82 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • JULY 2018
PRESS BUZZ: DESTINATIONS LI’S NORTH FORK:
A gazebo is tucked into a vineyard in Cutchogue, New York, one of the many vineyards on the North Fork of Long Island.
By BRENDAN MANLEY
Since the 17th century onward,
Long Island’s North Fork has been
prime farm country, and today the
region continues that tradition with
a peaceful stretch of wineries, vineyards,
apple orchards and potato
and sod farms meandering eastward
along the LI Sound from Riverhead
to Orient Point. These days, however,
the North Fork’s breathtaking natural
scenery and deep-rooted agrarian
lifestyle also drive area tourism, offering
an East End experience entirely
removed from the Hamptons scene.
Boasting more than 30 vineyards
(and tasting rooms), miles of pristine
coastline, fabulous dining and
shopping options and a wide array
of other activities and attractions,
the North Fork’s allure continually
grows among vacationers and LIbased
weekenders. Whether you’re
in Mattituck, Cutchogue, Peconic,
Southold, Greenport, East Marion,
Jamesport or Orient, you can expect
a relaxing, yet bountiful, time like
no other on Long Island.
“The North Fork is one of the sunniest
locations in New York, allowing us
to preserve farmland, whatever the
agriculture may be,” said Diandra
Petrocelli-Schultz, manager of the
Raphael vineyard in Peconic. “Local
produce complements local cuisine,
which pairs with food-friendly local
wine, for a well-balanced experience.”
In fact, there’s so much to do on the
North Fork, we’ve had to split up our
recommendations into a series of
articles. We’ve already spotlighted
Greenport (a key North Fork spot) in a
previous column, and this issue we’re
publishing a comprehensive guide to
area vineyards in a separate column.
That still leaves a virtual smorgasbord
of other options, including:
FARM FUN
Aside from the ubiquitous wineries
(see our separate vineyard guide),
there are a number of other local
farms that offer “agraritainment,”
especially during the fall pumpkin/
harvest season. While there are too
many to list each one here, no trip to
the North Fork is complete without
a visit to Harbes Family Farm (715
Sound Ave., Mattituck; 631-298-0800;
harbesfamilyfarm.com), going strong
after 13 generations, and historic
Wickham’s Fruit Farm (28700 Main
Rd., Cutchogue; 631-734-6441; wickhamsfruitfarm.
com).
And if you’ve seen one North Fork
farm, you definitely have not seen
them all. For example, if goats (and
goat cheese) strike your fancy, there’s
plenty of each at Catapano Dairy
Farm (33705 North Rd., Peconic; 631-
765-8042; catapanodairyfarm.com).
Or, have you ever been to a lavender
farm? There’s one of those, too: Lavender
By The Bay (7540 Main Rd.,
East Marion; 631-477-1019; lavenderbythebay.
com). Your nose will thank
you. Love oysters? Visit Southold Bay
Oysters (10273 N. Bayview Rd., Southold;
917-232-5152; southoldbayoysters.
com) for an informative and delicious
diversion.
EYE FOR ART
The North Fork’s visual appeal
inspires a love of art that’s palpable
HOTEL INDIGO: TOP NOFO LODGING
Located at the gateway to the North Fork, making for ideal accommodations
when traveling the wine trail, is Hotel Indigo East End, a new chic
boutique hotel.
Besides being near all the action, the luxurious 100 rooms include too
many amenities to list, such as deluxe poolside rooms with private terraces,
spa bathrooms and a full-service fitness facility. Their restaurant, Bistro
72, gives guests a taste of the local wine, beer and farm-fresh ingredients
found nearby. And they regularly host live entertainment.
All that, and they’re even pet friendly. Don’t get caught with no vacancy,
because Hotel Indigo is the place to go go.
Hotel Indigo East End, 1830 West Main St., Riverhead, 631-369-2200,
indigoeastend.com