Sign up for our Newsletter

There are plenty of ways to do all the things that Greenport has to offer without busting your budget. (Cyndi Murray photos)

When you grow up in a tourist town, it is easy to take for granted all the attractions others are willing travel hours to see.

As a Southold girl, it is hard to believe that I never sailed the Greenport Harbor, or took the time to see local art galleries and antique shops. But that all changed Sunday when I challenged myself to sample as much of the village as I could without breaking the bank.

For about $100 my best friend and I ate pizza, scored free samples of local wine and hot sauce, browsed the mom and pop shops, hit the water on the Glory Going Green tour boat, grabbed drinks at Claudio’s Clam Bar and finished the day with margaritas and tacos.

The best part? It cost us about $51.50 each.

Here is how it’s done:

Enjoy a pie at Rolling in Dough's new pizzeria for $13.
Enjoy a pie at Rolling in Dough’s new pizzeria for $13.

 

The first stop was the newly opened 1943 Pizza Bar, locally beloved food truck Rolling in Dough’s brick-and-mortar location which opened on Main Street last week. I knew their signature crispy crust was a great way to start the day.

We ordered the delicious, filling and reasonably priced 13-inch Red Pie. For $13, tax included, we’re fueled up for the next adventure.

For high rollers, the Pizza Bar offers a variety of toppings ranging from an extra $1 to $3 each. Being on a budget, we opted for extra fresh chopped garlic for no additional cash.

Spent: $13

Money remaining: $87

There are many ways to sample Greenport free of charge.
There are many ways to sample Greenport free of charge.

When you’re counting your cash it is hard to beat free. Luckily in Greenport there are plenty of fun finds that won’t cost you a dime. In addition to the unbelievable views of the working waterfront from Mitchell Park Marina, there are free samples to enjoy if you know where to find them.

Greenport Fire, a cigar and hot sauce shop on Main Street in the village, offers hot sauce tastings. And, Claudio’s Wine & Liquor Store on Main Street serves up free samples of local wines. On Sunday, we sipped Raphael Vineyard’s rose — incredible.

Spent: $0

Money remaining: $87

Two beers costs $13, but the view was priceless.
Two beers costs $13, but the view was priceless.

Any local will tell you that a day in Greenport is not complete without a stop at Claudio’s Clam Bar. The live music, food, drinks and friendly people make the dockside restaurant and bar the ultimate resting stop after walking around the village.

We grabbed two beers for $13 and hung out on the dock, which inspired our next adventure: a Greenport Harbor boat tour.

Spent: $13

Money remaining: $74

With the wind in your hair and the sun shining off the water, tour boat Glory is one of the best ways to spend your day in Greenport.
With the wind in your hair and the sun shining off the water, tour boat Glory is one of the most relaxing ways to spend your day in Greenport. (Credit: Cyndi Murray)

The guided boat tour was the highlight of the day for me.

Seeing all the boaters enjoying the gorgeous weather on the water at Claudio’s inspired us to splurge on a boat ride through Greenport Harbor. For $20 each we took the 45 minute trip through Greenport and Stirling harbors on Glory Going Green — Long Island’s only solar-powered tour boat. The ride included a brief history of the village’s working waterfront and an up close look at oyster farms and historic homes.

The non-profit boat company makes several outings daily throughout the summer and into the fall. The proceeds benefit educational programs for local students. View the full schedule here.

If the weather is rainy, or perhaps if you prefer dry land, Greenport Art & Design on Main Street offers pottery painting classes for a similar price.

Money Spent: $40

Money remaining: $34

Margaritas and tacos were the perfect end to the perfect day.
Margaritas and tacos were the perfect end to the perfect day.

Nearing 6 p.m. we decided to wrap up the night with some tacos and margaritas at Lucharito’s on Main St. For $37 we split a salmon, lobster and chicken tacos and sipped the restaurant’s new fresh, local strawberry margaritas. Yes, we did break the bank by $3, but it was worth it considering the delicious fare.

Money Spent: $37

Money remaining: -$3

X
X