If you plan to visit Long Island vineyards, make sure to add Martha Clara’s Vineyard to your list. Martha Clara’s Vineyard on the North Fork of Long Island was purchased by the Entenmann’s family in 1978 and was originally a potato farm. In 1995, they caught the “grape bug” and planted 18 acres of vitis vinifera grapes and they haven’t looked back since. Over the next four years, they expanded to over 100 acres of growing grapes and the vineyard is just lovely.
In addition to growing grapes, Martha Clara’s Vineyard has a variety of activities that are just perfect for a romantic getaway to the wine country of Long Island. Horse drawn carriage tours and wine tastings are available on an ongoing basis. The August and September calendar of events are chock full and are as follows:
Biking on the North Fork of Long Island offers many options for guests of the Arbor View House Bed and Breakfast. Seaview trails in the Southport area offers over 57 miles of bike trails. Trails can range from 5 5 to 14 miles and can accommodate all levels of experience. The trails include Southold Bay Loop, Mattituck, Orient Loop, and Southold View Loop. The ocean views are spectacular and their trails are safe and easy.
Of course, bike riding is a year around activity on Long Island and if you are an avid biker then consider joining one of the many bicycling groups in the area. If you are just visiting the area, stick to the defined bike trails, as traffic can get busy on the main road. Some of the biking groups include:
- Bicycle Long Island
- Suffolok Bicycle Riders Associations
- Huntington Bicycle Club
- Massapequa Park Bicycle Club
- GBSC Bicycle Racing Team
- Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers
- Low-Impact Bike Paths in the New York/Long island region
Happy biking!
The Frisky Oyster remains one of the best restaurants in Greenport, Long Island. Opened in 2002, the Frisky Oyster is a trendy restaurant that is sure to please everyone. This modern restaurant is a little piece of Manhattan in Greenport. Many visitors to the North Fork come for the small, lively bar and contemporary fare, such as seared foie gras atop roasted pineapple and mache and penne with pancetta, littleneck clams, leeks, and tomatoes.
Executive Chef Robby Beaver owns the Frisky Oyster. He has trained under renowned chefs such as Daniel Boulud and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. One of the signature dishes at The Frisky Oyster is the “Oyster Friskafella,” which is a twist on Oysters Rockefeller. The result is a flavorful oyster dish that is both indulgent and satisfying. In addition, The Frisky Oyster’s menu also includes a variety of other seafood dishes and meat and vegetarian options. We love the warm and inviting ambiance, with a cozy dining room and a bar area where you can enjoy a drink or a light bite. Of course, this is just the beginning, and the complete menu has a great variety to choose from.
So what are the patrons saying?
“Phenomenal!! The food was outstanding- creative, complex, fresh flavors cooked to perfection (all except the Truffle Fries). (The) the atmosphere was romantic, and the service was excellent. We will definitely go back!!!”
Reservations are highly suggested, and the Arbor View House Bed and Breakfast will be happy to assist their guests in ensuring they do not miss out on this hip restaurant for dinner!
Noah’s restaurant is known for its exceptional farm-to-table cuisine and talented chef, Chef Noah Schwartz. Chef Noah is known for his creative use of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. One of the restaurant’s most famous dishes is the “Baja Fish Tacos,” which have been recognized as one of the best fish tacos in the country by several food critics and publications. Their specialties include local seafood bouillabaisse, pan-seared tuna niçoise, crispy fish tacos, and lobster rolls. In addition, Noah’s Restaurant offers a variety of other seafood dishes, as well as meat and vegetarian options. The restaurant’s ambiance is warm and welcoming, with a rustic-chic interior that combines modern and traditional elements. There is also an outdoor patio where you can dine al fresco during the warmer months. Overall, Noah’s Restaurant and Chef Noah Schwartz are known for their innovative and delicious cuisine and commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
American Beech is a stylish restaurant and bar in a historic building that has been beautifully restored and is another favorite with our guests. The menu features modern American dishes with international influences and emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms and waters. Some of the signature dishes at American Beech include the Beef Wellington, a classic dish of tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry with mushroom duxelles and foie gras, and the Lobster Tagliatelle, a pasta dish featuring fresh lobster, cherry tomatoes, and a white wine sauce. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. Outside is a beautiful bar, the quadrangle around the beech tree from which the restaurant takes its name.
The Olive Branch – is a farm-to-table restaurant in Greenport, offering a contemporary Mediterranean/Turkish menu featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is known for its delicious and creative dishes, such as the grilled octopus and the crispy eggplant parmesan. They also have a great selection of wines and craft cocktails to complement the food. This restaurant, even though it is on Front Street in Greenport, is located off the beaten path; look for it. It is worth the effort.
Bruce & Son – Bruce & Son is a restaurant located in Greenport, NY. The restaurant is known for its farm-to-table cuisine and offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant’s interior features rustic decor with a blend of vintage and modern elements. The restaurant is divided into two dining areas, one in the front and one in the back. The front dining area features a bar and a few tables, while the back dining area has a communal table and additional seating options. The restaurant offers a brunch, lunch, and dinner menu, ranging from classic American comfort food to more sophisticated and innovative options.
The Hellenic – The Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant is a family-owned and operated Greek restaurant located on the North Fork of Long Island, NY. It was originally a shack; they even rented cabins to the Greek families who came to the North Fork. The restaurant is known for its authentic Greek cuisine, warm hospitality, and charming ambiance. The restaurant’s interior features a rustic decor with whitewashed walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and colorful accents. Both indoor and outdoor dining areas are available, with the outdoor seating area providing a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. there are several seating areas with firepits to choose from.
The menu at The Hellenic features traditional Greek dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, and spanakopita, as well as seafood, salads, and vegetarian options. The restaurant also offers a selection of Greek wines and spirits to complement the meal.
In addition to its dining offerings, The Hellenic also has a market where customers can purchase Greek foods, wines, and other products imported directly from Greece.
Overall, The Hellenic offers a charming and authentic Greek dining experience, with delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and friendly service.
Some of the other restaurants in the area:
First and South
The Olive Branch
The Best Restaurants in Greenport
A romantic getaway to Long Island would not be complete without some time spend on the waters of Long Island Sound. There is an abundance of ways to enjoy the sites, but one company seems to offer it all. The Peconic Star offers a variety of lighthouse tours, excursions, fireworks cruises, and sightseeing cruises. So take your pick!
It always seems that guests’ favorites are the lighthouse tours and The Peconic Star makes trips to all eleven lighthouses in the Southold area. This includes Horton Point Lighthouse, Bug Light, Plum Island Lighthouse, Latimer Lighthouse, Race Rock Lighthouse, Little Gull Lighthouse, Cedar Island Lighthouse, Orient Point Lighthouse, North Dumpling Lighthouse, South East Lighthouse, and Block Island North Lighthouse.
Orient Long Beach Bar Light “Bug Light” is a lighthouse off Orient, New York. It is interesting because it was originally a screwpile lighthouse that was later converted to a concrete caisson foundation. This is how it received its nickname “Bug Light” as there were no other such lighthouses in the vicinity.
Race Rock Light is a lighthouse on Race Rock Reef, southwest of Fishers Island. The reef is a dangerous set of rocks off the coast of Fishers Island on Long Island Sound and was the site of many shipwrecks. It was built between 1871 and 1878 and is an excellent example of 19th century engineering and design. The Coast Guard automated the light in 1978 and it is still operational.
Enjoy visiting all of the lighthouses during your stay at the Arbor View House Bed and Breakfast!
If you enjoy bird watching, make sure to visit Long Island’s Shelter Island. Shelter Island is just a short Ferry ride from the village of Greenport, NY is a perfect location to bike and watch birds. If you don’t plan to bring your own bike, do not worry as rentals are available at the Mobile Station not far from the North Ferry dock. Although bird watching can be done from about any location on Shelter Island, one of the favorite locations is Mashomack Preserve, known as a nature lovers’ delight.
Mashomack Preserve is considered one of the richest habitats in the Northeast. The preserve contains 2,039 acres, which is about 1/3 of the island. Among the riches to be found are tidal creeks, oak woodlands, fields, and freshwater marshes. The preserve is often referred to as the “Jewel of the Peconic” and is edged in white by 10 miles of coastline. Mashomack Preserve is open 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., March through September, and 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. October through February.
Vacationing on Long Island and going to the beach just seem to be like peas in a pod. One of the favorite beaches is Orient Beach State Park. Orient Beach has 45,000feet of frontage on Gardiners Bay and the water is calm and delightful. It has been said that Orient Beach “has the most shells available at any state park beach” and is a shell-collecting paradise. Now this is an activity all in itself and a delightful way to enjoy the day. Of course, to make it a little more enjoyable there is also a bathhouse, showers, restrooms, and a food concession stand.
Visitors at the beach can swim in the bay, fish, picnic, play ball, go hiking or biking, and enjoy a calming walk on one of the many nature trails. Since this is a calm beach, it is also perfect for kayaking. So bring your own or plan to rent one at the beach. Bike rentals are also available, so not to worry if you do not have yours with you! However, the all time favorite thing to do is just sit in a beach chair and feel the warmth of the sunshine. Now this is summer on Long Island!
The first annual Long Island Wine and Food Festival takes place on June 25-27th and plan to be part of the festivities! The Long Island Wine and Food Festival starts on Friday with a VIP Kickoff Reception at Roanoke Vineyards at 7 P.M. Over four dozen local wines will be tested and local flavors will be prepared by aMano Osteria & Wine Bar.
On Saturday, June 26th, the day will be jam packed with events at local vineyards starting at noon. Renowned chefs will include Chef Lia Fallon, a New York-based chef and food stylist extraordinaire; Chef Arie Pavlou, Executive Chef at the soon-to-open Comtesse Therese Bistro in Aquebogue; and Chef Noah of Noah’s Place in Greenport. Paula Croteaux, owner of the Farmhouse Kitchen Cooking School, will be doing demonstrations; organic wines will be paired with chocolate, art shows will be happening, and wine, wine, and more wine will be flowing!
Sunday the weekend wraps up with a Grand Tasting at Mitchell Park in Greenport. Over 50 local wineries and restaurants will participate while overlooking the lovely view of the harbor. Weekend guests of the Arbor View House Bed and Breakfast will receive two complimentary tickets for the Grand Tasting on June 27th, so make your reservations soon!
The small seaside village of Greenport has become famous for its quaint shops, fine dining, and maritime history. Greenport has a colorful history and has long been the home of many famous artists in the past including Walt Whitman, playwright William Gillett, and painter Whitney Hubbard . Today, visitors can spend an entire day just exploring the historic homes of Greenport. Of course, add a lovely lunch, visit a few museums, and do a little shopping and you have created a lovely getaway to Long Island.
Museums to put on your list to visit should include East End Seaport Museum, Bootleg Alley, and the shipyards of Greenport. If you are looking for artists, Greenport is still the home of famous artists including award-winning actress Peg Murray, sculptor Arden Scott, crafts-person Gail Horton, and award winning songwriter Hugh Prestwood. With outdoor theater, live music events, and galleries galore, the arts of very much alive in the Village of Greenport.
Of course, make sure to have some fun and enjoy a visit to Mitchell Park, which overlooks Greenport Harbor. Mitchell Park has an outdoor amphitheater, harbor side boardwalk, winter ice skating, and public docks which are quite busy during the summer months. Combine that with Greenport’s famous 40-foot carousel which was built in the 1920’s and donated to the village of Greenport in 1995 and you are sure to enjoy the wonders of visiting Greenport at any time of the year!
Spring is just a perfect time to enjoy scenic walks and trails on the North Fork of Long Island. Within the Southold and Greenport areas of Long Island, the choices for nature trails for hiking and bird watching are in great abundance.
Long Island North Fork Hiking Trails List:
Cedar Beach Country Park in Southold is a 68 acre park with over 2,800 feet on Shelter Island Sound. From the park, visitors can enjoy great vistas of Shelter Island Sound and the saltwater marshes of Cedar Beach Harbor.
Arshamomaque Point in Southold encompasses a 54-acres wooded preserve with several trails that wind through mature woodlands, ponds, and saltwater wetlands.
Arshamomaque Preserve in Greenport is a 120 acre preserved owned by the Town of Southold. They have 1.3 miles of nature trails that wander through mature woodlands, freshwater wetlands, and open fields.
Inlet Pond Park in Greenport enjoys a 55 acre preserve with 1.6 miles of trails leading to Inlet Pond and Long Island Sound. The North Fork Audubon has a visitor’s center and also offers nature programs.
Dam Pond Maritime Reserve in East Marion is a 36 acre reserve also owned by the Town of Southold. Here you can enjoy a small protected bay, grasslands, saltwater marshes and woodlands. There is also a trail that wanders through the reserve which is 1.2 miles long. This trail is a favorite of bird watchers and I love jogging in this park. The Audubon Society keeps track of the birds that are found here. This reserve is about a quarter mile from the B&B. I regularly hike there myself.
It will take some time to try them all, but we will enjoy having you as our guest at the Arbor View House Bed and Breakfast as you explore the North Fork Wine Country of Long Island
In Long Island Wine Country, May is “Run for the Roses” month. During the month of May, one dollar from the sale of all rose wine (at participating Long Island wineries) will be donated to CancerCare. CancerCare is a national non-profit organization offering free social services to individuals with cancer and their families. Cancer is stressful on all families and friends and Long Island has dedicated May as a way to give back and donate to CancerCare.
This year there will be over 20 wineries participating in Run for the Roses and each have created their own special event and offering during the month of May. Restaurants are also getting in on Run of the Roses and are including offerings such as free corkage and Claudio’s Restaurant & Clam Bar will be featuring special rose wines by the glass. Vintage Tours will also be held every Saturday and Sunday during May and include visits to all wineries that are participating in the Run for the Roses Promotion and each passenger will receive a complimentary glass of rose paired with their lunch.
This is the perfect way to support the fight against cancer and enjoy sampling great rose wines at the same time.
During the month of may the Arbor View House will be offering a bottle of Rosé wine and cheese from Catapano’s farm when you book the Rosé Room for two nights.
Visit the Arbor House View Bed and Breakfast during the month of May we will be sending a portion of our receipts to support CancerCare.