If you want to get the best price on a North Fork home, ask a real estate agent for help. If you want to find the best restaurants, farm stand finds and displays of natural beauty…also ask an agent.
After all, real estate professionals spend their days exploring the area and are some of its most knowledge boosters. We surveyed top North Fork realtors for their favorite finds, from Riverhead to New Suffolk and Greenport.
Whether you’re looking to watch the sunset with a great bottle of local wine or learn more about where our food comes from, these locals’ picks are sure to delight.
Great Eats
“A great little North Fork gem is Peeko Oysters in New Suffolk. They have wide variety of oysters to sample and you can even schedule a tour of the farm where you can learn about how the oysters are harvested, learn how to shuck oysters and take fun pics on the docks! — Kristy Naddell, licensed associate real estate broker, Douglas Elliman
“Deep Roots Farm is well-known to discerning local foodies but might be off the radar of those new to the area. Located in Southold, this charming family-owned farm stand operates on a self-serve model and is open 24/7, 365 days a year. They are best known for their eggs, poultry and pork but their ever-expanding veggie and fruit offerings are among the best on the East End.” — Bridget Elkin, licensed real estate salesperson, Compass
“There are quite a few hidden gems on the North Fork. In fact, just in Southold there are a few of my favorites. One is new and one older. The newly opened Maroni’s Backyard is a fun spot where you can order lunch and dinner and sit on the back deck or picnic table. There is also Wednesday’s Table which has the best breakfast sandwiches and lunches. It is so hard to decide what to order because you will want to try everything from both of their delicious menus.” — Amy L. Kirincic, Associate Real Estate Broker, Daniel Gale
Experience The Outdoors
“Weekdays before 10 am, you can go out on Peconic Bay and have it all to yourself. It is the best time to kayak, paddleboard, waterski or go fishing. It is usually the calmest time of day.” — Thomas McCloskey, licensed associate real estate broker, Douglas Elliman
“As a licensed real estate agent, and someone who’s been here a long time, without wanting to sound cynical, you think you know if all! But boy is it special when you find a private road, a path less traveled, or in this case, a big rock! Actually, it’s called ‘Big Boy Boulder’ and is a glacial deposit in East Marion you access via the town steps at the north end of Rocky Point Road and walking west along the beach. Someone anchored a ‘rope’ which can be used to climb to the top of the rock. Even if you don’t climb it, just looking at it is awe-inspiring! Maybe carry a bottle of the newly reopened Peconic Bay Vineyards wine with you to enjoy a sunset!” — Nicholas J. Planamento, licensed associate real estate broker, Town & Country Hamptons
“There are so many North Fork hidden finds, some as simple as seeing the beautiful stark white Charolais cows roaming at McCall’s Ranch in Cutchogue or the stoic Bison on North Quarter Farm in Riverhead. Of course, the sprawling vineyards across the landscape are spectacular, and the sunsets on the Sound are truly mesmerizing.
I have also found that traveling by boat on the Peconic Bay opens up so many exciting destinations to explore and enjoy. The Cove at Robin’s Island is a wonderful place to anchor and relax or have the option to enjoy the company of many like-minded boaters. Equally wonderful is to dock up in Greenport, grab a bite to eat and explore this maritime town rich with history. On the North Fork we have achieved the perfect balance of preserving farmland with the continued creation of many farm-to-table establishments and yet all the while embracing the everlasting warm small town feeling.” — Susan Orioli, broker/owner, NOFO Real Estate
