places to go
You have many choices, all within easy reach. Here are a few local attractions and area delights that you can visit in all seasons - also see the “Things to do” page -
- Cedar Beach -
managed by Suffolk County, with Cornell Cooperative Extension utilizing sections for marine research and education, as well as a summer day camp for children. At the entrance, a boat ramp is available with access to the bay. Superb location for bird watching, including piping plover, osprey, heron, sandpiper, cormorant, mockingbird. Click here for a full list of birds found at Cedar Beach.
- Atlantis Marine World -
a voyage of undersea discovery at a world class, full-scale Aquarium in Riverhead. Dive with the sharks, go snorkeling, take a boat tour and explore the salt marsh, say hello to a giant octopus. Atlantis Marine World is more than a fascinating place to explore and experience the wonders of the sea. It’s also a place committed to preserving and protecting marine life of all types as it is home to New York State’s only authorized stranding and research facility.
431 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901 • Tel: 631.208.9200 • Fax: 631.208.0466
Open year-round from 10am to 5pm. Closed December 25.
- Orient Beach State Park -
Orient Beach State Park has 45,000 feet of frontage on Gardiner’s Bay and a rare maritime forest with red cedar, black-jack oak trees and prickly-pear cactus. A beautiful wood deck lets you overlook Gardiner’s Bay. Visitors can swim in the bay, fish, picnic, play ball, go hiking or biking, or walk a nature trail. Environmental Tours and Bike Rentals also available.
- Horton Point Lighthouse - 2008
represents the 151st anniversary of this historic edifice, originally commissioned by George Washington in 1790 on the Cliff Lot originally granted to Barnabas Horton in 1640 . This grounds are open year round, with the nautical museum and tower opening Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 11:30 AM to 4 PM, from around Memorial Day through Columbus Day. photo by diane mancini
- Greenport -
noted for it’s rich maritime history, this pretty fishing port is the unofficial capital of the North Fork, not a drive through, a true destination. Relax in waterfront restaurants and cafes, browse the many art galleries and boutique stores, take an architectural walking tour and don’t miss the beautiful Victorian Carousel in Mitchell Park.
- Love Lane -
in Mattituck. The 2008 street festival will take place Saturday July 12th, with Sunday 13th as the rain date. At dusk, the big screen is rolled out, and this year, visitors will enjoy the movie “Grease”. Try the new Kitchen eatery, serving a wonderful menu for dinner, so successful that it’s now Weds-Sun. Entrees $14-$18. BYO, corkage $10 unless you bring a North FOrk wine, in which case it’s free. A menu of real variety, from jerk pork to local fish to fried oysters to an interesting spiced rack of lamb and cedar plank salmon. Love Lane is also noted for the best Cheese Shop on the North Fork and the Love Lane Sweet Shop, for fine Godiva chocolates.
- Goose Creek Town Beach -
solitude in january and …………. pirate ice cream in summer!
