Remember on the first day of school when your teacher would make you stand up and tell the class what you did over the summer?
Well, we didn’t put anyone on the spot, but in the spirit of summer coming to an end, we asked Northforker staffers to share what they enjoyed on the North Fork this summer.
From treasure hunts to nautical adventures, here’s what they had to say!
“I had the opportunity to spend a day out on the water learning how to sail with Easterly Sailing in Greenport. Yes, this was technically a work assignment but was certainly not a bad way to spend an early summer day under the sun on the glistening Peconic Bay. It was a new experience for me and definitely an unforgettable feeling of both peace and quiet but also adventure and adrenaline. Thanks again to Capt. Paul Kreiling and first mate James Lockley for having me!” — Tara Smith, Senior Writer
“I’m new to the North Fork, so this summer was all about exploring all that it has to offer. My favorite moments were the ones spent with family and friends relaxing at wineries like Jamesport Vineyards, Bridge Lane, and Croteaux. I’m also very appreciative of our proximity to water and have often been soaking in the Peconic Bay views with walks on the beach.” — Victoria Caruso, Reporter
“One of our favorite things to do on the North Fork is to go on the Greenie Supply & Tackle Treasure Hunt. This summer we took along with us family that was visiting from out of the area. It was so much fun to see not only the kids get into it but the adults too. The map led us to the very end of the North Fork, which provided us with gorgeous panoramic water views — all of us were awestruck. Although I would call myself well-seasoned when it comes to the hunt, this particular edition of the treasure map was a tough one and took some grit. Our unwavering determination, especially from my brother-in-law, paid off as we found the gold booty and declared it “the very best adventure.””‘ — Michelina Da Fonte, Associate Content Director
“My wife Vera and I were married on the North Fork a decade ago and try most years to dine at a North Fork restaurant on our anniversary in July. On the years we’re super organized we make it out to Brecknock Hall for a photo with the kids on the same steps where we were married (needless to say as the kids have gotten older that’s been harder to do!) Since it was No. 10 this year, we opted for a special occasion dinner trying something new without the kids, enjoying the food and drinks at Southold Social in Southold. Outside of that, summer on the North Fork was spent exploring familiar favorites. One simple evening that stood out was taking the kids and the new puppy we adopted from Southold Animal Shelter to Snowflake Ice Cream Shoppe in Riverhead, where they even have dog treats on the menu.” — Grant Parpan, Content Director
Terra Vite Winery & Vineyard hosted a fabulous pride event in June that I was able to attend with my partner and friends, and it was a lovely afternoon full of good food, wine and community. It was really great to see other members of the LGBTQ communtiy on the North Fork in such a beautiful setting. A little summer rain threatened to put a damper on the festivities, but the sun shone through in the end, making for a memorable and beautiful day. — Lee Meyer, Reporter
A lifelong friend I met in high school — circa 1980s — who now lives out of state was popping by Long Island one weeknight this summer so I knew I had to take her to a vineyard after work. I chose Lieb Cellars and it was a hit all around. It was just after a light rain, and we sat out front on one of the wood benched tables. Our view, and what we ordered was delicious. She enjoyed a red, their Estate Teroldego-Lagrein, while I enjoyed a white, their Estate Riesling. We paired it with crackers topped with manchego and fig. A great memory was made on the North Fork. — Christine Kelly-Smimmo, Staff Artist
My No. 1 most relaxing evening this year was spent floating on my brother’s boat in the bay near Goose Creek watching the Wednesday night sail races around Shelter Island. We enjoyed dinner and music on the boat and then caught a beautiful sunset on our way back to the dock! Summer isn’t complete for me without a trip out on the water. — Cerria Orientale Torres, Sales Director
