R&I Travels | Summer Escape to the North fork, Long Island

Summer Escape North Fork

R&I Travels to the Northfork of Long Island

If you live in the New York area or beyond, a long weekend  escapeto the North Fork of Long Island is highly recommended.  This past weekend, I had the pleasure of kicking back and relaxing amid the vineyards and beach.  There are so many things to do weather going to a wine tasting or hitting up one of the many farm stands that line the road.  If you like to be more active, I recommend renting a paddle board or kayak at Peconic Water Sports in Southold.  While I wish we could have stayed longer, here are the places that we went and where we ate.  Enjoy!

THE BEACHES & SUNSETS

There are many beautiful beaches along the North Shore. While some prefer the ocean, the Long Island Sound is better for swimming, plus the water is warmer.  We went to Iron Beach Pier that not only has a long sandy beach, but the sunsets are incredible there. Also, head to the end of the Island to Orient Point to take in the lighthouse, which sits in the middle of the water.  

THE VINEYARDS

One of the most surprising parts about the North Fork region is the large amount of vineyards that stretch for miles.  I personally didn't realize that New York produced so much wine!  Not only can you visit many of the tasting rooms from various vineyards, but you can also wander around in the rows of grapes.  Driving along route 25 you encounter one after another including Bedell Cellars, Wölffer Estate and One Woman.  

THE FOOD

Since you are on the coast, there are many sea food places to visit.  Southold Fish Market sells fresh fish by the pound or if you want to stay they have various menu options including lobster and fish.  I had the fried flounder with a salad that came with homemade tartar sauce, it was delicious, not overtly greasy.

For a weekday breakfast or weekend brunch, head to Main Road Biscuit Co. in Jamesport.  They serve breakfast all day, but be sure to order one of their buttery biscuits if it doesn't come with your meal.   These large buttery delights are even better when paired with their house-made seasonal jam.  

Summer is about cooling down either in the water or with a refreshing ice cream cone.  Head to Magic Fountain Ice Cream for inventive homemade flavors from Chocolate Pudding Pie to more adventurous options like Goat Cheese & Beet.

If you are heading Orient, at the end of the northern part of Long Island, stop by Orient by the Sea for dockside dining.  This dog friendly establishment serves delicious fried clam strips alongside lobster rolls.  

AND BEYOND

I have never really explored Long Island besides frequent trips to Fire Island, but I had always wanted to visit Sag Harbor.  This charming seaside town has many restaurants, cute boutiques and impressive yachts parked in the bay.  Living in New York, I have access to amazing restaurants so decided to go to the Dock House, a small seafood joint that served fresh fish,lobster and award-winning clam chowder.  

Photography by Alison