NORTH FORK LONG ISLAND



This past weekend, my husband and I headed north to Long Island wine country for a short weekend getaway. We intended to visit a couple of wineries, but since this was our first time traveling through the North Fork region, we rented a few bikes and went sight-seeing along the main road.



On our way through the small  towns of Long Island, I couldn't help but notice that nearly all of the grapes were still on the vine. This is interesting, because in contrast, most of the wineries across California have harvested their non-dessert grape varietals weeks ago, and most likely have already barreled their wines.

It also seems like the region receives a healthy amount of rain throughout the year, which is not good for producing highly concentrated, focused wines. So I was quite skeptical of these wines. In such situations, it's best to stick with white wines as we would find out later.


As soon as we arrived at our B&B in East Marion, we dropped our bags, and took our bikes and headed out for some local seafood at Orient by the Sea, which was a 6 miles away.
We both enjoyed a warm traditional bowl of New England clam chowder and beer steamed mussels.



And before everything digested, we headed back to East Marion on our 6-mile return trip. Along the way back we stopped at Truman Beach for a rest.



Aren't these rocks beautiful? They looked like jelly beans scattered all over the shore at Truman's Beach.  I was so happy to lie down on the cool and smooth colorful rocks. That bike ride really gave me a good run for my money. 

Later on that evening we headed towards the Seafood Barge for a nice dinner that started with lobster knuckles with vanilla bean aioli and shaved fennel, followed by seared halibut and finished off with a flourless chocolate cake.
We decided to have a flight of local wines: 2006  Lenz Pinot Blanc, 2006 Lenz Bon Appetit, 2005 Raphael Red Blend, 2005 Duck Walk Cabernet Sauvignon. The whites were better than the reds, but none were memorable, and right then and there decided to skip the our original plans of visiting local wineries. 
The next day we stopped by at Sep's Farm, which seemed to grow just about every vegetable under the sun. There were piles of gorgeous and interesting gourds on display. There were piles of mottled green squash with elongated necks that looked like swans.

Across the street from Sep's Farm was a breath-taking lavender farm, called Lavender by the Bay. Most of it had already been harvested for the year. On the perimeter of the multi-acre lavender farm were stacks of boxes that were surrounded by honeybees industriously collecting nectar from the lavender buds and depositing it into the honey combs.
All in all, it was a nice scenic trip, we'll probably visit again next fall, although we'll be sure to plan well in advance as the island books up very quickly. 

18 comments:

KennyT said...

What a fantastic weekend getaway!! You look like a model in the photo!

Fresh Local and Best said...

Thanks Kenny!

Juliana said...

Very nice pictures, enjoy to look at them specially the weird shapes of pumpkins or squashs and the rocks...

lululu said...

beautiful pictures! nice trip to have a glance over other foodie places!

Mardi Michels said...

Such great pictures! That's a lovely one of you!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful getaway and thanks for sharing your gorgeous pictures!

Yvo Sin said...

That sounds like an awesome getaway! I'm totally into it, I think I will borrow your trip itinerary. Where'd you rent the bikes though? Thanks! :)

Fresh Local and Best said...

Hi Yvo,

Thanks for your kind comment! After this visit, I would recommend renting a car, just so that you can get around easier. It seems like the wineries and restaurants run a six mile stretch. I would also stay in Greenport or Southold vs. East Marion where we stayed is pretty far up the coast. I think you'll be fine getting around in a bike in Greenport or Southold. Also, keep in mind that most places shutdown on October 31st for the winter. So, you may want to call around to see what is open if you head up after October.

It's pretty easy to get up there from Manhattan, the Hampton Jitney gets you there in roughly 2 hours for $22, and drops you off at several locations in North Fork. It's also pretty easy if you want to make it a day trip, basically arrive in North Fork at 1pm and leave around 5:30pm. I rented a bike from Dan at the Inn at the Blue 212-380-1119 for $25/day.

I hope this helps!

Christine

Anonymous said...

What a nice area! Lavender farm Mmmm! and the seafood looks delicious!!!

ChefDruck said...

Gorgeous pictures. I loved the rock one. You really captured the colors. And you do look like a model lying on the beach like that.

What a wonderful trip. Makes me homesick. The North Fork is such a contrast to the swanky Hamptons.

By the way, I just created a foodie blog roll and I added your wonderful blog to it.

Fresh Local and Best said...

Thanks so much for the kind comments!

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

I am lucky to live relatively close to the North Fork. It is one of my favorite weekend visits. In fact, your photos are tempting me to make the trip this weekend!

Fresh Local and Best said...

Thanks for stopping by TW! I enjoyed the visit, and next time will make sure to stop by a few wineries.

HoustonWok said...

I will never look at colorful rocks the same ever. These do look like candies or jelly beans of such, haha. LOVE the picture of you lying on the rocks, model like

Nancy said...

Great pics from your trip! I'm traveling out to the North Fork in a couple of weeks - can't wait to explore the area. We'll be in and around Mattituck, I think.

dan's bikes said...

Thanks for mentioning my bike rental business. I think your photos really make this blog.

Dan

Fresh Local and Best said...

Your welcome Dan! I'm glad to hear this helped!

nancy at goodfoodmatters said...

Just found you via ben frank's i ate that! blog. Having vacationed as a child in Greenport (at "Breezy Shores"--dollhouse cabins built in the 1930's)these pictures gave me a big pang. I so loved the smooth stone beaches. The North Fork is indeed special.