We’re counting down the top coolest stories of 2014 on northforker.com. We will publish one story on our list per day, every day, until Jan. 1.
Coming in at number 8 is the opening of Little Creek Farm + Market.
In a village that built its name on oyster farming in the 1900s, 2014 brought with it a fresh take on an age-old industry when Little Creek Oyster Farm opened Long Island’s first U-shuck oyster bar in Greenport in July.
Owners Ian Wile and his wife, Rosalie Rung, raised nearly $15,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to transform the former bait shop on Boot Leg Alley into a shuck-stop and outdoor picnic area.
Wile and Rung, who grow their oysters in Peconic Bay, said they hoped the market would encourage both locals and visitors to support the region’s oyster farming community and enjoy some shellfish outdoors.
“We have had people from all over the world coming in. It is fantastic,” Wile said.
Since opening, Little Creek has quickly become an involved member of Greenport’s business community. During September’s Maritime Festival, it hosted its first annual oyster-shucking contest, which drew dozens of spectators to watch professionals battle it out for bragging rights.
In November, the couple initiated a public education initiative to collaboratively build a submersible remote-operated vehicle to study the local marine ecosystem.
“It was a big year,” Wile said. “We have gotten a lot done in the first six months.”
Previously:
10. North Fork Designer Show House
9. Southold Farm + Cellar Opens
