The Fork Not Often Taken

While the Hamptons, a.k.a. the South Fork, receives the majority of the attention, there is another part to the east end of Long Island. That part is the North Fork, which consists of the hamlets and villages that are a part of the towns of Riverhead and Southhold. All of Southhold and only a part of Riverhead is considered the North Fork.

Although the northeast peninsula is not as long as the southeast peninsula, it has breathtaking beauty as well, but in a smaller area. Also just like the South Fork, the North Fork is very popular with people who own second homes and like to travel to the east end during their summer vacations. One of the biggest differences from the South Fork however, is that the North Fork has an even more rural feel to it.

Another big difference between the two forks is their key tourist attractions. While one of the key tourist attractions of the South Fork is all of its celebrities (even those who are not famous come so they can be around those who are famous), one of the key tourist attractions of the North Fork is also known for its exclusivity. The vineyards of the North Fork are a large industry. There are currently over thirty vineyards in the area. Considering that the first one, Hargrave, was founded in 1974, that means there has been a tremendous growth in the vinaculture industry in the region. Essentially it is approximately one vineyard for each year since the founding of Hargrave.

Also contributing to the more rural feel of the North Fork are the numerous multi-generational farms in the region. These farmlands are a popular tourist attraction as well. Pumpkin picking and other fall themed events are held at farms during the Fall Harvest Season. The events are so popular that they have lead to the popularity of the term ¡°agritainment.¡± Those who want to experience the agritainment first hand should realize that a trip to the North Fork during the popular season is just like a trip to the South Fork during the popular season. Travelers will not be travelling alone and there will be a great deal of traffic on the roadways.

To the north of the North Fork is the Long Island Sound. To the south of the North Fork are numerous bodies of water that separate it from the South Fork: the Peconic River, the Great Peconic Bay, Little Neck Bay, and Gardiners Bay. Visitors are treated to beautiful waterway views wheteher they chose to look to the north or to the south. If they chose to do a little more traveling and leave the North Fork they can venture out to Shelter Island or Plum Island. Those who want to travel as far as they can without actually leaving the North Fork can go out to its farthest part, which is Orient State Park in Orient Point.

Wineries, farms, and tourist stops are not all the North Fork is known for. The more rural region provides popular raspberry patches as well. In addition, the area has great spots for fishing, crabbing, and clamming along the bay and sound.

A fork in the road can lead to all sorts of adventures and sights. But the problem is deciding which fork to take. On Long Island there is no problem, as the fork not often taken is just as spectacular.