North Fork: The Un-Hamptons of Long Island, NY

North Fork Wine Country

This is one of the most under-appreciated areas of the United States!

Just a few hours from the hustle and bustle NYC lay a bucolic and sophisticated place called the North Fork of Long Island.  It’s name heralds from its location, as compared to its sparkling, well-known, sister the South Fork more commonly known as the Hamptons. The two forks are as far geographically from each other as they are in attitude. The Hamptons are famous for celebrity-studded parties and mega yachts while the North Fork is known for quaint seaside villages, scenic vineyards, and pretty boutique farms that produce delicious artisan foods served in local award winning restaurants.  The humble history of this as potato farms has expanded into a series of gentlemen farms producing, among other tasty treats, organic pork, goat cheese, gourmet potato chips and seemingly every variety of heirloom tomato.

Foodies and wine lovers flock to this region to enjoy the unique experience of strolling beautiful vineyards with accomplished winemakers, taking in the vast open vistas of the green rows, then retiring to the tasting room to savor the vintages crafted from those same vines.  As this wine region has grown to over 50 wineries, creative chefs have opened restaurants that are consistently voted the best in New York.

North Fork Long Island New York

While the restaurant scene is bustling it is not the only attraction, the picturesque bays and creeks attract every flavor of beach bums – from the family beach picnic to the yoga and stand up paddle classes.  Boaters delight in the variety of navigable waters from brisk ocean-like waves, to calm bays and placid creeks. Sport fishermen charter boats out to the choppy by our beloved lighthouse, Bug Light, to catch striped bass. Nature lovers will enjoy bird watching at the Audubon Center or hiking miles of designated trails.

Families love the slow and friendly pace to rides bicycles or the antique carousel in charming Greenport village.  Kids also enjoy visiting the local aquarium to pet the penguins and then visit the Big Duck. This 20-foot tall duck-shaped building was built in 1931 as a roadside store to sell duck eggs and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While couples love to come for romantic weekend getaways to enjoy luxury bed and breakfasts and stroll, holding hands, through charming shopping hamlets and beaches.

Whether coming as a day trip from New York City, a weekend romp or a lifetime, the delicious North Fork is the perfect mélange of sophistication and simplicity with a side of seaside salt.

For more information visit the North Fork website http://www.northfork.org/

Submitted by Small Business blog