2024 has arrived. We know you’re out there trying your best to reset and stick to your resolutions, but you can have some fun while doing that, too. Here are some events we’ve got on our list, perfect to kick off the new year on the North Fork this January.
First Day Hike | Orient State Park Beach, 40000 Main Road, Orient
Spend the first day of the year in nature. On Monday, Jan. 1, strap on your hiking shoes and bundle up to join Turtleback Farm as they take you through the New York State Park. Explore local flora and fauna as you set your intentions and relax before taking on 2024. Sign up by calling 631-323-2400. The hike kicks off at 10 a.m. and you can find more information via Facebook.
Make a splash | Truman’s Beach, 22040-22098 Main Road, Orient
Dive in and make a difference. Join the North Fork Polar Bears for the second annual Splash for Cast. Take the plunge at Truman’s Beach in Orient on Sunday, Jan. 28 to help raise funds for the Center of Advocacy, Support, and Transformation and the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Back to the Bays program. There are three different registration tiers where you can make your splash; check them out here. Registration starts at 9:15 a.m. and the plunge kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Afterward, enjoy smoothies from The Giving Room, ice cream from Amazing Flavors, coffee or hot cocoa from Aldo’s Café and plenty of beer from Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. You also have the chance to become a financial supporter here.
Do the chicken (wing) dance | Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., 42155 Main Road, Peconic
Treat yourself to a mid-week snack with half-off wings every Wednesday in January. Join the Peconic brewery from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. for $7 for six wings and $5 for Peconic Project beers. There’s a wide variety of flavorful wings to choose from: extra spicy buffalo, lemon pepper (wet or dry rub), teriyaki and more. Find more info on their website.
Go big or go home | VEME Studios, 214 Front St., Greenport
Head to Greenport’s newest art studio for a total of six hours of immersive artistry. This one-of-a-kind course spans three Fridays throughout January, the 12, 19, and 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. Under the guidance of Verona Peñalba, those interested will dive head first into large-scale painting. Each participant is welcome to work on their pieces outside of workshop hours, but during VEME Studio open hours, for up to 4 additional hours. A 30×30 or 30×40 canvas will be included in the price of tickets. The cost is $350 per person and you can purchase and find detailed information about the workshop here.
Free Fallin’ | 118 E Main St., Riverhead
Spend an evening listening to one of the biggest chart toppers of the 20th century. Head to The Suffolk on Thursday, Jan. 11 to hear the sounds of the Minneapolis-based Free Fallin, The Tom Petty Concert Experience. This two-hour show (from 7 to 9 p.m.) will feature all the hits of the beloved and much missed rock star and includes instruments and costumes that re-create the authentic experience of a Tom Petty concert. Ticket prices range $59 to $69 per person and you can find more information about the performance and purchase your tickets in advance here.
An evening of sweets | Suhru Wines, 28735 Main Road, Cutchouge
Head to the Suhru Wine Tasting Room on Friday, Jan. 12 for a one-of-a-kind experience of chocolate and wine. Linda Johnson, the Chocolate Curator for Chocology, has perfected the art of pairing Italian chocolates with Suhru wines and is inviting everyone to taste. Be amazed by the unexpected flavors that arise from the unique combos that Johnson puts together. Tickets are $40 per person ($30 for wine club members) and include three Suhru wines and three Italian chocolates. The guided tasting will last approximately 90 minutes. Find more information here.
A classic North Fork dinner | Bedell Cellars, 36225 Main Road, Cutchogue
Two North Fork staples, Bedell Cellars and Grace & Grit are teaming up to bring you a Cottage Winemaker Dinner on Sunday, Jan. 14. From 6 to 8 p.m. the evening will feature a four-course menu complete with wines selected by Bedell Winemaker, Rich Harbich. Tickets cost $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity. A limited number of seats are available and tickets can be purchased by visiting their website. The menu, which is subject to change, features an assortment of items including beef carpaccio tenderloin paired with a sparkling rosé, Mattituck wild mushroom veloutè paired with Bedell’s 2020 Gallery and grilled pear with a gorgonzola dolce custard, saba drizzle, pink peppercorns paired with their 2010 Musée.
Restaurants Galore | Multiple Locations, Long Island
The tri-annual and Long Island Restaurant Week kicks off the winter season beginning Sunday, Jan. 28 and lasts until Sunday, Feb. 4. There are several prix fixe options available across Long Island, and this winter, the Cooperage Inn and On the Docks are participating. Restaurants may offer a $24 two-course lunch, a $29 three-course dinner menu, a $39 three-course dinner menu and/or a $46 three-course dinner prix fixe. Find more information about what these restaurants will have on their menus by clicking here.
Strap on your rollerskates | George D. Costello Roller Rink, 102 3rd St., Greenport
Who said roller skating is just for kids? On Wednesdays throughout January, head to the GDC Roller Skate Rink in Greenport for an adult-only (21+) evening of old-fashioned roller skating fun. Pay at the door, $10 admission includes skates.
See a Wonder of the World | North Fork Community Theater, 12700 Old Sound Ave., Mattituck
Be prepared for the barrel of laughs guaranteed as the North Fork Community Theater presents Wonder of the World, a comedy by David Lindsay-Abaire. When the main heroine Cass discovers a dirty little secret in her husband’s sweater drawer, she flees to the honeymoon capital of the world in a frantic search for the life she thinks she missed out on. Evening (8 p.m.) and matinee (2:30 p.m.) shows run from Friday, Jan. 19 to Sunday, Feb. 4. General admission is $30 or $25 for pole view. Find more information about specific showtimes and purchase your seats here.
