While it may be the middle of winter, the North Fork is anything but quiet. From community events like the Annual North Fork Chili Fest to Valentine’s Day festivities, you’ll find community spirit alive and thriving across the North Fork. With so many fun events happening at restaurants, wineries, breweries, and more, we’ve compiled a list of 10 things to do this February to get you out of your house and through the off-season.
HAVE A TEA PARTY
Who says you need to be a kid to enjoy a tea party? Dress up and gather your closest friends for a sweet outing at SpecialTea House in Greenport. The tearoom is cozy and the décor is exactly what you’d hope it would be. For $35 per person, you’ll enjoy classic high tea with homemade scones, finger sandwiches, dainty desserts, and of course, a pot of delicious tea. Or opt for a simpler version for $25 per person. Vegan and gluten free options are available with advance notice. Afternoon tea is served 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and reservations can be made by calling 631-477-2265.
CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH WINTERFEST
On Saturday, Feb. 18, from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., downtown Southold will come alive in celebration of WinterFest. This annual event, with activities planned throughout the day, will include local shopping discounts, live music and fun, crafts for children, tours of Southold Historical Museum’s Maple Lane Complex and more.
SING A LOVE SONG
Surprise your theater-loving valentine with something different this year. The Suffolk in Riverhead is hosting an evening of musical selections from popular Broadway plays including Six The Musical, Hamilton, Waitress, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, Les Miserables, and more. This event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $65-$75. Tickets and more info at suffolktheater.com.
LEARN HOW TO MAKE SANGRIA FROM A PRO
As part of their winter event series, Bridge Lane Wine is hosting local mixologist Joe Coleman of Doublespeak Cocktails as he creates and serves white, red and rosé sangrias using Bridge Lane wines. This event is planned for Saturday, Feb. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bridge Lane tasting room. Tickets cost $48 per person and include three tastings of sangria and sangria recipe cards to take home. Tickets and more details and dates for the winter event series at bridgelanewine.com.
TAKE A TRIP TO SHELTER ISLAND TO SOLVE A MURDER MYSTERY
Take the ferry to Shelter Island and bring your super sleuthing skills to solve a 1920s-themed themed mafia murder mystery. On Feb. 18, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., The Rams Head Inn will be hosting a three-course prix fixe dinner with an optional cash bar cocktail hour where guests will collect clues to find the killer. Tickets are $95 per person (plus taxes and gratuity) and include entertainment, dinner, and a specialty cocktail for the evening. You can reserve your seat here.
SIP ON HOT CHOCOLATE AND GAZE UP AT THE STARS
Join the Group for the East End and Custer Institute for a stargazing and hot chocolate night at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue. Visitors will be able to take in the beauty of the North Fork’s dark skies, peering into powerful telescopes that will be available on-site. There will also be guided tours to help visitors observe a glimpse of nebulae, galaxies and other deep-sky objects that are visible this season. This is a family-friendly event — tickets are $10 for adults and children 12 and under are free. All proceeds directly benefit Custer Institute and Group for the East End. You can purchase tickets here. *Note: The event is weather dependent and there are no bathrooms located on site.
LEARN THE NUANCES OF WINE WITH A COMPARATIVE TASTING
Take a comparative wine-tasting class at Suhru Wines to learn the nuances and differences between pinot noir and merlot. The first of the winery’s new monthly wine education series, this 90-minute class, led by WSET III Certified Beth Santosuosso, will leave you feeling like a wine connoisseur. There will be two sessions on Sunday, Feb. 19, one at 12 p.m. and the second at 2 p.m. Tickets are $75 and include five wine tastings along with light bites. You can purchase tickets here.
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO ANCIENT ROME
Take a tour through classical mythology and learn about the impact of ancient culture on modern-day winemaking in a unique wine-tasting class hosted by Terra Vite Winery and Vineyard — togas optional. The event is on Sunday, Feb. 19 from 11 to 12:30 p.m. and includes an ancient snack platter, a welcome aperitivo and four wine tastings of varieties native to Mediterranean volcanic regions. Tickets are available at terravitevineyard.com.
ATTEND A MUSIC FESTIVAL
Escape the winter blues with the return of übergeek’s Cabin Fever Musical Festival. On Feb. 18 at 2 p.m., the Riverhead brewery will be hosting several rock bands, including Clover’s Curfew, The Worst, The Pilot Program, The Trailer Park Gigalos, Brian Gallo and his band, Dr. Eamz, and RX Kings. Tickets are $10 and can be reserved at ubergeekbrewing.com.
DECORATE A CAKE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
Impress your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day with a homemade cake, decorated by you. Pastry Chef Jessica Shearman from North Fork Baker is leading a cake decorating workshop at the Bedell Cottage on Feb. 11, from 12 to 2 p.m. Guests will learn how to fill, ice, and decorate a small chocolate cake using piping tips and other techniques — while drinking unlimited wine in the process. Tickets are $100 per person and include all materials as well as a finished cake to take home to your loved ones. You can find tickets at store.bedellcellars.com.
