A DAY TRIP TO NEW YORK'S NORTH FORK

We decided to escape the city and since it was a beautiful autumn morning getting some fruit and veggies sounded like a great idea, so we headed towards Greenport, NY from NYC. Greenport is roughly a 3 hour drive from Manhattan and a 4-5 hour train ride on the Long Island Railroad, take the train to Ronkonkoma, it’ll take you straight to the Greenport station, just check ahead of time for delays.

We decided to drive since we were planning to shop around for some fresh veggies, then later explore the surrounding area. We finally entered the North Fork, a 30-mile-long peninsula in the northeast part of Suffolk County, we hopped on Sound Ave after driving through Wading River and from then on we hit the fruit and vegetable goldmine!

After spending a few hours looking through produce stands we headed towards Horton Neck.

What to do in North Fork, New York

Horton Point Lighthouse Nautical Museum, 3575 Lighthouse Rd, Southold, NY 11971

Horton Point Lighthouse Nautical Museum is part of multiple buildings maintained by the Southold Historical Society, the buildings the society maintains range in date from 1750 to 1900 and include a lighthouse, several houses, barns, buildings, and structures.

Admission is $5.00 per adults or $10.00 for a family, includes for all museums. There is parking available at the Horton Point Lighthouse in the Southold Park District’s lot for a $5 fee, along with street parking.

67 Steps Beach

Next to Horton Point Lighthouse before you get into the parking lot there is a staircase leading down to one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. The water is so clear and the rocks are big enough you can take a seat and enjoy the scenery and breathe in the fresh saltwater. I was shocked to see the beach was completely empty, I was relieved to see the beach was so nicely kept.

Orient Beach State Park

It’s about a 2.5-mile beach with an admission to the state park of $8 per vehicle. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a family outing by grilling or having a picnic while taking in the beautiful views. Go swimming, kayaking, or even swing on the benches located on the beach.

Visit The Big Duck

This unique building in the shape of a duck is located in Flanders, New York just south of Riverhead. It built back in 1931 by a local duck farmer Martin Maurer, where he used to sell ducks and duck eggs. It’s definitely worth the quick detour to take pictures and visit their small gift shop.

Where to shop in North Fork, New York

Antiques & Old Lace, 31935 Main Rd, Cutchogue, NY 11935

There is quite a bit of old books, antique furniture, and wicker baskets which are my favorite! I mean who doesn’t keep an eye out for a new picnic basket every now and then?

The Times Vintage, 429 Main St, Greenport, NY 11944

This little antique store located in downtown Greenport was one of my favorite stores to browse around in, it’s filled with some great gems! You’ll find some great clothes here, not so much furniture. You can read more about this cute little store in my Greenport post.

touchGOODS, 53740 Main Rd, Southold, NY 11971

Not exactly a antique store but I did want to point out that touchGOODS has some great mid century modern furniture. They have great pieces of home decor, especially for the living room or kitchen if you are in the market for redecorating I would suggest taking a look here!

Where to eat + drink in North Fork

Country Corner Cafe - This is a great breakfast place! Great place to start your day, a few things to try include their buttermilk pancakes, the beer battered fish & chips, and for sure the four cheese mac and cheese!

Main Road Biscuit - Biscuits & Gravy, must I say more? Served with sawmill gravy with pork sausage, while you’re there try their greenie smoothie!

Southold Fish Market - This is a great option if you are looking for a American and seafood cuisine. Some great suggestions for Southold Fish Market are the clam strip platter, the clam chowder, and the fried flounder basket.

Claudio’s Restaurant - They have a tiki bar where you can enjoy your meal while enjoying the scenery and view of the waterfront. Just place your order at the self-serve window and find the perfect seat over by the waterfront.

Magic Fountain Ice Cream - They have a wide variety of ice cream flavors to choose from, 32 to be exact! They do have a few vegan flavors as well. It’s the perfect place to grab a cone on a hot summer day!

Where to stay

Sound View Greenport - They have a private beach area, they’re pet friendly and have a beautiful view of the oceanfront.

The Preston House and Hotel - The perfect hotel for a vacation getaway! This hotel offers a delicious breakfast and is also pet friendly! If you are planning to visit both the North and South Fork this is the perfect location since it’s right in the middle located in Riverhead. Fairly close to the Hamptons and to Greenport.

Shorecrest Bed and Breakfast - This charming little bed and breakfast is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing trip along the Fork. Located in Southold, you’ll be right in the middle of the North Fork! You’ll have over 40 wineries within a 20 minute drive to choose from and if you are planning to stay in for a day you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful English gardens.

This wraps up my relaxing fall afternoon, did I miss anything fun in North Fork? If so, comment below some of your favorite things to do and I’ll check them out! After the winter season if over I’ll be heading over to The Hamptons to wander through the South Fork of New York so keep an eye out for that post!