April is one of our favorite months on the North Fork. During this first full month of spring the days get longer and warmer, nature trails begin to bloom, and farm stands reawaken and stock with local produce. Here are our picks to get you into a spring mood this month.
Say yes to wine and doughnuts
Join Pindar Vineyards and North Fork Doughnut Company on Sunday, April 11, for a wine and doughnut pairing matching three Pindar Vineyards wines with three different flavors of doughnuts for a unique tasting experience. There will be two seatings for the pairing, which will be held at the Pindar Vineyards tasting room, and reservations are required. The cost is $25. Visit pindar.net for tickets.
Build your own garden bed at this workshop
If you’re looking for a real hands-on experience look no further. On Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, head to Herricks Lane Farm in Jamesport to build your own raised garden bed frame with help from the farm’s co-owner Tom Williams. The workshop costs $40 plus a materials fee, which varies depending on the size of the frame you choose to build, but starts at $22. Visit herrickslanefarm.com to preregister.
Go on a North Fork Treasure Hunt
Greenies Supply & Tackle is at it again with a new edition of their treasure hunt map. The maps can be purchased from the map vending machine just behind the old fishing station at Port of Egypt Marine in Southold. Enjoy an exciting family-friendly day of solving clues and exploring the North Fork.
North Fork Pizza Crawl
OK, so we may have made up this “event,” but with so many great pies on the North Fork, there’s no reason why you can’t chart your own wood-fired pizza crawl. We’d suggest adding some of our favorites to your list: PeraBell Food Bar in Riverhead; Grana Trattoria Antica in Jamesport; Pizza Rita, aMano Restaurant, and Lombardi’s Love Lane Market in Mattituck; and finally ending your trip at 1943 Pizza Bar in Greenport.
Tour the night sky at these two stargazing events
Group for the East End is hosting two chances to see the night sky like you never have before. On Friday, April 2, from 7 – 9 p.m., head to Orient Beach State Park to view deep space celestial objects such as galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters using a telescope with an astronomy camera. On Saturday, April 3, from 7 – 9 p.m., Custer Institute and Observatory will be leading a guided tour of the night sky providing spectacular views through their many telescopes. Each of these Covid-safe events is limited to 30 participants and registration is required at [email protected].
Celebrate Earth Day on the North Fork
On Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. celebrate Earth Day with a nature walk and beach cleanup at Hallock State Park Preserve. This day of earth-inspired, socially distanced activities will include walking on the beach and looking for local wildlife, and discussing local environmental and conservation issues while picking up beach debris. The nature walk which is limited to 20 pre-registered attendees, will follow the beach cleanup. Email [email protected] to register for the nature walk and beach cleanup.
Friday Night Family Fun at The Adventure Park at Long Island
Not far off the Fork, the perfect family night awaits! Beginning on Friday, April 2, The Adventure Park at Long Island will be hosting Firepit Fridays from 4 – 8 p.m., which includes two hours of climbing adventure followed by campfire hangs – don’t forget to bring your s’mores! Appropriate for ages 7+, the cost is $48 per person and reservations should be booked in advance.
Have a pint and listen to some live tunes by Rob Europe
Local favorite Rob Native will be playing live music at Jamesport Farm Brewery on Sunday, April 11, from 1 – 5 p.m. There will be a $5 admission fee and all seating is first-come, first-served. This event is strictly 21+.
Meet the animals of Spirit’s Promise and shop the Farmers Market
Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue is hosting a “Farmers Market” on Saturday, April 3, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. where local vendors will be selling their artisanal items. There you’ll find One Hope Wines, Earth & Clay Soaps, Third Foot Shop, and Arts by Brianna. After shopping the market, take a tour of the farm and meet and learn about the animals that reside there. Tickets for non-members are $15 per person for entry and a tour or $5 for Farmers Market entry alone, member pricing available as well and all children 0-2 are free.
Connect with your surroundings on a guided spring nature walk
Group for the East End is leading a guided spring nature walk at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue on Sunday, April 18, from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. On the walk, you’ll connect with nature by observing your natural surroundings and discussing with the group. Mask and social distancing required as well as an $8 materials fee. For more information, contact Taralynn Reynolds at [email protected].
