The kids are back in school, pumpkins are at the farm stands and there’s no way you’re getting me back in the pool. Let’s face it, for all intents and purposes, summer 2017 is over and done.
I’m not complaining, though. Being editor of northforker.com and northforker magazine means I get to have way more summer North Fork fun than most. And for that, I am lucky.
These were my standout moments of the season.
Harvest East End
I didn’t know what to expect when the Long Island Wine Council announced earlier this year that it was making big changes to its annual party, Harvest East End. And maybe, just maybe, I was a little skeptical that it was the right decision.
But you know what? It was great. The focus was on the wine (instead of restaurants or partying). And an earlier start time, less people and an air conditioned section made for a very pleasant experience. Thumbs up.
Paddle on Peconic Bay
When the alarm goes off at 6 a.m. for a morning paddleboard session, your mind goes through a list of reasons why you should pull the covers over your head and stay in bed. But when you are out on a mirror-like Peconic Bay an hour later, you’re so glad you didn’t hit snooze. I joined the weekly paddle meetup “Broads on Boards” via Adventure Paddleboard at Jamesport Bay Suites this summer and it might have been the best decision I’ve made all year.
You can read more about it here.
Lobster roll at PORT
Yes, there are many North Fork restaurants that offer lobster rolls. But I would say the one at Greenport newcomer PORT is easily one of the best.
Enjoying it on the outdoor deck overlooking Greenport Harbor is a special experience. I dined alone (sad!), but don’t be like me and be sure to go with friends and family.
Pridwin Cookouts
Sometimes, I feel a little basic about my love for Pridwin cookouts. At this point Yogi Berra would probably say they are so popular, nobody goes there anymore.
That’s not true, of course. The event is almost always packed.
The weekly buffet, with staples like fresh grilled tuna, delicious cucumber salad and mac and cheese that will have you going back for seconds, is a draw for good reason. We try to make at least one Wednesday night cookout every summer and 2017 was no exception. Check out our sunset timelapse video.
Escargot gnocchi
Like many of you, I had never tasted fresh escargot before. But thanks to chef and snail wrangler Taylor Knapp’s new venture Peconic Escargot, you will find these slow-moving mollusks on a variety of local menus. So grateful that I got try the Parisian gnocchi with escargot at Industry Standard in Greenport. Kudos to chef Greg Ling.
Building a farm table
I’ve seen so many gorgeous farm tables on the North Fork — both antique and made by modern day artisans — that it would be kind of hard not to be jealous that I didn’t have one. I lacked the budget to spend $2,000 on a new kitchen table, so I had to work with what was in front of me.
I screwed stained pine boards to the top of my existing kitchen table, sanded and painted the legs white and coated the surface with an epoxy finish. I’m pretty proud of the result, if I do say so myself. I’ll make one for you too … for $2,000.
Fireworks over Orient Harbor
My family and I watched the Independence Day Weekend fireworks over Orient Harbor this summer and judging by the hundreds of cars jamming up the Orient-East Marion Causeway following the show, so did a few thousand other people.
But I barely remember the hour or so it took to get out of there. Instead, when I think of that I night, I recall sitting on the wall along the causeway holding my 3-year-old son and pointing to the colorful show above. It was a wonderful evening with the family.
Northforker magazine drops three more issues
We’re proud of the reception for our new magazine (which you can find at various North Fork wineries, farm stands, hotels, restaurants, shops and more) and feel that it’s been getting better every issue.
And I’m in love with the covers from our summer editions, both shot by David Benthal. Above are July and September.
A perfect Fourth at South Jamesport Beach
South Jamesport Beach is a great spot for young families. We were fortunate to spend Fourth of July there. A highpoint? The bay already feels bathtub warm by the time Independence Day hits.
Joe Coleman, who happens to be the subject of the July northforker magazine cover story, was also there with his family. He discovered a large whelk crawling along the bay floor and showed it to me and my son. It was a special moment.
Opening of the North Fork Art Collective
I have immense respect for anyone who calls themselves an artist and is brave enough to show their work to the world. So it’s uplifting to see seven local artists band together to display their works and claim their space as professional photographers, painters and sculptors. Check them out at 19 Front Street in Greenport.
Until 2018, summer.
