With summer upon us, the quiet Village of Greenport becomes the bustling center of the North Fork’s vineyard’s and beaches. The population of the village swells from 3,000 t0 10,00o people with visitors driving from New York or coming in on the Hampton Jitney. The public dock’s and marinas are filled with boaters from all over the U.S. and the Caribbean. The Peconic Bay is buzzing with the traffic jetting back and forth from the Hamptons and Shelter Island pulling right into the Village of Greenport; one of “America’s Prettiest Towns” according to Forbes Magazine.
I mark the beginning of summer on the North Fork with the annual opening of Claudio’s during the first week of May. I love the beautiful Mahagonnay bar with the marble railing where we enjoy clams on the half shell and tall glasses of fresh Perroni beer.
Whether or not you are a sailor, you’ll enjoy shopping at Preston’s Marine Supplies right across the street and take a piece of the North Fork home with you. No boat — no problem. Take a boat ride on the Glory, an electric boat, with Captain Dave around the Peconic Bay.
Just a few doors down you’ll find The Greenport Tea Company where I sneak away for some great quiches and the best dill vinaigrette-dressed salads. Or just stop in to choose a hostess gift from their selection of teas, teapots and strainers.
Right next door, you’ll find Butta’ Cakes, serving the most decadent selection of cupcakes for all occasions. My personal favorite — the dozen mint julep cupcakes I picked up on Derby Day.
New restaurants in Greenport include North Fork Oyster Company with a great raw bar. The old Rhumbline Pub became Blue Islands. The name is an homage to the Greek homeland of the owners featuring Greek favorites and seafood.
For dinner, head back to Cuvee and have the best crispy oysters and calamari in town. Other favorites are the Steak au Poivre and the Bouillabaise. Try some of the wines you missed at the vineyards or try a Mojito de la Maison with fresh mint from our garden.
If you want to dance off your dinner, drinks, and the cupcakes, head on down to the local bar, Whiskey Wind Tavern, for some Karaoke and line-dancing. This is a local bar with patrons sporting anything from overalls to polo shirts and docksiders. Looking for more of a tony bar scene, stop in to Noah’s or the Friskey Oyster for some house music and late night dining.
Greenport has something for everyone, so just come and get it.
