Some might argue that September is the best time of the year on the North Fork.
The temperatures are perfect, the weekday crowds are more bearable and the grape harvest is underway.
If you plan on visiting us this month and are looking for something to do, we have quite a few suggestions.
Here is something to do for all 30 days of September.
Thursday, September 1
The Soundview Restaurant will host a raw bar and happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m. to kick off Labor Day weekend. The event features shucked oysters for one dollar, drink specials and music in the bar area.
58775 Route 48, Greenport, (631) 477-0666
Friday, September 2
Check out Diliberto’s Wine Café at 6 p.m. This is the finale for the season, with live music, pizza and wine specials. Who doesn’t love pizza and wine on a Friday night? Reservations are required.
250 Manor Lane, Riverhead, (631) 722-3416
Saturday, September 3
Get your fill of farm-fresh produce and other local vendors at the Greenport Farmers’ Market from 9 am to 1 pm.
South Street, Greenport. Visit greenportfarmersmarket.com.
Sunday, September 4
Peconic Landing will throw its fifth annual end of summer celebration and fireworks show on Sunday, Sept. 4, in Greenport.
The event is free to all and usually attracts more than 700 people each year. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and chairs for the evening’s festivities. The 20-minute fireworks display, which is sponsored by the Greenport retirement community, will begin at 8:15 p.m.
Peconic Landing is located at 1500 Brecknock Road in Greenport. For more information, visit PeconicLanding.com.
Monday, September 5
Have brunch in the vines at Palmer Vineyards. Enjoy a mimosa, fresh juices and locally sourced brunch dishes prepared by Oceans 5 Chef Ana.
5120 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, (631) 722-9463
Tuesday, September 6
Have fun at the “Tumbleweed Tuesday” party at a Lure Chowderhouse and Oysteria.
There will be a $27.95 prix fixe menu all night with $5 specialty cocktails, well drinks and wines in the dining room, plus $2 draught beer till the kegs run dry. Live music by “The Days Beneath Us” will be performed from 4 to 8 p.m.
62300 Main Road, Southold (631) 876-5300
Wednesday, September 7
Are you an oyster fan? Then the Wednesday Night Shuckers Club at Little Creek Oysters is for you. This event is held every Wednesday night from 5 to 8 p.m. with $5 Greenport Harbor beer, U-shuck specials and shucked oysters specials.
37 Front Street, Greenport, (631) 477-6992
Thursday, September 8
Take a “Vine to Wine” Tour at Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard and Winery. Go on a mini-viticulture tour, learn about winemaking techniques and explore the barrel cellar. This tour will be given by owner and winemaker Anthony Sannino and includes wine tasting, a cheese plate and special discounts. Reservations are required; the tour runs from 1 to 2:30 pm.
1375 Peconic Lane, Peconic, (631) 734-8282
Friday, September 9
Head to the bowling alley at The All Star in Riverhead. But first, sate your appetite for local ingredients and craft beer at Smitty’s All American Grill Happy Hour on Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. Also features live entertainment.
The All Star and Smitty’s All American Grill, 96 Main Road, Riverhead, (631) 998-3565
Saturday, September 10
The 36th annual Hallockville Fall Festival and Craft Show is a tradition! Celebrate the rich folk arts and agricultural traditions of the community in a true old-fashioned country fair atmosphere.
6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, (631) 298-5292
Sunday, September 11
Get ready to chart your own course at the 10th annual North Fork Foodie Tour. Enjoy a day filled with exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at North Fork farms, wineries and food producers. Learn about artisanal foods, wines and sustainable agriculture. Tickets are $25 for adults and free for children under 12. For tickets and details, visit www.northforkerformsynagogue.org.
Peconic Land Trust’s Agricultural Learning Center at Charnews Farm, 3005 Youngs Avenue, Southold, (631) 722-5712.
Monday, September 12
Head over to Turkuaz Grill for a little Mediterranean cuisine at one of the area’s best hidden gems. While you’re there, check out the new Taste the East End shop located nearby. Then take an evening stroll along the Peconic River.
40 McDermott Avenue, Riverhead, (631) 591-1757
Tuesday, September 13
Have a fresh breakfast with some baked goods at the French-inspired café Marie Eiffel Market on Shelter Island. Enjoy the view of Dering Harbor.
184 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island, (631) 749-0003
Wednesday, September 14
Martha Clara Vineyards’ official Wine-Down Wednesdays may be gone with the summer wind, but you can still enjoy a wine tasting flight from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help break up the week.
6025 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, (631) 298-0075
Thursday, September 15
Drop in for a yoga class at The Giving Room. Programs are available for all levels. Check the schedule on their website at givingroom.net.
56215 Main Road, Southold, (631) 765-6670
Friday, September 16
The Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band takes the Suffolk Theater stage this evening. Tickets are $32 and can be purchased here. The show starts at 8 p.m. Doors open for dinner at 6:30 p.m.
118 East Main Street, Riverhead (631) 727-4343
Saturday, September 17
Taste the world’s finest merlot at the Lenz Merlot World Classic. Participants are invited to taste wines from every major and some lesser-known wine regions of the world. A selection of artisanal cheeses will also be served. The event is from 5:30 to 8 pm. $50 for general public; $30 for Lenz subscribers.
38355 Route 25, Peconic, (631) 734-6010
Sunday, September 18
Long Island’s only Garlic Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Garden of Eve Organic Farm and Market in Riverhead. Featuring a wide variety of garlic-inspired foods, crafts, music and just plain garlic to eat and plant. Admission is just $5 per person; children under 6 are free. Find out more at gardenofevefarm.com.
4558 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, (631) 722-8777
Monday, September 19
Bistro 72 offers meal and drink specials every day of the week. Beat the Monday blahs with half-priced martinis and $6 glasses of wine from 4 to 6 p.m. There is also a $29 prix fixe dinner.
1830 West Main Street, Riverhead (631) 369-3325
Tuesday, September 20
The weather should still be quite nice for an evening paddle board tour. Call One Love Beach surf shop at (631) 333-2064 to get on the email list for the weekly community paddle boarding meet-up. The shop offer rentals if you don’t have your own board.
Wednesday, September 21
Visit Catapano Dairy Farm to sample and purchase many different varieties and flavors of goat cheese, as well as soaps. Pet the goats and even watch a live milking daily at 4 p.m. The shop is open daily from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
33705 Route 48, Peconic (631) 765-8042
Thursday, September 22
Go apple picking! This is the perfect time to head out with a bushel basket and fill it with varieties of apples. If you visit Woodside Orchards in Aquebogue, you can head into the barn afterward and enjoy cider donuts, fresh-baked goods and hard cider. They have a selection of different styles of cider to taste and bring home.
U-pick is slated to start Sept. 17, but be sure to call ahead for availability.
729 Main Road, Aquebogue, (631) 722-5770
Friday, September 23
Orient by the Sea offers a lobster special on Friday nights. A one-and-a-half pound lobster, salad, choice of baked potato, mashed potato or rice and the vegetable of the day is $30. The restaurant closes for the season Oct. 10.
40200 Main Road, Orient (631) 323-2424
Saturday, September 24
Attend the first-ever Fresh Hop Fest! L.I. Hops, a 43-acre farm in Riverhead, will host this festival featuring samples of special locally brewed beers made with locally grown and harvested hops. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of beer sampling, hop farming education and live music. 12:30 to 4 p.m.; tickets are $40 and available at lifreshhopfestival.com.
LI Hops Farm, 5873 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, lifreshhopfestival.com
Sunday, September 25
The Greenport Maritime Festival is happening in Greenport Village this weekend. This event highlights and showcase Greenport’s maritime culture and history. Sunday morning starts off with a children’s breakfast with mermaids and pirates followed by more family-friendly activities, games and a snapper contest. The day ends with a sunset sail to Long Beach Bar “Bug” Lighthouse.
Front Street and Main Street, Greenport, eastendmaritimefestival.org.
Monday, September 26
Schedule ahead for a visit to Spirit’s Promise Horse Farm for a tour and a hands-on experience grooming and working with the rescue horses. This is a great family-friendly activity.
2746 Sound Avenue, Baiting Hollow, (631) 875-0433
Tuesday, September 27
Visit Greenport Harbor Brewing Co.’s Greenport tasting room for a pint and to take in some art. Work by artist Tom Dash, which examines rock ‘n roll culture, is featured through Sept. 30. The tasting room closes at 7 p.m.
234 Carpenter Street, Greenport (631) 477-1100
Wednesday, September 28
Grab a drink at Brix and Rye in Greenport. They have creative cocktails and noshes to end the workday.
308 Main Street, Greenport, (631) 477-6985
Thursday, September 29
Enjoy a five-course tasting menu at Petulant Wino in Aquebogue. The menu is $30 for food, or $45 for food and wine.
739 Main Road, Aquebogue (631) 779-3900
Friday, September 30
Treat yourself to a fabulous meal at North Fork Table and Inn, which is perennially rated number one on Long Island by Zagat. The restaurant recently began offering an a la carte menu and now welcomes walk-ins, but reservations can be made by calling or visiting their website.
57225 Main Road, Southold (631) 765-0177
