May is the perfect month to eat, drink, and adventure on the North Fork. Here are our top 10 picks for things to do.
Kick Off Unofficial Summer with a Lobster Roll
Nothing says summer like a lobster roll, so treat yourself to one (or two!) this Memorial Day weekend. Whether you like yours hot and buttery or New England-style with mayo, the North Fork knows how to deliver. Some of our favorites can be found at PORT Waterfront Bar & Grill in Greenport, Love Lane Kitchen in Mattituck, Southold Fish Market in Southold, and Barrow Food House in Aquebogue.
Celebrate Mom at Harbes Family Farm
On Saturday, May 8, and Sunday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. head to Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck for its annual Mother’s Day Festival, where admission to Harbes Barnyard Adventure is free for all moms. Don’t forget wine tasting is offered at Harbes Vineyard Wine Barn, which is also located on the property. Treat mom to a glass (or a bottle).
Roll Up Your Sleeves at Herricks Lane Farm
This one is for the gardeners! On Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to noon attend a hands-on workshop at Herricks Lane Farm where you’ll fabricate a garden arch or trellis to take home — the perfect solution for beans, cucumbers, melons or squash. The workshop costs $40 plus a materials fee of $30 or $80, depending on what you build. Register at herrickslanefarm.com.
Take a Family Walk in Nature
Get outdoors on Saturday, May 1, with North Fork Audubon Society for their monthly family walk. From 3 – 4:30 p.m., you’ll explore the high tide line, observe wildlife, go on a scavenger hunt, and learn about marine debris. Space is limited and registration is required. Email [email protected] to reserve your spot.
Attend a Kentucky Derby Party on Shelter Island
Hop on the Shelter Island Ferry and make the well-worth-it trip to The Ram’s Head Inn on Saturday, May 1 for a full day of themed fun. Kickoff derby day with a champagne brunch served from 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m., tune into the races with a 4:30 p.m. watch party including mint juleps and friendly wagers, then enjoy live music by Who Are Those Guys starting at 7 p.m. Derby attire encouraged, of course.
Let the Kids Watercolor
North Fork artist Melissa Hyatt is hosting a watercolor workshop for kids on Saturday, May 15, from 10-11:15 a.m. The kid’s only workshop, which is appropriate for ages 5-12, will meet at Kenney’s Beach in Southold to learn skills such as sketching, mixing paints, observation of nature, and watercolor painting. The children will paint the local landscape and will be led by Hyatt’s expertise. The class is limited and requires a pre-paid registration. The cost is $25 per child and includes all materials.
Feast on Local Tacos for Cinco De Mayo
Tacos al pastor from Taqueria Cielito Lindo (bottom right) (Photo Credit: Felicia LaLomia)
While Lucharitos and Mattitaco are obvious (and delicious) picks for tacos on the North Fork, you might also want to check out some lesser-known spots including Lucia Restaurant in Mattituck for their carne asada tacos, Taco Bout It in Riverhead for their birria tacos and Taqueria Cielito Lindo, also in Riverhead, for their tacos al pastor. And if you find yourself on Shelter Island, don’t leave without having the Baja fish tacos from Maria’s Kitchen.
Get the Family Together for Drive-In Movie Night
On Friday, May 14, head over to Peconic Bay Winery in Cutchogue for a drive-in movie night with the family. The Croods: A New Age will be playing at 8 p.m., gates open at 7 p.m. The cost is $45 per carload and tickets can be purchased in advance at cutchoguefiredept.org.
Pick Local Tulips
Nothing is cheerier than a freshly cut bouquet of tulips, and they’re even better when you get to cut them yourself. Garden of Eve in Riverhead is hosting a Tulip Festival every Saturday during May. Visit the farm and market from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and meander the tulip field where you can pick tulips, $1 per stem. Admission is $9.95 per person and includes one hour of farm enjoyment.
Test Your Axe Throwing Skills
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at axe throwing Long Ireland Beer Company is giving you the perfect opportunity. On Sunday, May 23, at 12:30 p.m. the Riverhead brewery is hosting an axe-throwing tournament. At this outdoor event, no experience is required but you’ll want to pre-register with a team of four to compete. There will be $1 off pints for all and a cash prize for the winning team along with some fun merch. Head to Long Ireland’s Facebook page for more details and to register.
