With September just around the corner, I can’t help but savor these last few moments of summer and reminisce on all the new memories created over the past couple of months. In true New Yorker fashion, no summer would be complete without a trip out East. But forget The Hamptons — Long Island’s North Fork is the perfect destination for the quintessential summer getaway.
While Montauk and The Hamptons are known for their lively vibes, the North Fork is more idyllic, a place to escape from the craziness that is NYC and find refuge in the quiet, bucolic lifestyle. For the full North Fork experience, here are 3 things you don’t want to miss:
Berry Picking at a Local Farm
Nothing screams summer more than freshly picked berries from a local farm. I’ve been apple picking, peach picking, but never berry picking — and berries are my favorite fruit! For $7 a pint at Patty’s Berries, you can pick your own berries straight from the stem. They even provide cute baskets so you can get the perfect shot for the ‘gram. 😉 Be sure to check which berries are in season when you go!
Since you’ll be walking around a lot, make sure to dress comfortably. Here I’m wearing the coziest cotton jumpsuit, and you won’t believe where it’s from… Zara Kids! For the ladies who are not vertically challenged like I am, you can find similar versions here and here. My shoes are from the Keds x kate spade new york collection ($30 from TJ Maxx!) and my bag is past season Zara Kids.
The farm also uses their berries to make fresh homemade ice cream! Treat yourself to a cone after you’re done picking, and enjoy it over a stroll through their gorgeous flower fields. The sunflower fields were a wonderful surprise that brought a huge smile to my face.
Lavender by the Bay
Lavender by the Bay has been on my bucket list ever since I moved to NYC. The tricky part is that the lavender only blooms within a very specific timeframe, which is hard to predict based on the weather. I checked the farm’s bloom updates every week and timed my visit right at peak bloom, which is usually around mid-July.
The good thing about peak bloom is that you catch the flowers at their most beautiful. The bad thing? This place is swarming with tourists — and bees! But don’t worry, they are harmless. Once you tune them out, it truly feels like you’re in a dream. Twirling in the lavender fields was so magical. I was definitely having a princess moment in this Ted Baker dress.
Don’t forget to check out the shop on your way out! They sell lavender-themed everything, from pillows to bundles of flowers. We bought a bag of dried lavender, and I can’t wait to make scones, cake, and lavender ice cream with it.
Greenport
End your day in the peaceful seaside village of Greenport. Take a walk along the marina, pet some dogs, and window shop downtown. For some of the best casual seafood, stop by Billy’s by the Bay for the most mouth-watering lobster rolls you’ll ever eat, and cap it off with the most refreshing oysters at Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market. You can even shuck your own if you have time!
My heart and stomach were so full by the end of the trip — definitely a weekend I’ll remember for a long time. I can’t wait to explore all that the North Fork has to offer. Until next time, Long Island!
