PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINThere's no better way to get in touch with nature than sitting just inches off the water in a kayak. It's like getting a fish's eye view of the North Fork. There are three great bayside locations for kayak rentals all from Eagle's Neck Paddling Company. Our favorite is located in Orient Beach State Park. There you can take a leisurely paddle down fringed channels and tributaries and peek in on the local heron or egret living along the banks of Little Bay. Or head across Long Beach Bay to enjoy a picnic lunch on a strip of beach on the Narrow River in Orient. Boats are available 7 days a week and they offer tours if you don't want to go it alone.
My Private Oasis
PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINSure the North Fork is full of wonderful beaches, family beaches, recreational beaches, beaches protected under the watchful eye of a lifeguard, but sometimes you just want to get away from all of that. You want a strip of sand to call your own. Well we've uncovered a few of those hidden gems dotting both the shores of the bay and the sound. Here are some starters. Don't forget your map and compass!
New Suffolk - tiny sandy beach
Cutchogue - long sandy beach
Orient - long pebbled beach
Wanna share? Let us in on your hidden beaches...
The Fish Taco Tug of War
The two contenders: Salamander General Store vs Love Lane Kitchen. Both masterfully prepared. Both with their own unique flavoring. (though we add a touch of Tabasco to both!) You decide. Post your favorite or give us some others to try. The match is on!
The Riverhead Project
PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINNope. Not a new condo development or environmental study. It's Dennis McDermott's new restaurant venture located in the District Neighborhood of Riverhead. Wow. 60's era architecture blended with modern chic. I was waiting for the Rat Pack to walk in and join us for cocktails. Beyond the North Fork, literally and figuratively. Well worth the trip out or stop on the way in. Check out our EAT section for more details.
Outdoor Dining
PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINWhether it be dockside, sidewalk, picnic style, patio or back porch, if it's outside dining you're looking for we've got you covered. Pass the coleslaw and the SPF 30 please.
Vine Street Cafe - Covered back deck that feels like a tree house
Vine Wine Bar - Tree shaded front patio and covered front porch
Scrimshaw - Dockside dining with views of harbor & Shelter Island
Love Lane Kitchen - Shaded cobblestone alley
Noah's - Streetside, cafe style dining
The Riverhead Project - Quiet patio dining
A Lure - Umbrella covered back deck overlooking Port of Egypt
Salamander General Store - Umbrella covered front porch
The Lunch Truck - Picnic style setting complete with blankets and pillows
Summer Harvest
PHOTO BY JONI RENTZWhen it's summer on the North Fork then it's time for corn, tomatoes, peaches and plums. Nothing sums up summer better than fresh picked corn, left in the husk and grilled to perfection on the grill. And the best place to pick up a few dozen ears is at Seps in East Marion located on Rt 25. How 'bout them tomatoes? Well head over to Sang Lee for the best in heirloom varieties, located in Cutchogue on Rt 48. And if you're all the way out east then stop in at Lathams in Orient where tomatoes abound. Fill paper bags full of peaches and plums at Wickham's located in Cutchogue on Rt 25 for the best. Go to FARMSTANDS for locations.
Top Grape
PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINMcCall Wines claims it again but this time for their 2009 Pinot Noir. Subtle, light with a nice rounded berry flavor. We usually like our whites for summer but this red is perfect to bring along for a summer picnic. Read more about the vineyard and their other wines.
Peddle Pushers
PHOTO BY JONI RENTZInstead of 4 wheels take the slow scenic route on 2. For renting, there are two great bike rental options for you in Greenport. One, located right in the center of town on Front Street called Port Side Rentals. They rent comfy retro cruisers. Big seats. Big wheels. Perfect for cruising. The second is Dan’s Bike Rental. Dan has a fleet of high quality Specialized and Trek hybrid bikes. He’ll even deliver them right to your door. Either way, please peddle responsibly.
A Strong Chance of Showers
PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINWe always like to post the upcoming seasons celestial events. Living in Brooklyn most of the year we marvel at the sky overhead when we’re out on the North Fork. And to witness one of nature’s grand events is worth planning a weekend around. Here’s the list of the strongest upcoming Meteor Showers. Dates indicate peak viewing times.
April 22: Lyrids
May 6: Eta Aquarids
June 7: Arietids
July 28: South Delta Aquarids
August 12: Perseids
Go to Custer Institute, our very own observatory here on the North Fork, for more viewing details or better yet, to peer through their high-powered telescopes.