June brings summer on the North Fork and even though there are limits in place on things to do and how we interact, there is still so much to do across the North Fork this month while staying socially responsible.
Pick up locally grown strawberries
Strawberry season is here! Nothing marks the start of the warmer months like a freshly picked strawberry. Visit a North Fork farmstand and grab a pint. Some of our favorite spots for strawberries include Patty’s Berries and Bunches in Mattituck, Sujecki Farms in Calverton and Blossom Meadow Farm in Southold.
Shop Greenport, virtually
If you’re missing the scent of your go-to local retail stores (we’re looking at you, The Weathered Barn) you’re in luck. Since consumers are now allowed to walk inside a store to pick up merchandise they have ordered online or over the phone now is the time to shop North Fork retail. Tea & Tchotchkes, The Weathered Barn and One Love Beach are some of the many fine village shops.
Catch a sunset
With the sun setting around the 8 o’clock hour June is the perfect month to catch a sunset while enjoying a casual meal to-go. Although there is no bad place to watch a sunset, we tend to think the North Fork has prime viewing spots. Look out for our map on some of our favorite North Fork places to watch the sunset publishing soon.
Eat from a food truck
The North Fork Table and Inn food truck is back for the season! Located in the garden, the food truck is serving lobster rolls, farm-fresh vegetable specials and more. It is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for orders made to-go.
Picnic in Greenport’s Mitchell Park
There is something charming about the process of sitting on a blanket on the ground and eating. If you’re looking to do so dockside, Greenport’s Mitchell Park is a great open-air location. Just please don’t forget to toss your trash before you leave.
Grab a cocktail to-go
Talk about a new normal, many restaurants and bars are now serving cocktails to-go. And if that alone isn’t enough to catch your attention, many of them are serving them in fun ways — think Capri Sun-style pouches. A Lure in Southold recently introduced their Boozie Bags, American Beech is packaging their colorful cocktails in resealable pouches and Brix & Rye has gone reusable with their varied glass bottles.
Visit the farm
Keep the whole family happy with a visit to Goodale Farms on Main Road in Riverhead. Whether you want to watch the goats jump around or to pick up some super fresh milk, cheese and produce, this farm stand has you covered.
Hike to the beach
Instead of having to ask the question “beach or hike” you can do both at Hallock State Park Preserve. Take the white “beach approach” trail at .2 miles to the yellow “beach access” trail at a mere .06 miles and you’ll find one mile of beachfront along the Long Island Sound. Although the hike may be on the short side it’s nature packs a punch.
Do some good
If you’re headed to Greenport, bring a food, pantry, or hygiene item and drop it off in Our Little Free Pantry located between Main Street and First Street in the Adams Street parking lot near the gazebo. Our Little Free Pantry is open to anyone needing the goods it has to offer and all of its stock is on a donation base.
Check out a Wednesday night sailboat race
Visit the New Suffolk waterfront each Wednesday to watch sailboats race around Robins Island. Bring your beach chair and enjoy the excitement. Races begin at 6 p.m.
