November on the North Fork means cooler weather and a slower pace. And while the beaches may be empty and the sidewalks less traveled, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the so-called offseason.
KICK OFF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON WITH SOUTHOLD’S BIGGEST ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING
Southold Historical Museum’s magical Candlelight Tour & Christmas Tree Lighting returns to the Maple Lane Complex of historic buildings at 55200 Main Rd. at 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26. Enjoy the delightful decorations, meet Santa in the barn, and watch carpentry, blacksmith, basket weaving, print shop and fiber arts demonstrations. Tour the historic buildings including the 18th Century Thomas Moore House and the Victorian Ann Currie-Bell House. Children will enjoy games on the lawn with Santa’s helper. There will be live music throughout the event, and light refreshments and small gifts will be available for purchase. The tree lighting is at 5 p.m. Admission is free.
MAKE A WREATH WITH DRIED FLOWERS AS YOU SIP WINE
During this two-hour workshop led by local floral designer Jane Greenko, you will create your own beautiful seasonal hanging decoration using organically & sustainably grown local flowers and botanicals. Adorn metal hoops or rustic vine wreaths with an assortment of dried flower, grass and botanical bundles to capture the spirit of the North Fork. The two hour class, happening this Thursday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m., is hosted by Suhru Wines and the $65 cost includes all materials to create your own 10” hoop or wreath and one glass of Suhru wine. Additional glasses available for purchase throughout the event. Pre-purchased tickets required at suhruwines.com.
MOVE ON FROM HALLOWEEN BY CHUCKING A PUMPKIN
By now we’re sure you are sick of Halloween. So prove it, by registering for the Town of Riverhead’s first Punkin’ Chunkin’ contest on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Park soccer field in Calverton. You build your own chucking mechanism and see how far you can make a pumpkin fly. Trebuchets, slingshots and other engineered creations without electrical components are eligible. The chunking will begin at 11 a.m. It’s $10 to enter. You can register for the event here.
LET A NOTED NORTH FORK BEEKEEPER TEACH YOU HIS CRAFT
Talmage Farm Agway in Riverhead is hosting master beekeeper Chris Kelly for a 60-minute presentation and 30-minute Q&A on beekeeping. The event is set for Saturday, Nov. 6 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. To register for the event call (631) 727-3100.
ENJOY A WINE TASTING DINNER AT A TOP EAST END RESTAURANT
OK, so it’s not the North Fork but this combo of winery and Hampton Bays restaurant is worth checking out. Experience an amazing evening this Thursday, Nov. 4 as Palmer Vineyards presents a wine tasting dinner at Cowfish, an event that happens only a few times each year. The 6:30 p.m. $90 dinner features five-courses expertly crafted by our chefs, with each off-menu course paired with a wine that celebrates Long Island’s Wine Country. Cowfish chefs and Palmer staff will join you to discuss the menu. For info email [email protected]
DANCE COUNTRY STYLE AT A BELOVED HORSE BARN
A country barn dance with live music will be held Saturday, Nov. 13 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue. The event features live music by Urban Rodeo and line dancing. The doors will open at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own snack and drinks. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. To buy them, visit the equine rescue’s website. Proceeds from the events will benefit the equine rescue and the animals they assist.
TASTE LOCAL WINE AND MARVEL AT THE LIFE AQUATIC
The Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead’s Fish & Sips event will include tastings from more than 20 local wineries and breweries on Friday, Nov. 12. Sample Long Island wine and beer, check out marine life on display at the aquarium and dance to live music from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $75 per person at longislandaquarium.com.
RACE FOR A STUDENT’S BRIGHT FUTURE IN MATTITUCK
The Mattituck-Laurel Civic Association is hosting its inaugural 5K Walk/Run on Sunday, Nov. 7, at Veterans Park in Mattituck. Proceeds from the 5K go to the Civic Association’s $1,000 scholarship fund for a 2022 graduating senior of Mattituck High School. Entrance fees are $20 for students, $30 per adult ahead of time or $40 on the day of the race. Visit mattitucklaurelcivic.org for more information.
RELIVE THE MUSIC OF MOTOWN AT THE SUFFOLK THEATER
Former members of the Temptations, the Four Tops and Heatwave will perform The Magic of Motown at Riverhead’s Suffolk Theater on Friday, Nov, 26, at 8 p.m. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. so guests can hit the bar and enjoy the recently updated restaurant menu. Visit suffolktheater.com for tickets.
DINE AND SUPPORT THE SOUTHOLD HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The Southold Historical Museum will host its annual Harvest Dinner at O’Mally’s Restaurant on Thursday, Nov. 4. The dinner includes a choice of pot roast or salmon, with salad, coffee or tea and dessert. Tickets are $35 (gratuity included), on sale at the Prince Building, 54325 Main Road and at O’Mally’s, 44780 Route 48, Southold, the day of the event. Visit southoldhistorical.org for more information.