Family Travel: Fall On The North Fork

Looking to get out of the city this fall? What better place to spend a weekend than on the North Fork of Long Island. It is the place for families with young children and for couples who want a fun and relaxing weekend just a short ride from New York City. Less than two hours away, and a different world awaits, with harvest parties at wineries, farm-stands, apple and pumpkin picking, and much more.

While summer is cooling down on the South Fork, things are just heating up on the North Fork–so here is a list of ten things you shouldn’t miss when visiting the North Fork with kids this season! Plus, be sure to check out a slideshow of photos at the end of this story!

1. Harbes Farms is the perfect place to spend several hours outside with the kids. Feeding animals, singing hay-rides, pig races, pony rides, tractor-trikes, secret garden hedge maze, and a bouncy house are just some of the attractions to keep kids of all ages busy. In addition, fall is the time for apple picking, pumpkin picking and the corn maze. harbesfamilyfarm.com

Adults can watch the kids and wander the grounds with a glass of wine from their vineyard. I also highly recommend ordering the fresh roasted corn from the farm stand, probably the best around.

2. Love Lane, a charming street in Mattituck is a food lover’s paradise. For the best brunch in town, eat at Love Lane Kitchen–a great family restaurant featuring fresh eats for all. Eat inside and smell the local ingredients or sit outside and enjoy the view. A trip to Love Lane wouldn’t be where incredibly knowledgeable staff let you taste until you find the perfect cheese. Lombardi’s Gourmet Market which has been serving Mamma Lombardi’s homemade recipes for 40 years and is a great place to pick-up a lunch on the go. lovelanekitchen.com

3. Long Island Aquarium (431 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901) is a great pick if the weather isn’t great or you simply want to dazzle the kids. The aquarium features indoor and outdoor exhibitions including touch tanks, penguins and sharks. My personal favorite is the butterfly exhibit where you can sit on a bench and watch as the most beautiful butterflies fly above often landing on your shoulder. longislandaquarium.com

4. The Greenport Antique Carousel, located in Mitchell Park in the heart of Greenport, is this beautiful antique carousel has been spinning for over a hundred years. Take your kids on a ride and walk around this lovely town. If the weather is nice, be sure to enjoy award winning clam chowder or fresh fish at many of the restaurants on the harbor. villageofgreenport.org

5. Sang Lee Farms (25180 Middle Rd, Peconic) is family owned certified-organic vegetable farm founded in the 1940’s–they specialize in Asian greens and vegetables but offer plenty of other options as well. Tour the farm or shop at the market. Check out their website (sangleefarms.com) to find out what is available.

6. Magic Fountain Ice Cream (9825 Main Road, Mattituck). Nothing beats an old time ice cream shop, especially this one.  Don’t be scared off by the lines as the staff provide quick service.  With every flavor you can imagine, you may feel compelled to visit twice.  They even offer vegan and gluten-free options. The salted caramel is a personal favorite. magicfountainicecream.net

7. Briermere Farms (4414 Sound Avenue, Riverhead). There are plenty of pie stands in the North Fork, but this one rises above the competition. With over 25 pies on offer, make sure to stop by on the way out of town — you will not be disappointed. I love the raspberry cream but you can’t go wrong with any of the flavors. briermere.com

8. The North Fork Table and Inn (57225 Main Rd., Southold, NY 11971) If you are a foodie, this is the restaurant to visit. Focusing on locally sourced fresh ingredients, nobody serves better seafood dishes in town. But save room for dessert as James Beard award winning pastry chef, Claudia Fleming, of Gramercy Tavern fame, saves some of the best options for last. nofoti.com

9. Orient Beach State Park (40000 Main Road, Orient). If you are feeling active and have the time, visit this state park with over 45,000 feet of breathtaking views of Gardiners Bay.  While there, you can explore nature paths, hike, fish, swim, kayak, bike, walk along the beach and more. nysparks.com

10. Visit a Winery! The East End of Long Island is home to more than 50 wineries. With so many to choose from, consider the following vineyards:

Macari Vineyards, (150 Bergen Avenue, Mattituck).

Paumanok Vineyards (1074 Main Road, Aquebogue).

Shinn Estate Vineyards & Farmhouse (2000 Oregon Rd, Mattituck).

Bedell Cellars (36225 NY-25 Cutchogue).

The North Fork features different food, wine and festivals each weekend throughout the summer and fall. Check out gonorthfork.org to find out about the events that are going on when you plan visit. A great resource for what is going on at the Vineyards and their Harvest Soirees is the Long Island Wine Council‘s website at liwines.com!

Karen Haberberg is a Manhattan mom and fabulous photographer–learn more about her at karenhaberberg.com.