A historic maritime hamlet with waterway access to New England, Orient is the easternmost point of Long Island’s North Fork.
Village Lane, which extends from the school and firehouse, past the cute Orient Country Store to the beautiful Orient Yacht Club, creating a feeling of smalltown charm that’s hard to beat.
A perfect spot for nature and photography lovers, Orient is home to the only state park in all of Southold Town — Orient Beach State Park. Whether hiking or biking through red cedar trees and prickly-pear cactus or kayaking and paddle boarding in Gardiner’s Bay, the 363 acre park holds ample opportunity for an afternoon of outdoor leisure.
The area’s natural landscape attracts the most beautiful birds, including osprey and herons, and the notable snowy owl during winter’s frozen months.
If its local flavor you’re looking for, visitors can pick up freshly grown produce from several farms, or charter recreational boats to catch fish and learn from fishing professionals.
The hamlet is also home to Orient by the Sea, a popular bayside restaurant and marina known for serving up local fare and a good time.
The Candyman sweets shop completes a visit to this neighborhood, offering homemade truffles, jelly, and confections — the perfect parting gifts.
And when it’s time to get away, the Cross Sound Ferry provides access to New London — and from there Fishers Island and Block Island — and destinations like Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos, making travel a breeze.
But if you’re in Orient, and you’re passing all these charming places and the beautiful old homes, you may never want to leave.
