Co. & Go

{About}

The most typical association for Long Island is the Hamptons in summer and as fun as that can be, I am also a fan of the North Fork of the island which is a bit more laid back, a lot less developed and I’d even argue more scenic. Visiting certainly isn’t confined to the summer either though it does empty out quite a bit in the winter. With a car it is doable as a day trip from the city and provided you don't try and pack your agenda too tightly and leave ample time for the inevitable small town traffic it makes for a lovely city escape.

The North Fork has a significant amount of agriculture as well as wineries and the area really shines in fall with local farm stands popping up left and right and wineries offering tastings on stunning properties in the warm autumn light.

{Get There/Get Around}
There is bus service from the city but for a day trip I highly recommend driving yourself, or if you plan on stopping at several wineries perhaps hiring a driver or finding a generous friend to be chauffeur for the day. Things are a bit spread out so you really do need a car to make the most of a short trip.

{See & Do}
Picture perfect farm stands seem to crop up around every bend this time of year offering everything from fresh apples and squash to homemade pies and jellies and massive bundles of late season sunflowers. The biggest trick can be parking so bring a bit of patience!

Hubbard
Golden Earthworm
Hallock’s Cider Mill
Wickham’s Fruit Stand
Sang Lee Farms
Breeze Hill Farms
Krupski Farms

{Eat & Drink}
The North Fork is known for its wineries and may are still open and offering tastings during COVID. Do check ahead as some require advanced reservations. We recently stopped at Croteaux, which is a small producer specializing in rose, for one last glass for the season and found that it is as buzzy as ever. If you want a guaranteed spot at a table get there when they open at noon.

Shinn is another lovely spot for a tasting on the North Fork. know that they are requiring reservations right now.

For one final sweet treat on your way back to the city stop at Magic Fountain Ice Cream for a scoop (or two!).

Travel Guide: North Fork, Long Island