November on the North Fork means cooler weather and a slower pace. And while the beaches may be empty and the sidewalks less traveled, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the so-called offseason.
Get your fill of oysters and beer
There’s no denying that oysters are best during the months that end in “R” and on Sunday, November 8 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. there will be many local oysters to enjoy. At Greenport Harbor Brewing Co.‘s 8th annual oyster fest, hosted at the brewery’s Peconic location, there will be eight local oyster farmers shucking fresh oysters, as well as the unveiling of the brewery’s Oyster Stout – a beer made with oysters contributed from Little Creek Oysters of Greenport. There will be live music throughout the day and tickets, which are $10 per person, are being split into three sessions: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1 – 3 p.m., or 3 – 5 p.m. Buy your tickets here.
Host a pie tasting
There’s never been a better time to eat pie and the North Fork has plenty of places to get them. We suggest hosting a pie tasting for your nearest and dearest. Vote on which farm stands have the best pumpkin pie, apple pie, and specialty pies like coconut custard or oatmeal pie. Visit some not-to-miss farm stands and bakeries (such as Country View Farms and Blue Duck Bakery) to round-up your tasting material. See our own pie tasting notes in our November issue of northforker magazine for some inspiration … and make sure your guests come hungry.
Learn all about sea turtles
On Sunday, Nov. 1, from noon to 2 p.m., the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society’s biologists will give a lecture designed to introduce participants to the seven species of sea turtles with a focus on the four species commonly seen in New York. Learn about the most common threats to sea turtles in our environment and more. The lecture will be held at Hallock State Park Preserve and will be followed by a beach cleanup. Learn more and register by emailing [email protected].
Hike a North Fork trail
November is the perfect month to hike the North Fork. The air has just enough chill without being too cold and the height of tick season is behind us. Some of our favorite hiking trails include Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue, which has flat terrain and is great for families. For lighthouse views, head to Orient County Park in Orient. Inlet Pond County Park in Greenport is an easy trail that leads to the Long Island Sound.
Make the perfect martini
Up your cocktail game just in time for the holidays with a private martini masterclass with the head bartender at North Fork Table & Inn, Rob Krueger. The industry veteran is hosting private, group cocktail classes in the bar where you and a group of up to 10 guests will enjoy an exclusive afternoon class learning how to make the perfect the perfect martini. On Sunday, November 1 at either 1 or 3 p.m. you be greeted with a welcome cocktail before learning how to make three different martinis as you enjoy a selection of snacks from the kitchen. Classes are $1,200 + 20% gratuity for a max of 10 guests. Visit the restaurant’s website to learn more and book your class.
Shop for handcrafted holiday gifts
Visit Hallockville Museum Farm the weekend of Nov. 27-29 for the annual Country Parlor Holiday Gift Show. There you’ll find handmade gifts, holiday decor, and treasures for everyone on your list. Find hand-carved Santas and elves; gift baskets filled with local soaps; hand-hooked rugs and ornaments; hand-woven baskets; hand-knit shawls, scarves, mittens and gloves; jewelry and trinkets; ornaments, and more. Come see Hallockville’s historic Naugles Barn get transformed into a winter wonderland filled to the brim with holiday spirit.
Indulge in the comforts of Mac & Cheese
The fall season means many wonderful things on the North Fork and for us, one of those things is the return of Grace & Grit’s pop-up nights. The Southold-based catering company will be hosting three weekends of pop-ups throughout November – always on Friday and Saturdays from 4 – 8 p.m. (or until sold-out). First up is Mac & Cheese Bar on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7, where you indulge in a four-cheese mac and cheese with a variety of toppings and mix-ins to choose from like short rib, lobster, bacon, and many others. The weekend of November 13 and 14 will be Vietnamese night and on November 20 and 21 is Cajun night. For menu items, details, and more visit and follow Grace & Grit’s Instagram page.
Let the kids craft with recycled materials
Join Nicole of Naturally Curious Children and Group for the East End on Sunday, November 15th at Noon to make a recycled materials wall hanging. Start with a quick walk around Downs Farm Preserve to collect the perfect stick and maybe a few other items from nature. Each child will receive a kit with all the materials needed to complete their wall hanging so there is no need to share any tools. Safety guidelines will be in place, masks and distancing are required. Registration and a non-refundable $5 materials fee is required. Check out @naturallycuriouschildren on Instagram or the Group for the East End’s website for all information and to register.
Knit a chunky blanket
Nothing says cozy like a big, chunky blanket, and two virtual classes are happening in November where you’ll learn how to knit one yourself. On Wednesday, November 11 and Wednesday, November 18 join A North Fork Affair virtually for a “ladies night in.” Tickets to each class include yarn for a 50” x 40” chunky blanket, a bottle of wine from Suhru Wines, a sweet treat from North Fork Doughnut Company, and virtually led instructions. Tickets are $99 each and materials will be delivered to addresses between Riverhead and Orient. Participant locations outside of the area will require a pick-up spot at Tanger Outlets in Riverhead. Learn more and register here.
Cheers to beer and cheese
On Thursday, November 7 at 7 p.m. head to Long Ireland Beer Company’s tasting room in downtown Riverhead for an evening of beer and cheese tasting. There will be a 4-course pairing menu of artisanal cheese dishes from Slates & Plates Inc. each paired with a 12 oz. pour of Long Ireland beer. The pairing event costs $45 per person + 18% gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made here.
