The North Fork, marked
The spots I’d hand to a friend who wants the quieter, more quaint sibling to the Hamptons.
The North Fork is way more my vibe than the Hamptons. Farmstands, beaches, oyster shacks, quaint little Main Streets where everyone says hello. My husband and I love it so much that I want to buy a house out there someday, when life and funds allow. Until then, we’ll keep going back.
Inside this issue: my favorite winery (all gravel courtyards and old barns), the breakfast spot I’d send you to before any other, where to actually get onto a public beach, and the pie place worth the line. I’m always open to new recs, so send me anything you have and I’ll keep growing this list – but here are the spots I’ve either been to myself or come highly recommended from friends with great taste.
Where to stay
Ordered roughly cheapest to splurgiest.
The Shoals – We stayed here on our last trip and really loved it. It’s a little “boatel” in Southold: simple, breezy rooms that each come with their own boat slip, an oyster shack and food truck right on the bay, and views across to Shelter Island. They’ll even charter their vintage boat to run you over to Shelter Island or out to dinner – we didn’t get to try it, but it’s top of my list for next time. The most easygoing and wallet-friendly of the four.
Silver Sands – An old motel reborn as a beachy retreat in Greenport, with a long stretch of private sand and a few good restaurants right on the property. There’s a small spa if you want a reset day.
Soundview – My top choice. A restored beach motel right on the Sound with its own private beach, a pool, and The Halyard for dinner (below). It’s on the pricier side and books up fast, so reserve early.
Hotel Moraine – The splurge of the group, up on a bluff over the Sound with a pool, a little private beach, and a relaxed, family-friendly feel. From the same group behind Croteaux winery, so it’s a polished, pretty place.
Breakfast & coffee
Some of the most quaint little spots I’ve ever been to.