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15 ways to enhance your vacation

So many things to do and people to see, and so little time to accomplish everything! Taking a vacation in a Greenport hotel or a vacation rental by owner, whether 2 days or 2 weeks, is all about relaxation in a beautiful setting, but it’s also about discovery. Enhance your North Fork experience with the following tips:

1. PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST: Explore the area remotely, online, in books, music and film. Not only search for visitor information websites and coffee table travel books, also read about the history, the novels and watch the TV documentaries and films that have been made here. Did you know that Albert Einstein loved the area and was great friends with the family that owns a local hardware store? You can check out the truth of that story by asking the current owner who remembers him as a young boy. You can sit on a bar stool previously occupied by Alistair Cooke, sip coffee from in the same place frequented by Katie Holmes and Elijah Woods, kayak on the same body of water that Billy Joel had in mind when he wrote about the Bayman and his boat, the Alexa.

2. TALK TO US: On arrival, first check out our Visitor Information Booths. There are two in the area, one on Main Road 25 in Mattituck, the other on the North Road 48 in Greenport. Both are manned by incredibly helpful and knowledgeable volunteers, and they have heaps of booklets and brochures to share with you, whatever your interest. You can also ask questions at the vineyards, wineries and farm stands, not only about the wonderful produce they are selling, also for personal recommendations, off the beaten track scenic views, the best fishing in the area, restaurants, nightlife, kids activities, anything and everything. You’ll get a different perspective from the guide books.

3. USE THE TRANSPORTATION: We don’t have much in the way of public transport on the East End, but the ferries are a must! Instead of driving both ways to the Hamptons & the South Fork, take the ferries one way and drive in ac circle. It’s usually best to do this clockwise, especially if you’re more familiar with driving on the left side of the road, then it’s all right turns, instead of all left turns across oncoming traffic. Starting in Greenport, take the North Ferry to Shelter Island, (10 minutes of very pretty views), then the South Ferry to Sag Harbor (4 minutes and equallya lot of fun). Visit Montauk, East Hampton, Southampton, Westhampton, then drive north to Riverhead and turn right through all the little villages of Aquebogue, Jamesport, Laurel, Mattituck, Cutchogue, Peconic, Southold and home to Greenport. It’s a great day out! From Orient, you can take the Cross Sound Ferry to Mystic Seaport and on to Boston.

4. TAKE THE BACK ROADS: Most of the stores and restaurants in Greenport are on Main Street and Front Street, but don’t miss the hidden gems in the back streets. There are some wonderful places tucked around the Village and everywhere on the North Fork. A dead end street may well end up on the waterfront with an unexpected water view and sandy beach. Try walking or cycling around the various neighborhoods in Greenport, Southold and surrounding Villages. It’s amazing what you miss in a car that you will enjoy on foot.

5. TRAVEL LIGHT: Always a good idea for vacations to have space in the suitcase to pack all the purchases. We are spoilt for choice of amazing and unique stores, both local boutique arts and crafts in Greenport and the large, tax free Outlet Center at Tanger Mall in Riverhead selling Designer and Brand name goods at ridiculously low prices. Electronics are also readily available at Target and Best Buy in Riverhead.

8. REPEAT THE THINGS YOU LIKE MOST: Don’t feel obligated to try every place in town. For example, if you liked your breakfast on the first day, go back to the same place again. You’ll get to know the staff and locals who frequent the establishment, and have a better understanding of community living.

9. HUNT OUT YOUR HOBBIES: If you’re interested in home brewing, go to the Harbor Brewery in Greenport, or join a Winemaker’s Walk through the vines. If your hobby is Classic Cars, check local events to make sure your vacation dates coincide with one of the meetups. One of the best ways to have fun is to go to a yard sale – they’re advertised in the weekly rag, The Suffolk Times, (locally known as The Suffering Times). If you’re here to enjoy the golf, but don’t have access to one of the exclusive private clubs, don’t forget Island’s End, where you can book T time a week ahead of arrival. Call the local club for whatever your hobby and touch base with them.

10. EAT LOCAL FOOD: One teaspoon of Peconic Bay scallops is worth a bowl of any other scallops from anywhere in the world. Try new things you see on offer in the fish markets and on the vegetable stands. Many farmers and stores offer local salsas, sauces, and seasonal printed recipes to make your own dishes from their ingredients. Various local cookbooks offer regional dishes, food and local wine pairings, including organic produce. Try them while you’re here, and of course, always drink local wine! This will ensure you get better quality food and drink and you’ll improve your understanding of this area of the world.

11. SMALL IS GOOD: There are no international chain hotels or big box stores in Greenport, or almost anywhere on the North Fork, which offers essentially a collection of small boutique hotels, B&B’s and privately owned accommodations, which may be either condo apartments or whole house rentals. Wherever you stay on the North Fork, you’ll help the local economy, and get a more intimate relationship with the destination.

12. DON’T MICROMANAGE: The best days will be the ones you spend sitting on the bench in the Cliffside Resort grounds, Mitchell Park or on one of the many local beaches, chatting to someone, even though you don’t have a common language. Make time for the unexpected pleasures of being somewhere different.

13. GET OUT OF THE CAR: Jogging, like walking, or cycling, allows you to look at places from a different perspective. Ask your host for a Bicycle route map or stop into the Visitor information booth to pick one up. When walking the same route, look at it from a different angle. yesrday, you looked in the windows of the shops, today look at the windows above and their roof lines. There are some beautiful historical buildings in Greenport, with lovely srchitectiral features. In fact, there’s a historical walking tour of Greenport you may enjoy.

14. TAKE A COMPASS: A compass also helps to get back on track when you get lost accidentally on purpose, which is highly recommended.

15. TAKE A CLASS: This is wine country and there’s much to learn even from a simple winery tour. Pick your guide carefully, and choose local. Our fishermen grew up on the waters here and there’s nothing they don’t know. Take advantage of the local expertise by booking a guide or a charter rather than going it alone.