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In the days of yesteryear, finding something worthwhile to do on the North Fork between November and April was a lofty ambition. February in particular seemed to transmit radio silence, but the tides are turning. Culinary adventures, concerts and insider wine tastings are just the tip of the itinerary iceberg.
Cure your winter blues at these 10 February events.
Have fun with games
All those cold winter nights you’ve spent watching Jeopardy are about to pay off. Host Pat Brodarick puts your trivia knowledge to the test every other Monday night at Andy’s in Greenport. Come with a team or solo to get paired up with new friends. Games start at 7 p.m.
If trivia isn’t your thing, come back on Thursdays when the Front Street bar and restaurant hosts free bingo night from 7 to 9 p.m.
Discover a hidden talent
You’ll never know until you try. Who knows, maybe woodworking is your secret talent? Try your hand at it at Hallockville Museum Farm’s Intro to Country Woodworking course on Saturday, Feb 3.
Join North Fork woodworker, Tom Barry, for this three-hour exploration of pre-18th century country woodworking. You’ll get the chance to test out the same tools and techniques as early settlers. No power tools allowed.
The course is $55 for members or $65 for non-members. Advanced registration is required. Sign up here.
Belt it out
Now sounds like a good time to brush up on the lyrics to “Don’t Stop Believing.” Fill up on shrimp tacos, let a margarita lower your inhibitions and prepare your pipes for a night of karaoke at Lucharitos in Greenport.
Host Scott Goldberg gets things started at 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Main Street location. There’s no cover charge to get in on the action.
Spend Sundays with Grandma
Head to Diliberto‘s for a traditional Italian meal that would make Nonna proud. The $115 culinary experience includes a four-course homemade meal paired with the vineyard’s award-winning wines, plus live music and a pasta demonstration. Tax and gratuity is included in the total price. Sundays with Grandma are being held on Feb. 11, 18 and 25. Reserve your spot here.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Forget dinner and a movie this February 14. This year, up your Valentine’s Day date game with a chocolate and wine pairing at the Long Island Aquarium. The pairing includes a five-course dinner for $195 per couple.Reservations for the 8p.m. dinner are required. Call (631) 208-9200 ext. 426 to secure a spot.
If dinner goes well, why not spend the night? The Sweetheart Sleepover Package for $384 per couple include dinner and pairing tickets, an overnight stay at the adjacent Hyatt Place Long Island and breakfast.
Grab a wine-inspired cocktail
Sip on craft cocktails made with Bridge Lane wine. Southold catering company Grace & Grit is hosting a pop-up style cocktail party on Saturday, Feb. 17 at the Mattituck vineyard.
The event, from 6 to 10p.m., will feature innovative libations and small bites of Grace & Grit’s signature farm-to-table food. Reservations are not required and seating is on a first come, first serve basis. Can’t get enough? They will return for another round on Saturday, March 31.
Ring in the Year of the Dog
This Chinese New Year welcomes the Year of the Dog. The sign defined by the Chinese zodiac as clever, courageous and lively. These adjectives can also describe chef Rosa Ross, who be hosting a pop-up banquet in honor of the holiday on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Bruce & Son’s in Greenport.
The $85 dinner includes choices of Peking duck skin, duck stir fry, longevity noodles, coconut flan — and more. Tack on an extra $30 for a wine pairing. Prepaid reservations are a must. Contact Ross for a table at [email protected] or by calling (646) 234-883. Reservations can also be booked online.
Make feathered friends
The North Fork’s natural wonders are a sight to behold — even when the temps don’t get above 50 degrees. The North Fork Audubon Society’s Tuesdays with Tom: Drive By Birding series illustrates that point.
The Tuesday, Feb. 20 outing takes birdwatchers to Peconic Bay Boulevard for birdwatching. Call or text Tom at (631) 275-3202 or email him at [email protected] to register.
Kickoff off Winterfest
Welcome the return of Winterfest with a toast to all things food, wine and music at Hotel Indigo. The four-week, mid-winter celebration of local culture is back for its eleventh year, running from Feb. 22 through March 18.
The launch party on Friday, Feb. 23, allows guests to taste and experience the End End through local food, beer and craft vendors. There will also be a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle and music by Gail Storm and the East End Trio. Tickets are $50 at liwinterfest.com.
Get crafty
Refresh your home decor with a rustic chic illuminating wine bottle you can craft while sipping wine at Sannino Vineyard. The Peconic winery is hosting Lights in a Bottle Craft night on Friday, Feb. 23 from 6 to 8p.m. The $40 event also includes a mini wine tasting. Get your tickets here.
