Discover North Fork: Your Ideal Relaxing End-of-Summer Retreat

From celebrated wineries to boutique inns, the North Fork is calling your name.

Everything you’ve read about the North Fork — the 30-mile stretch of Long Island running just parallel to the South Fork — is true. The region boasts fertile soil, with farms, wineries, and roadside stands offering delights from grape pies to fresh eggs. In stark contrast to the Hamptons, the South Fork’s busy locales, the North Fork maintains a distinctly relaxed vibe. Where else, particularly near NYC, can you find serene beaches without the crowds and enjoy a lovely meal without extensive planning? Many activities are outdoors, allowing you to soak up the refreshing coastal air. This mini-guide assists you in maximizing a peaceful, yet safe getaway to the North Fork.

Where to Stay

Even though it opened in 2018, The Lin Beach House has the allure of a hidden gem. Located in a beautifully restored Victorian building on Route 25, this guest house features five spacious rooms and suites with high ceilings, bohemian decor, and vintage elements like clawfoot tubs. Moreover, to minimize contact with staff — who are friendly and available if needed — The Lin Beach House offers contactless access to accommodations via key codes sent to guests the day of check-in.

If location is essential, consider American Beech. Found in the heart of Greenport’s Stirling Square, this boutique inn and restaurant combines elegance with the welcoming feel of a home. With luxurious linens, high-quality toiletries, and gourmet breakfast baskets delivered to doors each morning, guests will cherish their stay.

Where to Eat

Start your culinary journey at Sunny’s Riverhead Diner & Grill. This North Fork classic, with nearly 90 years of history, has preserved its old-fashioned charm under the ownership of Jim and Sunny Liszanckie since 2017. Indulge in comfort food with hearty sandwich offerings like the Hungry Man, featuring eggs, three types of meat, and American cheese.

For seafood lovers, The Halyard at Sound View, a charming waterfront inn in Greenport, is a must-visit. Chef Stephan Bogardus highlights the ocean’s delights with dishes ranging from lobster rolls to unique creations like seared foie gras paired with hamachi sashimi. Enjoy al fresco dining with captivating views of the Long Island Sound while indulging in their salty biscuits and butter to start your culinary experience.

Earlier this year, chef John Fraser took the reins at North Fork Table & Inn. Following an extensive renovation, the restaurant now features a new bar and outdoor dining spaces that enhance its elegance. The menu emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, focusing on vegetables, ensuring each dish is pleasing to both the eye and palate. For casual bites, guests can also visit the on-site food truck.

When craving pizza, 1943 Pizza Bar comes highly recommended. Located in Stirling Square near American Beech, this cozy eatery serves delicious wood-fired pizzas like margherita and Clams Casino. For an evening out, visit Brix & Rye, their cocktail bar, where you can sip beside friends while enjoying safely distanced tables.

Where to Drink

The North Fork boasts nearly 60 wineries and vineyards, offering various tasting experiences. Notable is Macari Vineyards, which has been crafting wines since the 1930s. Now managed by certified sommelier Gabriella Macari, the tasting room is open by reservation, perfect for those looking to savor the local wine selection.

Established in 1978, Lenz Winery is one of the area’s oldest and most esteemed establishments. Known for its approachable selection, Lenz provides a welcoming tasting room and outdoor sipping when the weather permits. Don’t forget to pack a picnic and enjoy their delicious Merlot.

While wineries define the region’s charm, Matchbook Distilling Co. proves there’s more than just wine to enjoy. This innovative facility allows guests to create their own gin through their interactive “Create Your Own Gin Experience,” offered on Saturday afternoons alongside a unique selection of spirits.