With harvest festivals and pumpkin-picking a thing of the past, November might be the best time to visit the North Fork. From a North Fork coloring book launch party to artisanal gift fairs and Thanksgiving pies, there are still many things to do on the North Fork this time of year.
Here is something to do for all 30 days of November.
November 1
Have a drink
Grab a Harvest Cocktail or Figtini at Touch of Venice restaurant after work. The fruit flavors will lift your mood and help you get into the holiday spirit.
Touch of Venice, 28350 Main Road, Cutchogue, (631) 298-5851
November 2
Coloring Book Party
Shuck and color at Little Creek Oysters’ North Fork Coloring Book Party from 5 to 9 p.m. Little Creek Oysters will be hosting NoFo-famous artist Kara Hoblin and introducing her newest project, North Fork Coloring Book. Copies will be available for purchase and some free loose pages will be supplied to decorate. Expect special prices on beer, wine and, of course, oysters. Post your work on Instagram using the hash tag #shuckandcolor and it might be featured on @nofocoloringbook’s Instagram page.
Little Creek Oysters, 37 Front Street, Greenport, (631) 477-6992
November 3
Chicken Dinner
Support Greenport teachers and enjoy dinner at the same time at the Chicken Dinner Fundraiser at Soundview Restaurant from noon to 9 p.m. Eat-in or take out. Tickets are $20 and available from any Greenport School teacher or at the door.
Sound View Restaurant, 58775 Route 48, Greenport
November 4
RFCT Presents “Catch Me If You Can”
See the show “Catch Me If You Can” at Riverhead High School at 7:30 p.m., presented by Riverhead Faculty Community Theatre. Based on the film of the same, the musical follows the adventures of real-life globetrotting con artist Frank Abagnale. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door; students are $5 (ID may be requested); veterans are free on Veterans Day with proof. Visit rfct.org.
Riverhead High School, 700 Osborn Avenue, Riverhead
November 5
Holiday Shopping at the Havens Store
Start your holiday shopping early with a visit to Havens Store Holiday Shopping Day at the Havens House Museum on Shelter Island from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit the Havens Store, which sells books by local authors, unique locally made merchandise, ornaments, natural bath and body products and more. Refreshments will be served.
The store will remain open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through December.
Havens House Museum, 16 South Ferry Road, Shelter Island, (631) 749-0025
November 6
Futures Tasting
Sip the future at Paumanok Vineyards in Aquebogue during its Futures Barrel Tasting, with tastings at noon, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Join owner and winemaker Charles Massoud in the cellar to taste wine right from the barrel. The tasting of 2015 vintage reds and barrel-fermented chardonnay will be featured, and futures purchases will be offered for purchase.
Tastings will be poured in large Riedel crystal glasses and accompanied by an assortment of fine cheeses, breads and pate. $25 per person to attend. This fee will be waived if you purchased 2014 vintage futures, if you purchase 2015 futures, or if you are a Paumanok Club member. Call for reservations.
Paumanok Vineyards, 1074 Main Road, Aquebogue, (631) 722-8800
November 7
Have a Pizza Night
Savor a gourmet pizza for dinner at 1943 Pizza Bar in Greenport. It’s worth a visit for their toppings and delicious, crispy crust. Be sure to set your DVR to catch owner Matt Michel’s recent appearance on Food Network’s “Cooking for Jeffrey.”
1943 Pizza Bar, 308 Main Street, Greenport, (631) 603-7378
November 8
Election Night Dinner
Finish Election Day with a scallop or chicken dinner at North Fork United Methodist Church in Cutchogue. Eat in or take out. $22 per person; $10 for children under the age of twelve. Proceeds benefit the church’s missions.
North Fork United Methodist Church, 30635 Main Road, Cutchogue, (631) 734-6033.
November 9
Afternoon Hike
Take a brisk afternoon hike at Arshamomaque Preserve in Greenport. Take in the beautiful sights and crisp fall air as you walk through the trail’s fallen leaves.
Arshamomaque Preserve, 63445 Main Road, Southold, (631) 765-1800
November 10
Pickup a Farm Fresh Dinner
Pick up dinner at the 8 Hands Farm‘s new farm-to-butcher shop in Cutchogue. They offer fresh farm-raised meat, as well as prepared items such as chicken coq au vin, ratatouille and fresh pasta made with the farm’s eggs. Remember all this when creating your Thanksgiving menu.
8 Hands Farm, 3735 Cox Lane, Cutchogue, (631) 533-2768
November 11
Craft Beer Pairing Dinner
Enjoy craft beer at the Long Ireland Craft Beer Pairing Dinner at East Wind Long Island in Wading River from 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy four courses of delicious food paired with a variety of craft beers from the Riverhead brewery. Reservations are required; call to reserve. The event is $50 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
East Wind Long Island, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River, (631) 929-3500
November 12
Eat, Drink and Be Sparkling
Eat, drink and be sparkling at Sparkling Pointe in Southold. Pair sparkling wines with local food purveyors with dishes that show off the versatility of flavors and combinations. This session will mark the release of Excellence XO Brandy paired with Vosges Haut-Chocolat. Visit sparklingpointe.com for tickets and more information.
Sparkling Pointe, 39750 Route 48, Southold, (631) 765-0200
November 13
Poetry Night
Attend a poetry reading at Mattituck-Laurel Library at 2 p.m. “Poetry for Peace — Poetry for Friendship” is sponsored by Congregation Tifereth Israel and North Fork Reform Synagogue. Young North Fork poets will read poems about peace and friendship. The top poems will be selected and prizes will be given.
Mattituck-Laurel Library, 13900 Main Road, Mattituck, (631) 298-4134
November 14
Get your veggies
Stop at Sang Lee Farms for some fall veggies while you still can. Their last day of the season is Nov. 23. Get inspired and make a seasonal soup or another fun recipe with locally harvested options.
Sang Lee Farms, 25180 Route 48, Peconic, (631) 734-7001
November 15
East End Arts Holiday Boutique
Shop the Holiday Boutique at the East End Arts Gallery on Main Street in Riverhead. Find artistic, one-of-a-kind handmade gifts all made by local artists. The boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and runs from Nov. 12 through Dec. 24. Find out more at eastendarts.org.
133 E. Main Street, Riverhead, (631) 727-0900
November 16
Learn About Bees
Catch the buzz! Learn about beekeeping at Talmage Farm Agway in Riverhead with master beekeeper Chris Kelly. This is an introductory presentation on the basics, followed by a Q&A. Call to reserve. Visit the extensive beekeeping department after the session.
Talmage Farm Agway, 1122 Osborn Avenue, (631) 727-3100
November 17
Harvest Gospel Concert
Celebrate the joy of music from the soul at the 30th annual Harvest Gospel Concert at Mattituck Presbyterian Church at 8 p.m. This free, non-denominational celebration connects community members while sharing the joy of music and kicking off the holiday season. This is the first of three concerts. Visit eastendarts.org for more information.
Mattituck Presbyterian Church, 12605 Main Road, Mattituck
November 18
Fish & Sips at the Long Island Aquarium
Sip with the fishes at the ninth annual Fish & Sips event at the Long Island Aquarium. More than 20 local wineries get together for this special evening, which includes tasting and purchasing opportunities. This popular event celebrates the harvest with wine, live music and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $49.95 and the event starts at 7 p.m. Visit longislandaquarium.com.
Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main Street, Riverhead (631) 208-9200
November 19
Chamber Music at Borghese
Immerse yourself in the sounds of chamber music at the first-ever Chamber Music Concert Series at Castello di Borghese in Cutchogue. Experience the magical genius of Mozart, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Ravel while enjoying wine from Long Island’s oldest vines. This is the final performance of the series. $25 per ticket presale; $30 at the door. Reservations aren’t required. Contact the vineyard to purchase tickets. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
17150 Route 48, Cutchogue, (631) 734-5311
November 20
Craft Fair at Raphael
Shop local at Raphael during the local craft fair held inside its tasting room. East End vendors visit with handcrafted products. Admission is free; be prepared to shop. Visit raphaelwine.com for more information.
39390 Main Road, Peconic, (631) 765-1100
November 21
Grab a Toasty Beverage
Start your Monday with a cup of java from Hamptons Coffee Company. They offer seasonal flavors, such as pumpkin spice chai latte. Yum!
Hampton Coffee Company, 272 Main Road, Aquebogue, (631) 779-2862
November 22
Get Your Cider …
Stock-up on local hard cider for your Thanksgiving celebration. Go cider tasting at Woodside Orchards in Aquebogue and bring your growler.
Woodside Orchards, 729 Main Road, Aquebogue, (631) 722-5770
November 23
… And Your Pie
Pick up a famous Briermere Farms’ fresh-baked pie for your Thanksgiving table. They offer many varieties of fruit pies, cream pies and, of course, pumpkin.
Briermere Farms, 4414 Sound Avenue, Riverhead (631) 722-3931
November 24
Restaurant Thanksgivings
Don’t want to cook this holiday? You have options. Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day brunch at Giorgio’s of Baiting Hollow or a Thanksgiving Day buffet at East Wind Long Island in Wading River. Scrimshaw in Greenport and The Birchwood in Riverhead will also offer sit-down meals.
For more information, visit giorgiosli.com, eastwindlongisland.com, scrimshawrestaurant.com or thebirchwoodofpolishtown.com.
November 25
Black Friday Concert
Rock out at the annual Black Friday Concert at Martha Clara Vineyards, featuring Billboard Live Band from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Northville Barn. Learn and purchase tickets at marthaclaravineyards.com.
Martha Clara Vineyards, 6025 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, (631) 298-0075
November 26
Christmas in Mattituck
Get into the spirit of the season at the traditional celebration “Christmas in Mattituck,” which features a tree-lighting ceremony, caroling and refreshments. Festivities will take place from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society Grounds at Main Road and Cardinal Drive.
Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society, 18200 Main Road, Mattituck, (631) 298-5248
November 27
Champagne, Chopin and Caviar
Make the season sparkle with the Champagne, Chopin and Caviar tour at Pindar Vineyards. Tour the Peconic winery and find out how sparkling wines are made in the traditional méthode champenoise, including how many bubbles are in a glass. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, along with caviar, cheeses and other light noshes in the cellar. Then return to the tasting room for a flight of five wines, all included for $15 per person. Reservations are required. Call (631) 734-6200 x104 or reserve online at pindar.net.
Pindar Vineyards, 37645 Main Road, Peconic, (631) 734-6200
November 28
Cheese, Please
Stroll the shops on Love Lane for a cheese-tasting or have a fondue lunch at The Village Cheese Shop. It’s a unique and delicious experience that is certain to warm you. Afterward, bring home your favorite selections.
Village Cheese Shop, 105 Love Lane, Mattituck (631) 298-8556
November 29
See a Movie at the Shelter Island Library
The library will screen “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” at 7 p.m. It was named one of the “1001 Movies You Must See Before you Die,” according to this book.
37 N. Ferry Road, Shelter Island, (631) 749-0042
November 30
Cut Your Own Tree
Cut your own Christmas tree at Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm in Cutchogue. Don’t forget to browse the 2,500-square-foot gift shop, which is filled with handmade wreaths, kissing balls, swags, custom gifts, decorations, ornaments and collectibles.
Here is a list of other places to cut your own tree on the North Fork.
