What’s your favorite holiday song?
Maybe I’m a sap, but Bing Crosby’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” gets me every single time. It’s filled with hope, love and, yes, melancholy. I’m so lucky to call the North Fork my home, but home isn’t just where you live — it’s the people and things around you. I love getting into the spirit of the holidays with my family, and I hope that this issue of Northforker — my first holiday issue as managing editor — fills you with the same.
The December issue of Northforker is all about getting into the holiday spirit. Our gift guide, curated by Stephanie Villani and photographed by Doug Young, is filled with local treasures. This year, we’ve separated the guide into categories — from outdoorsy items to creative toys and games for kids —all from North Fork businesses. There are also gifts that give back to nonprofits and charities with your purchase.
Speaking of gifts, there’s a really unique shop tucked into the Feather Hill Village in Southold that I think everyone should visit. One For All Gifts, run by mother-and-son duo Theresa and Sean DeMarco, has a remarkable story and unique items that you probably won’t find anywhere else in the area.
When Times Review Media Group executive editor Brendan O’Connor pitched a story about model train sets, I was skeptical. I knew that model trains are a Christmas tree staple, but I didn’t know the history and culture around collecting them. Brendan found a fascinating group of model train enthusiasts, as well as a treasure trove of Lionel-brand model trains hiding in plain sight right on the East End.
Roving reporter Charity Robey —who has a special place in her heart for her home, Shelter Island—spoke with the proprietors of the popular Stars Café, Lydia Martinez Majdišová and Pepe Martinez, about the genesis of the beloved coffee shop and bakery. Stars Café is an underrated gem on Shelter Island, and it’s only a ferry ride away from Greenport. Read the story and head there for a nice cup of coffee, a great breakfast or lunch and Lydia’s homemade baked goods, which are a treat any time of day.
The holiday cheer extends elsewhere in this issue, too. Find fun holiday events. Take a trip to Port Jefferson, which rings in the holiday season with the annual Dickens Festival (and more!). And if you’re in the mood for a holiday show, make your way to the South Fork to the Hampton Theatre Company and their live radio show production of “A Christmas Carol.” We also had a taste of fabulous Swiss cuisine at Alpina and popped the cork on Poppy & Rose’s new sparkling wine.
And on a personal note, I want to thank all our readers for the support they’ve shown this year as I’ve taken the reins as managing editor of Northforker. It’s been an absolute privilege to show you what I love about the North Fork, and I look forward to continuing to do so in 2025 and beyond. Happy holidays to all and have a happy New Year — we’ll see you in February for our annual wellness issue. But in the meantime, enjoy our final issue of the year, and continue to visit northforker.com for daily content.
Happy everything,
Lee Meyer
Managing Editor
