Luxury holidays in North Fork
Long Island’s seaside North Fork, just 75 miles east of New York City, is the laid-back sister to mansion-packed South Fork, home of the Hamptons. It has a generous scattering of vineyards, sweetly scented lavender fields and enough locally grown produce to stock a dozen farmers’ markets. Looking for history with a side of shopping? Amble through the main street of Greenport, a 19th-century whaling village. Keen to don your Breton stripes? Explore the postcard-pretty Horton Point Lighthouse, spend a day lounging on a sandy beach or hop aboard a sailboat for a hit of salty sea air and a seal’s eye view of the coastline. Worked up an appetite with all that fresh air? You’ll find lobster-stuffed brioche rolls, freshly shucked oysters and the latest outposts of New York City’s finest restaurants – even top chefs need a beachfront break – all within reach of revamped roadside motels and historic bed and breakfasts. Hamptons, who?
When to go
Summer and autumn – when the wineries are in full operation – are the most popular times to visit; the bay-view lavender fields are usually in bloom during July and mid-September too. Check out the summer calendar of events if you have your heart set on Lobsterfests or fireworks displays – you’ll have plenty to choose from. For lighter crowds and a chance to see the vines blossom, visit in the late spring.