Let’s face it, January often feels like a never-ending month of cold and dark and blah, but we’re here to help you fight those winter blues and get you off your couch. Here are 10 North Fork experiences to enjoy this month.
Take a polar bear plunge
Join the North Fork Polar Bears for their first annual North Fork Polar Bear Plunge benefit on Sunday, January 29 at 10 a.m. Head to Truman’s Beach in East Marion for a cold-water swim, hot cocoa, and firepits while supporting CAST. There is no fee to participate, but donations are encouraged. Prizes awarded for groups and individuals who raise the most money. Register here.
Attend a dinner party in the Bedell Cottage
On Saturday, January 7 at 6 p.m., dine on a 5-course meal prepared by chefs Jonathan Shearman and Max Mohrmann of Fyr & Salt paired with small batch wines by Corey Creek Winemaker Marin Brennan. This unique dinner, hosted at the Bedell Cottage, is limited to 10 seats. Tickets cost $200 per person and can be purchased here.
Learn about the phases of the moon
Calling all night sky obsessed kids, this events for you. At 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, Long Island Science Center is hosting a Science Saturday Workshop with a specific focus on phases of the moon. At this session, students will learn fun facts about the moon, how to identify the moon’s 8 phases and will make their own moon phase to take home. The workshop costs $20 per student and includes admission to the museum. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Enroll here.
Have a laugh
Dirty Paws Comedy Night is sure to have you belly laughing. This benefit for The North Fork Animal Welfare League is scheduled for Friday, January 20, from 8 – 10 p.m. at Greenport Harbor Brewing Company in Peconic. The 90-minute show will feature The Veterans Comedy Assult Team: Ray Negron, “Tugboat Manny” Bojuad and Quentin Davis. Tickets cost $50 ($60 at the door) and include a pint of beer or glass of wine. Purchase your tickets here.
Keep a secret at Lieb Cellars
Okay, so we promised not to give too much away, but just know that you won’t want to miss this offering of special wine tastings. $50 per person and follow our lead, but ssssshh.
Celebrate winter with the family at Snow Ball
Hosted by the Town of Riverhead’s Parks and Recreation Department, this family-friendly event is sure to get you and your crew into the best spirits. Bundle up and head to the hockey rink in Stotzky Park for “Snow BALL,” an evening of dancing, festive karaoke, snacks, hot chocolate, themed games, and fun for the whole family. This free event will take place on Friday, January 20, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Create art and drink wine
See where your creativity (and a wine flight) takes you at this art workshop led by artist Verona Peñalba at Lenz Winery in Peconic. At this workshop on Friday, January 27, from 6 – 7:30 p.m., you’ll experiment with alcohol inks to create an abstract piece of art. Tickets are $55 per person and include all materials and a flight of three wines. Purchase your tickets here.
Watch a North Fork Variety Show
Support local theater with the 18th Annual North Fork Community Theater’s Variety Show on Friday, January 6 and Saturday, January 7, from 8 – 10 p.m. and on Sunday, January 8, from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. The show will include a mix of song, dance, magic and more. General admission tickets are available at the door and cost $20 per person. Proceeds go towards scholarships for local high school seniors.
Sip wine and eat doughnuts
Pindar Vineyards has teamed up with North Fork Doughnut Company, AKA NoFoDoCo, for a pairing of three wines with three irresistible doughnuts. Three tasting experiences are scheduled for Saturday, January 29: 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. The pairing costs $30 per person ($25 for wine club members) and pre-paid reservations can be made here.
Strap on your skates
Who said roller skating is just for kids? On Wednesdays throughout winter, head to the GDC Roller Skate Rink in Greenport for an adult only (21+) evening of old-fashion roller skating fun. Pay at the door, $10 admission includes skates.
