PHOTO BY JONI RENTZGet your lunch to go at North Fork Table and Inns Lunch Truck, located in the rear of the restaurant's parking lot. Hidden behind the facade of a blue Ford pickup truck is a well stocked kitchen dishing out Artisan Frankfurters, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Lobster Rolls, desserts, drinks and more. Last weeks special was a warm roasted Turkey Sandwich, a perfect post Thanksgiving treat. Now open 7 days a week from 11:30-3:30.
A True Thanksgiving
PHOTO BY JONI RENTZHang up your apron this Thanksgiving and just set a table cause Love Lane Kitchen features everything but the bird this Thanksgiving. There are soups to start and sides including Herb Stuffing, Ginger Glazed Carrots, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Corn Succotash and Braised Brussel Sprouts. For dessert, Pumpkin Rum Cheesecake or Apple Pie. And Salamander's General Store serves up everything including the bird. It's their 12th Annual Thanksgiving at Home, featuring their famous D'artagnan Amish Organic Turkeys. Sides include Chestnut-Sage Stuffing, Roasted Turkey Gravy, Pureed Sweet Potatoes and Cauliflower and Onion Parmesan to name a few. Get your orders in early before it's all gobbled up!
Apple of the Month
PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINSEPTEMBER: McIntosh, Gala, Empire are just a few of the dozen varieties of apples that can be yours for the pickin at Woodside Farm in Jamesport. OCTOBER: Wickham's Fruit Farm continues their long tradition of cider making. Made from a blend of the farms apples and pears. Yum. NOVEMBER: Perfect for the holidays, the famous apple pies from Briermere Farms in Riverhead.
Top Grape
PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINOur top pick for Fall 2010 is McCall 2007 Pinot Noir and 2007 Pinot Noir Reserve. The Pinot Noir with its black cherry silkiness and the Reserve, bold and fruity with a touch of oak both tickled our taste buds. Find out more about their wine and the vineyard >
Pumpkin Pickers
PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINThey're everywhere. Those orange and green, gourd-like squashes have invaded the North Fork along with the throngs of families in search of them . We like to find the quiet out of the way stands to find ours but there are big farm fall extravaganzas both along Routes 25 and 48 to satisfy everyone. And if the hunt is for pumpkins in the form of pies head to Briermere Farms for the best.
Giddyup
PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINIt doesn’t matter if you don’t know your trot from your cantor, English from Western. At the Hidden Lake Farm in Southold, what ever your riding ability, you’ll find your perfect match among the 16 horses that reside there. Saddle up your pony and trot along a woodland trail or cantor along the beach. For the more adventurous there’s a cross-country course along with fox hunting in the winter.
Hidden Lake Farm | Route 48 | Southold | 631.765.9896
And for the perfect riding crop or boot - North Fork Saddlery in Mattituck.
App|ropriate
Today’s modern adventurer knows it’s important to pack their iPhone or iPad along with the picnic basket. So if you plan on hiking some trails this fall here are some great apps that will help you identify that yellow feathered bird overhead, deal with that three leaf plant you just brushed up against and guide you home when every direction feels south.
iBird
This interactive field guide lets you search North American birds by color, shape, habitat, and location. $4.99 on iTunes
Howcast
Learn how to do anything including identifying and treating poison ivy. FREE on iTunes
Compass Go
Find your way back or the direction to a specific place, in the easiest way! $0.99 on iTunes
Trailblazing
PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINWhether it’s woodland, wetland, shoreline or vernal pool you desire, the trails throughout the North Fork will surely hit the mark. Here’s a great list that will help you to find that perfect place for bird watching or for finding hidden treasures at the end of phragmite lined boardwalks. The walking levels are as varied as the terrain so be sure to prepare before heading out.
Downs Farm Preserve | Cutchogue
Goldsmith Inlet Park | Peconic
Inlet Pond Park | Greenport
Laurel Lake Preserve | Laurel
Orient Point County Park | Orient
Husing Pond Preserve | Mattituck
Our top pick is Inlet Pond Park in Greenport. Here you get to experience woodlands, ponds, sand and sound along with some amazing views of Connecticut. Happy trails!