The North Fork

This is a map of Long Island.  Lots of people compare the shape of the island to a fish, with its head nestled against NYC and its tail in the Atlantic.   If you look at the East End of the island, you see that the “tail” branches out, there are distinct “forks”.   The South Fork contains all the glamour and glitz of the Hamptons and Montauk.

But the North Fork … well, the North Fork has always been more …agricultural.  Traditionally that meant farms and farm stands (I used to take my children apple picking  in Cutchogue or Baiting Hollow) but more recently has included vineyards.  Yes, the North Fork of Long Island is wine country.  And most of the vineyards have wine tasting rooms,

So it was time for the annual summer visit to the North Fork. 

Our first stop was South Shore Market and Farms for locally grown produce.

Then it was on to Harbes Family Farm for preserves and fruit butters. 

Then it was down Bridge Street, a single lane road with a charming bridge and an interesting sign.

Next stop: Pindar Vinyards

Drew and our friends enjoyed a flight of wine in the tasting room.  I’m not drinking alcohol these days, but they sell a sparkling Spumante that’s just fruit juice.  This vineyard is very laid back — you can buy cheese and crackers to enjoy with the wine, or you can bring a picnic basket and sit outside.

Lunch at Modern Snackbar. It’s an old fashioned diner.  Great food. The on to Hallock’s Cider Mill — baked goods, honey, more preserves etc. And more produce from the organic place, Sang Lee Farms.

And then we drove out to Orient Point.  That’s the furthest east you can go on the North Fork.  We spent a little time at the State Park.  It’s got a small beach that’s on the bay, facing the South Fork. 

There’s a human sundial!  Step on the tile corresponding to the current month …your shadow will tell the time.

It’s right near the Cross Sound Ferry.

You (and your car, if you like) can take the ferry from Orient Piint across Long Island Sound to New London, Connecticut.

And on the way back from Orient Point we stopped at Lavender By The Bay.  Every time we’ve gone out east we’ve driven past a lavender farm near Riverhead.  They have a shop in East Marion.  Lavender products — sachets, cosmetics, even seasonings.

And while the big farm is in Riverhead, they have a small field behind the shop.

We planned to stop at Twin Stills Moonshine, but they closed at 5…

Normally, after a day like that, we’d just drive home.  But a friend was performing his comedy at Squarehead Brewery that night, so we had to see the show.

Another full day.  Very nice.