Fall foliage on Long Island is in its glory and summer crowds are a distant memory. Halloween pumpkin-picking days are done and the pressure-packed holidays aren’t quite yet upon us. All of which makes it the perfect time to visit the North Fork. We asked locals and visitors alike for their favorite things to do during a weekend—or longer!—on the East End, and herewith offer four can’t-miss ways to enjoy the North Fork right now, and all fall and winter long.
Go Wine Tasting—Who cares what the calendar says? The vino flows year round in Long Island Wine Country. An autumn visit actually provides the opportunity for a much more intimate winery experience than you’ll get in high season—the chance to sip and savor in a tranquil tasting room, speak in-depth with winemakers and converse with fellow wine lovers. Make sure to ask for a recommendation of a nearby North Fork restaurant that pairs local wine and food!
Head to Orient Point—A visit to the easternmost point on Long Island’s North Fork means a chance to check out the Oysterponds Historical Society, stroll through Orient Beach State Park and see the Orient Point Lighthouse…from a distance, at least. Stop along the way to check out local antique shops and art galleries, too.
Stroll the Beach—Walking along the north shore offers a completely different experience from the beaches on the South Fork, especially when you have the sand and views practically all to yourself. Crack open a bottle of that Long Island wine and make a toast—especially if you’re lucky enough to be there at sunset.
Look Up—Maybe it’s just us, but the cooler the weather, the clearer the skies above the East End seem to be. Just stepping outside on a crisp fall night can provide a beautiful show, but why not take your stargazing to another level at the Custer Institute and Observatory—Long Island’s oldest public observatory (established in 1927)—on a Saturday night, when the public can go look through the potent telescopes at the wonders above.
Blue Iris Bed & Breakfast on the North Fork of Long Island
“Fun Fall North Fork Forays” is brought to you by Blue Iris Bed & Breakfast in Cutchogue, NY. Located in the Heart of Wine Country on Long Island’s North Fork, Blue Iris B&B is within a one-mile radius of six major vineyards, 1. 5 miles of a pristine bay beach, near fine restaurants and more. For more information, call 631-734-7126 or visit online at www.blueirisbedandbreakfast.com.
