With unofficial summer ending in two weeks, there is still time to plan a quick getaway. One of my favorite local getaways when I’m in NY is the North Fork of Long Island. I personally prefer the North Fork to the Hamptons as the vibes are more chill, while remaining chic and the quality of everything is just better. Based on how all things go with anywhere in the NY vicinity, doubt this will last long, so enjoy this local gem before the hoards descend. And bonus, everything in this email is dog friendly!

Favorite Restaurants

New Obsession

Dinner at Southold Social is definitely a MUST. The recently opened new kid on the block did not disappoint. I didn’t expect anything less with James Beard award winning chef, Francois Payard at the helm. Everything was simply amazing from the food, the vibes, to the crowd!

Waterfront

My go to tried and true restaurant is the Halyard Restaurant at the Soundview Hotel. The view is one not to miss and is honestly one of the most serene lunch views I have had on the East Coast. The food does not take a back seat here though—definitely indulge in everything.

Rooftop

Anker is my favorite restaurant on the Greenport main strip to indulge in all my seafood and comfort food cravings. Everything is locally sourced and reflects the day’s fresh catch. Request to sit at the front of the terrace to get the best view of the harbor.

French

I mean, are you really surprised that a French restaurant made my list? I used to go to Demarchelier on the UES way too often when it was open, so am glad they have found a home in Greenport. The dishes make you feel like you are in France and they have the best selection of French wines the most discerning of francophiles could dream of.

Oysters

Since we have established from my insta posts that I love oysters, going to give you three of my favorite spots by location, where I satiate my cravings while in town.

Greenport: Little Creek Oysters

Love this casual and laid back stand off of Greenport’s Main strip. They have a great selection of raw and grilled items that will satiate any seafood or hot dog craving you may have.

Southold: Little Ram Oysters

I love a company founded and run by women, especially when it involves oysters! Besides devouring their delicious oysters you can also take a shucking class or do a tour of their oyster farm.

Orient Point: Duryea’s

One of my favorite things to do is book an afteroon at their beach club and enjoy some great seafood and cocktails. Duryea’s is always worth the drive IMHO.

Favorite Wineries

A lot of reasons people visit the North Fork area is because of their wineries and there are A LOT of them. I did not get to visit them all, but do have a list of ones I want to try on my next visit. Since wine is subjective by taste, the recommendations below will mostly be for great experiences.

McCall Winery

I think my visits to McCall were the most fun I have had at a winery in forever. Everyone is so friendly that they feel like family when your visit is over. I know I said I wouldn’t talk about the wines, but they are A-MAZING. There wasn’t a wine I tasted that I didn’t like. I would definitely recommend doing at least one tasting here (more if you can) and definitely coming for burger nights, which they have every Thursday and Friday starting at 4pm. I loved sitting outdoors just so my pup could run around, but they also do have converted indoor stalls that are bespoke and beyond insta-worthy.

Macari Vineyards

Macari is definitely one to visit to see their expansive property. They offer a huge selection of wine, some of which are made in concrete eggs (which I obviously had to buy)! My favorite part of my visit was the tour of the winery. Will definitely be back to do their barrel cellar experience, which is only offered on weekends. They also opened up a new wine bar concept location if you are staying in town for a bit and want to have a lazy afternoon.

One Woman Winery

They have a great selection of wines, which are simply fantastic and their pours are extremely generous, EXTREMELY. Their distillery is on site and they also produce some liquor such as bourbon and vodka. If cocktails are more your speed, they also have a cocktail night on Fridays if you are in town. If you make it there, I would try or buy their 2019 Gewürztraminer, which tastes like lavender.

Where to Stay

The North Fork consists of a few towns so it is best to map out what you want to do before booking and go from there. If you prefer staying in the center of things, I recommend staying in the Greenport area a their a restaurants and shops in town that are walking distance. When I’m staying in Greenport, I love The American Beech Hotel by Alex Vinash. The hotel has a restaurant on the property as well as a bar if you don’t feel like venturing out. The best part IMHO is Alex’s boutique on the ground level—whether it be a new outfit, accessories or home goods, it is a shopper’s paradise.

This trip I wanted something more country-esque and more serene, so I stayed at The Shoals in Southold. I absolutely loved it. It is located on a Marina so you get serene views from your balcony or morning walks. The suites are minimalist, modern, and come with all the amenities you can think of including a fabric steamer for fashionistas like myself! They offer one of the best continental breakfasts I have had in my life with croissants that are good as the ones you would get at a Paris boulangeries. They too also have a shop where you can find beach inspired fashions, accessories, home decor and local wine!

Favorite Place for Drinks

My absolute favorite place for drinks when I’m not at a winery is the Low Tide Bar at The Soundview Hotel—come for the view and stay for the fun. They have the best sunset view in the area IMHO and they also host Karaoke on Wed nights, which is a blast.

If you happen to be in town on a Wednesday night, head over to the Shoal’s for their food truck night where they offer oysters from Little Ram, caviar from Pearl Street, and bottles of wine from many local spots. This was a great way for me to try the wines from vineyards I was not able to visit on my trips.

Favorite Shopping

I actually plan shopping trips to NoFo because I do love the shops there, as the items are more unique—I mean, why have the same outfit as everybody else if you can avoid it?

My favorite shop when I want that effortless look for whatever the occasion is Popsicle & Finn. The store, which is founded by two sisters, is always a must whenI am in the Greenport area. I love their aesthetic, the brands they carry, and how they can work whether I'm vacationing in St. Baarth, working from home, or just walking around Soho. Besides the clothing, I also LOVE the fact that they are patrons of the art and showcase/sell work from artists like Deborah Feingold and Joni Sternbach.

Alex Vinash, who is one of my favorite NY based designers, is another of my favorite Greenport Boutiques. I love shopping his boutique since he has more of a selection in store vs online and I can always find something unique here that will turn heads and hearts wherever I go. I know if I’m looking for a dramatic fashion moment, he will have what I need.

Kessie is the shop for you if you don't pigeonhole yourself into one style aesthetic. They have all your moods represented like a LBD with cutout dress that would make anyone on the UES proud, a Moroccan inspired jumpsuit that is perfect for those sultry summer nights, and a vintage dress if you have to venture out to anywhere hipster inspired, aka Williamsburg.

The Weathered Barn truly was a great discovery because the inside is a @goop girl's dream! If you are into bespoke items, this store is for you. They have great home decor and kitchen items that will make all your guests jealous. My favorite find was the assortment of bread mixes that would make me look like Martha Stewart with zero effort.

My new find this year was Common Ground. Not sure how I missed this gem last year, but glad I came across it this time around. They have a great collection of crystals and brought some home that called to me. Their jewelry selection is covet worthy and sustainable, as almost all of their pieces are made from recycled metal.