the only township with chain hotels; Southold and Shelter Island have some privately owned motels and all three townships have B&B's.
Some things you should consider when arranging lodging on the North Fork are:
Availability: Rooms fill very quickly, especially in high season, which runs from mid May to mid November. Make your reservations as early as possible. Consider that some establishments accept reservations for dates a year ahead, while others do not. Be sure to mark your date book so that you don't miss out. Find out what the cancellation policies are for each establishment as these too vary. Typically, you are permitted to cancel within two weeks of your date of arrival without losing your deposit. However, a service charge may be collected. Stricter policies may be applied to holiday weekends and for larger groups.
Minimum Stays: If you are arranging for a visit during high season on a weekend, you will discover that most, if not all, establishments have minimum stay requirements. Most North Fork Bed and Breakfasts have a two night minimum on weekends and a three or four night minimum on holiday weekends. Motels and Inns may even require more time. As an owner of a B&B myself, I have heard some complaints on this score from visitors. However, most understand the necessity of the policy. Lodging is limited and if a sole Saturday night is rented, it cuts right in the middle of the visit. Actually, most visitors discover that they are delighted by this policy. They arrive on Friday evening, get a perfect night's sleep, and wake up refreshed for a full day of touring and perhaps attending a private affair. On Sunday, they head back home, totally relaxed and in love with the North Fork.
Cost: It is probably safe to say that the least expensive room is about $125.00 per night, although there are specials too. For a luxury room or for a place on the water, you may pay upwards of $375.00. Find out what is included in the price. Breakfast is always included at a B&B, but other lodging establishments may have fees attached. Other amenities, such as afternoon refreshments, parking permits, facials, and discounts for products or services in the area may be included in the price also.
Children/Elderly: Some establishments do not accept children at all, and others accept children over a certain age. It is embarrassing for all concerned when a guest shows up with a child and thinks the innkeeper can simply accommodate him. This is not always possible. You should also ask about babysitting services and whether babysitters are even permitted in the rooms if you are not present. Please also be aware that B&B's are not normally handicap accessed. Most rooms are on a second floor, but there are some that have a first floor rooms.
Pets: Presently, I know of no establishment that accepts pets. There are a few boarding facilities in the area, however, and your host should be able to help you with this. This is a good time to mention that pets are not permitted on any town beaches or parks in all three townships of the North Fork. It is probably best to leave your pet at home.
Amenities: Some of this has been discussed already, but there are a few other things you may like to know. The North Fork is loved for its casual and unpretentious attitudes. Visitors are often stunned by the trusting nature and friendly overtures found here on the East End. Some are also surprised by other facts of life here on the North Fork. For instance, there is no public sewer system in most areas and most of us depend on privately operated wells. That means that the hot water supply is not unlimited and you will be asked to be particularly careful about what you flush! Visitors from Europe and other foreign countries are quite used to the notion of shared baths, but Americans are often surprised when told their room does not have private facilities. However, as an owner of a B&B that offers only shared bath, I can assure you that it has never been a problem. Since guests are treated like the best of family, they behave like the best of family. Don't miss staying in a perfectly beautiful facility only because you are worried about the bath.
Ambience: Ah, now the real fun begins!! There are so many beautiful places to stay on the North Fork in all seasons. B&B's offer the greatest diversity in decor. Many are Victorian and have all the lushness for which that period is known. There are authentic farmhouses and brand new farmhouses with amenities such as Jacuzzi tubs, unheard of by our ancestors. Some B&B's reflect the seaside, some the wineries, and one reflects the equestrian tradition. Motels may not have the same degree of charm, but they may have other things that may be more important to you such as private decks overlooking water. North Fork Weddings provides descriptions of many lodging facilities on the east end. Be sure to visit.
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Wineries on the North Fork
This year the North Fork is celebrating a very special anniversary. Thirty years ago the very first vines were implanted into the earth by Alex and Lousia Hargrave, founders of Hargrave Vineyards, now Castello di Borghese/Hargrave Vineyards. Today there are over two dozen wineries, each contributing to the delightful mystique of wine making and each contributing to the beauty of the North Fork.
Where there were once potato farms, there are now over 3,000 acres in grapes. They are a beautiful sight. In springtime, we see the first budding of the vines as the fields turn a delicate green. In summer, the vines are fully leafed, glorying in the sun and sea breezes. By fall, the vines are so heavy with grapes we can smell the sweet fruit. Winter brings us long shadows of vine supporting posts, snow-dressed sentinels guarding their charges.
Then, of course there is the taste!! Many of the winery and vineyards have tasting rooms for tours and tastings. "Tastings" are more than just a sip of wine; they are informative, fun, and mystical and experiences... Camaraderie develops among those present as the wine pourer describes each wine offered and the tasters share their impressions among each other. Laughter and contented sighs fill the beautiful rooms which are often bedecked with the work of local artists. Sated with wine, visitors can purchase their favorites and browse the gift shops. Many tastings are free, though there are modest fees charged at some.
While visiting the wineries, you might be inspired to hold an event at one. What could be more romantic than a reception with views of vines in moonlight? What could more impressive than a corporate gathering in the tasting room of a world renowned winery? Not all wineries host weddings, but many do. All welcome small groups but it is best to prearrange this visit so that you can be accommodated comfortably. You can ask each winery for its policies. Of course, you should also visit their listings on the Wineries Page
Most of the tasting rooms are located on either Route 25 or County Rd. 48. two roads that are basically parallel to each other and run east/west. The wine trail on the North Fork starts where these two roads intersect Route 105, a road running north/south. You can start out on Rt. 25 East. This will bring you past a large number of tasting rooms, the last of which is in Greenport. You can return via Route 48 to visit the remainder. The distance is approximately fifty miles round trip. Visitors often ask B&B's if they are close to the wineries. The truth is that all B&B's are close to the wineries. If you were to stay at the furthest B&B east and wanted to visit the furthest winery west, you would still only have a half hour drive.
Vintage Tours offers great packages for touring the vineyards. They provide gourmet boxed lunches and the drivers are knowledgeable about wines and the area. Plus, you'll be safe on the roads!! Another neat means of transportation is the bicycle. Depending on your level of fitness, you can see at least three to four per day. (See Activities)
The North Fork is indeed very proud of its wineries and we urge you to visit. Consider taking a Wine Weekend. Two days are enough time to get introduced to wine country, but if you want to get to know us better, (which you will!), you will return again and again.
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You Want to Eat When???
One thing I have learned as an innkeeper is that a whole lot of people eat dinner much later than I do. In fact, a whole lot of people eat later than most local North Fork people do. Once in awhile, this creates a problem for visitors. I've had guests arrive around 10:00PM on a Friday night and want to go someplace "romantic." The best I could offer was pizza on the beach or a tuna sandwich by candlelight in our living room. Especially "off" season, most restaurants do not serve dinner after 10:00PM. During peak season, things may change, but then you may need reservations.
Of course, restaurants vary in their reservation policies. The more casual normally don't accept them, but they are often worth the wait! If you have a specific restaurant in mind, make reservations. If you have a specific "type" of restaurant in mind, you might want to ask an innkeeper or the local Chamber of Commerce to advise you. It's so disappointing to hope for dinner on a deck overlooking the sunset and to wind up with a hamburger somewhere.
There are restaurants here on the North Fork to tempt the palates of even the most committed dieter. Some specialize in seafood; others in buffalo and wild game. We have Mexican, Italian, American, Chinese, and French establishments, and you can get a great steak or a light vegetarian dish. We boast the oldest restaurant in the United States that has been under same family management, and we boast the newest, trendiest hot spots.
The imagination of our restaurant owners seems to be limitless and you will see this not only on the daily menus, but also in the special promotions they offer. I recently celebrated my birthday at a "wine dinner" during which pre-selected wines were poured for each course. It was fabulous. Others host "wild game nights." Of course, you will always find early bird and mid week specials too.
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Selecting a Venue
In choosing the site for your event, you take the first step towards turning your vision of the function into a reality. Whether you are planning a wedding with three hundred guests, or a corporate seminar for fifty, you need to know your budget and the ambience you want to create. The trick comes in having these two often contradictory elements come together!! North Fork Weddings offers assistance through its event planning staff and is available for consultation and partial or full event coordination and design services. NFW also has access to private properties made available only to its clients.
Wineries
North Fork Weddings provides a listing of those wineries we recommend which do host weddings. A few vineyards permit private parties and/or corporate functions, but do not host wedding receptions with their unique demands. Site rental fees for an event at a winery can range from $12,000 for full site usage (including an indoor dining room, dance floor, and cocktail area) on a Saturday night in October, to no fee at all for use of a picnic table on a lawn or deck overlooking the vineyards. The latter may sound silly, but if you seek to host a small group of employees or friends for a wine tour, this may fit the bill. A gourmet boxed lunch, some fabulous local wines, and sea air go a long way toward creating an environment of luxury and relaxation.
Some wineries offer a combination of indoor and outdoor areas, such as a covered deck or piazza suitable for tent coverage. Others make available property in the heart of the vineyards where you erect a tent large enough to accommodate a huge guest list. Fees for this sort of site rental normally vary from $6,000 to $1,000, exclusive of tent rental fees. You will want to meet with vineyard staff to determine exactly what is included in site rental fees. It may be necessary for you to rent portable bathroom facilities, but don't fret over this. Local suppliers are more than capable of providing you with services in keeping with the level of formality and comfort you desire. Be sure also to understand the policy on serving alcoholic beverages in addition to the wine of the hosting vineyard.
Not all of the wineries have in house event coordinators, although a few do and one has its own private catering service. Often a winery will provide you with their recommended suppliers and/or refer you to this website for you to do your own research.
Bed & Breakfasts
B&B's are popular on the North Fork not only for lodging, but also as sites for smaller gatherings. Since each establishment has unique décor and ambience, each may be suited to a greater or lesser degree for the function you have in mind. One may be perfect for an intimate Victorian Wedding, while another is seaside. Some have large common rooms entirely suitable for seminars or organizations and others have multiple smaller rooms. Check the listings on NFW to get a feel for each B&B and contact the ones that seem to meet your needs. (A few of the B&B's are available for events only through North Fork Weddings.)
Restaurants/Catering Halls
The size of your event may be the major determining factor in your selection of a restaurant or catering hall. A check of our listings will tell you about the main catering establishments and since the North Fork has a multitude of fine establishments, you can go casual, formal, small or large. Almost all of the catering establishments have their own in house services and can take care of every facet of the event. There are some halls, both private and public, that allow you to have your own outside caterers and designers. This can be a major money saving option and you don't have to sacrifice style at all. North Fork caterers do off site functions frequently, and can be of major service to you. Do check our listings of caterers, all of which we highly recommend. NFW does, of course, work with local caterers and halls to provide clients with assistance in all areas.
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Think Outside the Box!
Your wedding should be as individual as you. If you prefer a classic wedding with a cocktail hour, sit down dinner and dancing, that's fine. You can still add your own touches. However, there are other options you should consider. The North Fork prides itself on its personal, home town feel. That does not mean we lack sophistication, only that we recognize the value of simple things. Good taste and style are timeless and a fun environment can be created in so many different ways. Once I had a party for which I made liquid bubble mixture and huge bubble blowers out of coat hangers. At first, some guests resisted getting involved, but soon even the Town Supervisor was on the lawn yelling "Look at the big bubble I just made!" People may not remember the food I served, but all remember the bubbles they made!
Centerpieces
The florists listed on NFW will listen to you. While they can certainly accommodate any requests, they won't make you feel that you simply must have tightly arranged bouquets of roses and calla lilies. A bouquet of wild flowers is perfect for a garden wedding in summer! A light and airy arrangement uses fewer flowers and can be more dramatic. And centerpieces don't have to be comprised of cut flowers. Potted perennials or annuals can be tucked into larger baskets. Not only does this create a unique centerpiece, but guests can take one small plant to place in their gardens at home. How about a beautiful bowl of fruit? Wickham's Fruit Stand can provide fruit as colorful and fragrant as any flower! They'll create the baskets for you or if you wish, you can supply your own containers. Imagine a terracotta pot filled with golden pears and embellished with red maple leaves and ribbon?
Favors
The days of Jordan almonds in tulle are over! Favors are a way for you to really imprint your personality on your special day. Be uncommon! Our local gift shops and "at home" artists can provide you with ideas and products. In one store I found river stones engraved with words like "forever," "unity," and "compassion." I thought how lovely it would be to place one of these at each setting. I met a woman who grows all varieties of lavender which she dries and uses to create sachets. She makes these out of antique linens she finds in antique stores or yard sales. Imagine the scent in a room where one of these was presented to each guest? A calligrapher can create place card settings with quotations suitable for framing. A local photographer has note cards imprinted with his artistic photographs of local scenes. Maybe one depicts where you are getting married!
Activities
Wine tours and more for you and your guests!
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