August 4, 2022 Wilfred Joseph

Landcraft Gardens of Mattituck

Landcraft Gardes - Wisteria hanging from pergola
Wisteria hanging from the pergola

Landcraft Gardens of Mattituck

One of the lesser-known facts about the North Fork is that we have a certified bonafide botanical garden accessible to the public.  It is the Landcraft Gardens Foundation In Mattituck.  Located in the heart of Long Island wine country.  These gardens were the brainchild of two visionaries, Dennis Schrader and Bill Smith.  They purchased 17 acres of land in Mattituck and created a nonprofit organization, Landcraft Gardens of Mattituck.

Located in the heart of the North Fork’s wine region on Long Island’s East End, the Landcraft Gardens were established in 1992 by founders Dennis Schrader and Bill Smith.  They purchased 17 acres of land surrounding a circa 1840 farmhouse and donated the entire property to the Landcraft Garden Foundation, a nonprofit591(c)(3)corporation registered with the New York State.

Their vision was to create a garden with unusual and little-known plants while providing an environment for experimenting with exotic plant materials.  They wanted a uniquely American garden of exuberance and different styles of influence seamlessly blending to create a garden of diverse interests.  The garden would exemplify the synthesis of structure, color, distinctive plant material, and composition.

The property is located on a long strip of land.  It is nestled between the Long Island Sound, Mattituck Creek, and the Peconic Bay, which gives the site an unusually long growing season, perfect for the types of plants they want to cultivate.

The more extensive garden comprises several gardens, each with its distinctive border, some blending seamlessly with the natural landscape, some juxtaposing with unusual materials and plants. The garden has benches, low walls, and seats that encourage you to sit awhile while you become one with nature. There are winding walking paths that delight your eye.

 Ownership & Management of Landcraft Gardens of Mattituck

Dennis and Bill will retain a lifetime tenancy of the residence which will pass to the Foundation through their estate.

  • Duration: Approximately 2 Hours, from 10 am -3:30 pm
  • When: Friday & Sundays only, to October 29, 2022
  • Where: Landcraft Gardens (Map)
  • Tickets: $20.00, Student/Senior: $17.00, Children Admission: under 12 years $5.00, under 2 years free, Members: Free

“Delightful conversations over delicious homecooked breakfast and fresh-brewed coffee, tips on off-the-beaten-path restaurants and sights, and a warm and historic “Captain’s” lodging made this too-short seaside vacation an unforgettable one.”

 BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE

 



August 4, 2022 Wilfred Joseph

The Oysterponds Historical Society Summer Benefit

Oysterpond Summer Benefit
People in and out of large tents enjoying the Festivities at the Oysterponds Summer Benefit

Orient is one of North Fork’s most exclusive and historical places. Settlers have been there since the 1640s.  The Oysterpond Historical Society (of which I am a Board member) holds this annual event.

From OHS’s website: “The Oysterponds Historical Society (OHS) was founded in 1944 to preserve the historical significance of Orient and East Marion communities that were still largely populated by direct descendants of the European settlers three centuries before. OHS founding members Mrs. Henry F.J. Knobloch, Mrs. Alma Knox, and Mr. George R. Latham were concerned about the gradual disappearance of Native American artifacts, documents, family records, tools, art, and other surviving evidence of the maritime, agricultural, cultural, and religious life of the early residents of this area.

Today, OHS maintains seven historically-significant buildings located in the heart of Orient, New York’s landmark historic district; cares for 8½ acres of grounds, including Poquatuck Park, a cherished community gathering spot; and actively manages a collection of over 60,000 items, including historical artifacts, documents, diaries, works of art, and archival objects dating from early Native American times all the way through the 20th century. Our archive, which is particularly strong in correspondence and diaries, is a rich and valuable resource regularly used by scholars, writers, genealogists, and students.”

Oysterpond Summer Event

Square Dancing under the tent featuring legendary caller Chart Guthrie and the Dance All Night Band.  Now, even if you’re not inclined to dance, the feel-good, toe-tapping music is a perfect backdrop for a festive celebration of summer!  There’ll be an exciting live auction of a handful of exceptional art pieces, but note that you must purchase a ticket and attend the event to participate.

Wine, beer, specialty cocktails; delicious food from Maple Tree Smokehouse BBQ; homemade sweet tea & lemonade; and bottled water.

Purchase your tickets NOW so that you don’t miss out.

Purchasing a non-member Summer Benefit ticket will automatically enroll you in a 1-year OHS membership!

  • Duration: Approximately 3 hours
  • When: Saturday, August 6, 2022; 6 to 9 pm
  • Where: Poquatuck Park, Orient, NY (Map)
  • Tickets: $150 per person (members); $175 per person (non-members)
“Wilfred and Veda were just so accommodating and friendly.  Veda’s breakfast was delish every morning”.

CHOOSE YOUR ROOM HERE



August 3, 2022 Wilfred Joseph

 

The "Bug Light" Lighthouse
This lighthouse sits on screw piles that, at low tide, it looked like a bug. Commissioned in 1870.

Long Island Bug Lighthouse Cruise and Tour

There’s always something fun to do on Long Island’s North Fork, but one of the more popular attractions has to be the Bug Light. Long Beach Bar “Bug” Lighthouse helps mariners navigate the hazardous sandbar between Orient Harbor and Gardiner’s Bay. The original structure was built in 1870 on screw piles which left an opening beneath the structure and inspired its nickname “Bug” Light because when the rocks were covered at high tide, the lighthouse looked like a giant water bug. After arsonists set fire to it in 1963 `The East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation established ta group to reconstruct Long Beach Bar “Bug” Light.

Considering coming to the North Fork for a weekend, consider this romantic trip to the Bug Light. Come to Greenport, on Long Island’s North Fork, for a Long Island Bug Lighthouse Cruise and Tour.

The lighthouse is a gateway to Greenport, Shelter Island, and Peconic Bay and is officially known as the Long Beach Bar Light. It became known as the “Bug” Light because it was initially constructed on a screw-pile platform that elevated it above Gardiner’s Bay. The name had stuck when the light was converted from a screw-pile platform to a concrete caisson foundation. From a distance, the spindly pilings supporting the structure made the lighthouse look like a giant bug walking on water.
Long Beach Bar Lighthouse was constructed in 1871 and decommissioned in 1948 after a sandbar had grown to make the beacon useless as a channel marker. Various groups tussled over buying the historic light until 1963, when arsonists solved the ownership issue by burning the lighthouse to the foundation.
The foundation sat unencumbered until the summer of 1990 when the organization floated out a replica to replace the original. The “replica” was so complete that, in 1993, the Coast Guard recognized the beacon as federal aid to navigation. The Bug Light has been back in service ever since.
The Greenport’s East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation owns, operates, and maintains the Bug Lighthouse. As part of their funding and outreach, they offer a variety of lighthouse tours from late May through late October.
Bug Lighthouse cruises are narrated, often by a local guide, Bob Allen. Bob was raised in Greenport and is a descendant of a Bug Lighthouse keeper. Consequently, his narrations can take you behind the scenes of the lighthouse, as well as back in time.

Bug Lighthouse Cruise and Tour Schedule

  • Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
  • When: Saturdays,  September, October, and November 2022, from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm
  • Where: East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation
  • Cost: $59.00, 10% discount for seniors & veterans
  • Tickets: are available online at

You can also pick them up at the East End Seaport Museum here.
Bug Lighthouse Cruise Lodging
Locally owned and operated, Arbor View House Bed and Breakfast is a Long Island B&B that offers upper-tier amenities, delicious breakfasts, and an insider’s knowledge of the area. Give yourself the reward of luxury, comfort, and uncommon service during your Long Island getaway with a stay at Arbor View House Bed and Breakfast!

“The owner is so very nice,; headvised of places we could go and things we could do! And the beds!!! I have back issues, and it’s hard to sleep comfortably in a bed! I don’t know where they got them from, but I woke up feeling amazing”!!! Kashia B


Bikes-in-a-vineyard-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1

August 2, 2022 Wilfred Joseph

GUIDED BREWERY AND VINEYARD BIKE TOURS THROUGH THE NORTH FORK’S WINE COUNTRY

two bicycles on stands in a vineyard
Enjoy a leisurely ride through the idyllic countryside of the North Fork Wine Country on a Vineyard Bike Tours.

Pedal your way to the taste of the North Fork wine country; explore breweries, wineries, and more. Enjoy a guided  “Vineyard Bike Tours” brewery and vineyard tour through the North Fork’s Wine Country. The North Fork has well-organized guided bicycle tours of the area’s wineries, breweries, and farm stands.  You’ll enjoy riding through the tree-lined streets of the various hamlets and enjoying the scenic views of the Peconic Bay.  You’ll see historic landmarks and beautiful vineyards.

The organizers pay attention to the details of your dietary request and make sure your trip is well documented.  Riding through the North Fork is like no other experience you’ve had.  Normally you’d be zipping past important landmarks without knowing their history and significance.  They are passionate about cycling and bring that to their creation of this event.

Vineyard Bike Tours
  • Cruise the North Fork Long Island from the seat of a single or tandem Hybrid bicycle (Helmets Included)
  • Enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic refreshments throughout your tour experience to stay energized while riding from location to location.
  • Professional guides will direct you through the beautiful North Fork landscape, leading you from winery to brewery and more.
  • Gain privileged access to wander vineyard fields.
  • Enjoy extra-virgin olive oil & fine vinegar tastings to infuse your pallet with local flavors.
  • Visit local farm stands and purchase freshly made jams, pies, fruits, and vegetables for your home.
  • Stroll down Love Lane after the tour for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience
  • Take advantage of a support vehicle to transport any purchases
  • Expert guides will capture moments from your day; photos will be available for free download
  • Duration: Approximately 5 Hours
  • When: Sundays, August 7,14,21,28 at 10 am -3:30 pm
  • Where: East End Bike Tours
  • Distance: Approximately 14-18 miles (dependent on the selected route)
  • Cost: $ 96-$155
This bike tour was by far the best part of my North Fork Weekend. I can’t say enough good things about it.

CHOOSE YOUR ROOM HERE