After the longest January and the shortest February, March is here. A month that brings reawakening and freshness and plenty to do across the North Fork.
Judge some chili
The Annual North Fork Chili Cook-Off is back – run, don’t walk to get your tickets to this popular event that’s set to take place on Sunday, March 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Greenport Harbor Brewing Co.’s Peconic tasting room. At this event, local eateries come together and compete for the best chili on the Fork. $20 includes entry and chili sampling. Click here for tickets.
Write it down
Equally as refreshing as the New Year, spring inspires us to look inward and reflect, and what better way to do that than by journaling. To start, you’ll want to pick up a fresh, new journal – we’d head to Arni Paperie in Southold or to Burton’s Bookstore in Greenport. Next, choose your spot — Horton Point Lighthouse is a nice quiet location with benches and an incredible overlook. The rest is up to you.
Eat and drink like a northforker at Peconic Bay Vineyards
Peconic Bay Vineyards has created a series of pairing events with local North Fork restaurants and there are two to choose from in March. On Saturday, March 5 from noon to 2:30 p.m. the winery is pairing with Noah’s to offer three small-plate courses each paired with one of their wines. The plates include a bacon-wrapped blue cheese date, tuna tartare taco, and a key lime pie bite. On March 12, PBV will pair with Braun’s Kitchen, menu to come. Pairing events cost $35 per person. Learn more at exploretock.com/peconicbayvineyards.
Plan before you plant
While it may be too early to get into the dirt, the time to plan your garden is now. Be on the lookout for classes by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Agway to get your gears going, or tap into Yard Crop to help you design, build, plant, and maintain your backyard produce. May your growing season be, well, fruitful.
Have a pint
While we don’t need an excuse to drink our way through downtown Riverhead, St. Patrick’s Day certainly tempts us to throw back a pint or two around town. Get your green on and visit some of our favorite local breweries like North Fork Brewing Company, Ubergeek Brewing, Long Ireland Beer Co., Tradewinds Brewing, Twin Forks Brewing, and Peconic County Brewing.
Take a tour of Tuscany with Terra Vite Vineyards
On Sunday, March 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Terra Vite Winery & Vineyard will be hosting “Under the Tuscan Sunday” where participants will be guided through a wine 101, palate calibration, talking tour of Tuscan and North Fork wines, as well as a wine tasting from both the Tuscan and North Fork regions. The class course is $65 per person. Visit Terraviteyineyard.com for more details and to register.
Pop into Grace & Grit’s Pop-Ups
Mouthwatering pop-up nights are back at Grace & Grit. Head to the Southold commissary on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 – 8 p.m. for unique menus and offerings. On March 4 and 5, indulge in various grilled cheeses and soups. Visit their website for upcoming menu details, ordergraceandgrit.com/pop-ups.
Breakfast Get Together for Babies
Bring your babe and attend a baby breakfast with local chef, Jess Dunne of Rustic Roots & Recipes. During the breakfast event, attendees will learn three meal prep hacks and babies will enjoy making their own sensory charcuterie boards to bring home. This event is a joint effort between Rustic Roots & Recipes and the Southold Mother’s Club. It will take place on Wednesday, March 9 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Price is $24, with discounted rates for Southold Mother’s Club members. Contact Jess Dunne at Rustic Roots & Recipes for more information and to register.
Try a new restaurant
On Friday, March 11 The Dimon Estate, formerly known as Jamesport Manor Inn, will be reopening its doors for lunch and dinner with a whole new look and menu. Lucha Cubano also recently opened in downtown Riverhead and is a must-try. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week.
Order in food
And when you’re tired from a month of great events and things to do take the night off and have your dinner delivered to you — yes, we said delivered. Gone are the days of delivery not being a thing on the North Fork. Lucharitos, Claudio’s Pizza, a Mano, C.J.’s American Grill, and Tony’s Fusion North are among those who bring the goods to you.
