So John, currently living in Canada, is planning a trip to Long Island this weekend and asked me what he could see or do on the East End. An interesting assignment... which got me thinking and mentally touring and I came up with these suggestions, for starters. I'm pretty sure I'll think of way more as the day goes on.
Heading out to the North Fork |
Drive out to the north fork along Sound Avenue/Route 48. Great drive for farmlands and vineyards and scenery...
The Long Island Sound... Sunset o'clock |
You can go to Greenport and stroll the town and lunch on the wharf or, If you want, to just keep driving east, the route is even more exquisite and will you'll eventually wind up at the northern tip of the island and ferry terminal at Orient Point (stop at CandyMan in Orient to treat your sweet tooth). The ferry crosses the sound to Connecticut, but then you're too far... nice ride though. You could conceivably walk on the ferry for a round trip.
Head back from Orient or Greenport along the Main Road- Route 25. Great architecture, lovely little towns and farm stands...
A nice Saturday night option "Experience the magic of Taste Long Island, a Saturday evening wine and cheese cruise aboard the Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat. Featuring local wines, this adventure along the Peconic River (departing from Riverhead) is a relaxing way to savor both beautiful scenery and fine wine. Reserve your spot today by calling 631.208.9200, ext. H2O (426). Guests 21 and older only." http://www.atlantismarineworld.com/visitor-specialevents.html
The Altantic Ocean from Dune Road |
Equal time for the south shore- Take Sunrise Highway to Eastport and take Montauk Hwy into Westhampton Beach and drive down to Dune Road.
Once across the bridge, if you head west (make a right), you'll get to Suffolk County's Cupsogue Beach http://www.exploreli.com/beaches/cupsogue-beach-county-park-1.854399#& where you can gaze on the Atlantic Ocean and grab a hot dog at the snack shack.
If you head east (make a right) you'll go past more pretentious ocean front mansions (Susan Lucci's among them) and charming cottages, ending in Hampton Bays at Oakland's. http://www.oaklandsrestaurant.com/ You can take the Hampton Bays bridge back up to the 'mainland' and if you want to continue east, drive out through Water Mill, Bridgehampton, Easthampton, Amagansett. and eventually wind up at the end of the U.S in Montauk.
- Star Confectionary on Main Street/ Route 25 in Riverhead (they make thier own ice cream and serve up in traditional glass sundae glasses and banana split bowls)
- Modern Snack Bar on Main Road/Route 25 in Aquebogue, A through back to the 50's restaurants.
- Claudio's in Greenport - feels like the most traditional Long Island seafood restaurant. or there's their Clam Bar on the wharf