How To Spend The Perfect 24 Hours on the North Fork

On the North Fork of Long Island, there are so many beautiful things to do. Now that the weather is warmer, it’s the perfect time to sip some wine, stroll through the seaside villages, or cycle along their quaint historic streets.

There are charming towns, fabulous wineries, and spectacular beaches that almost seem abandoned. The North Fork is an easy substitution for the Hamptons if you want more culture and relaxation. While the North Fork can be a little glamorous, it’s at a different level than the Hamptons, and it doesn’t want to be something it’s not. Many travelers have described the North Fork as a little bit of New England on Long Island, and if you’ve been to places like Cape Cod, you know how charming that can be. 

The 30-mile peninsula is just 75 miles east of New York City and easily commutable by train, car, and bus. With more than 30 vineyards and an assortment of different grapes, the North Fork has the reputation of being New York’s wine region, and for good reason. But that’s not the only thing this peninsula offers. Here’s how to spend the perfect 24 hours on the North Fork. 

Start At The End

Even though this may seem odd, we recommend starting at the end of the peninsula. This way, you see the North Fork without feeling rushed or missing anything. The Orient is the end of the North Fork, known for having some of the most picturesque natural settings. Starting your morning there will wake up all your senses in the best way possible. First, walk through Village Lane and grab a coffee at the Orient Country Store. You can even grab a quick bite to eat there before heading to the Orient Beach State Park. If you’re traveling by car, it’s only a ten-minute ride, but traveling by cycle can take up to 30 minutes.

In warmer months, the state park is filled with locals and travelers. There, you can swim, fish, kayak, canoe, or just plop on the soft sand and enjoy the sweet views of Long Beach Bay. If you’re craving more beach vibes, head over to Truman’s Beach on your way out of the Orient. It has some spectacular views and historical significance. 

Stop And Smell The Flowers

On your way west from the Orient, you’ll enter East Marion. A bit smaller than the Orient, you’ll find plenty of things to do here, including exploring the East Marion–Belvedere Park Historic District. Depending on the season, you may have the chance to see lavenders blooming (mid to late summer), and the perfect place to do this is at Lavender By The Bay. This farm is (almost) dedicated solely to lavender, and its fields seem to be going on for miles. It’s a beautiful way to spend a late morning and, in our opinion, quite romantic. From there, head on down to Greenport. You’ll spend most of your time here because there’s so much to do. 

East End Sailing, Wine, And Waterfront Dining 

Greenport is the most famous village in the North Fork, and you can get there quickly from either side. It’s known for its nautical activities in the summer, but it’s also a central point for different wineries in the area. If you’re looking to grab a glass (or two) before lunch, check out wineries like Lenz, which are only 15 minutes away by car. Lenz is the second oldest winery on Long Island, known for its impressive merlot.

The Long Island wine scene is known for having Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes, with other variations forming because of changing climates. From Lenz, you can hop over to Bedell Cellars and try their version of France’s Muscadet. It pairs well with the summer ambiance, mussels, and oysters.

After enough wine, head back to Greenport and walk its many streets. Known as one of the more walkable areas on Long Island, parking your car and getting lost is suggested. There are countless boutique shops and restaurants. For lunch, we recommend Anker. It’s a local seafood restaurant overlooking Greenport Harbor. It’s the perfect place to grab some local dishes and enjoy waterfront dining in a trendy atmosphere. For dinner, consider Little Fish. Its eclectic vibe is casual and the perfect way to end the night. 

Enjoy Historic Sleep

You can book countless hotels, B&Bs, and short-term rentals on the North Fork, but we particularly enjoy places like the retro Silver Sands Motel & Beach Bungalows. It’s facing Pipes Cove and has established itself as one of the best trendiest lodgings this past year. Enjoy your time on the North Fork; there are countless things to do, and we know you’ll have a good time.