A North Fork Getaway: Beaches, Vineyards & Quality Time with My Daughter
Surae and I were lucky enough to score a pet-sitting opportunity in the North Fork area of Long Island—a peaceful, scenic stretch of New York that was completely new to me. It turned out to be the perfect way to soak up the last bit of summer, enjoy some beach time, explore a new part of the country, and most importantly, spend uninterrupted time with Surae before she heads off to college this August.
Discovering the North Fork of Long Island
I had only a vague idea of what to expect—just that it was on the opposite end of Long Island from the Hamptons. What we discovered was a place full of charm, peace, and natural beauty. The North Fork is lined with scenic coastline, abundant bunny rabbits and deer, dotted with vineyards, and bursting with local farmstands, many running on the honor system. You’ll find everything from fresh oysters and goat cheese to cut-your-own lavendar. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and breathe a little deeper.
Our house sat right on Peconic Bay, with peaceful views of the water—truly a serene and grounding place to stay.
Exploring the Local Scene: Wine, Farms & Goat Yoga
During the week, we visited several local vineyards and wineries (the region is known for them!), and stopped by farmstands where we got to visit with goats and other animals. A standout activity was goat yoga at Catapano Dairy Farm—a fun, lighthearted experience that had us laughing as baby goats hopped around mid-pose.
We were caring for two lovable pups, Sergeant and Maverick, who were so much fun to get to know and spend time with.
Ferry Adventures to Shelter Island and Sag Harbor
One of the coolest parts of our trip was taking a double ferry ride—first from the North Fork to Shelter Island, where we visited the independent bookstore, Black Cat Books and then from Shelter Island over to Sag Harbor, located in the Hamptons.
Sag Harbor has a wonderfully walkable downtown filled with boutiques, art galleries, and great restaurants. Driving the car onto the ferry and landing in an entirely different atmosphere was a truly unique experience!
Nature Encounters: Wildlife Refuge & Mystic, Connecticut
We also visited the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge, a peaceful natural spot where chipmunks and wild turkeys roam freely. We wondered why the chipmunks seemed so fearless until someone gave us their leftover seeds and we realized what those chipmunks were after!
Another highlight was a day trip by ferry to Mystic, Connecticut. There, we visited the Mystic Aquarium, where we saw beluga whales and playful sea lions.
Celebrating Pride in Greenport
One special surprise during our stay was attending the Gay Pride Parade in Greenport, a lively and inclusive event full of colorful floats, great energy, and community spirit. It added another layer of joy to an already amazing week.
Our week in North Fork, Long Island was a time to connect, relax, and explore the beauty of a region that feels like a hidden gem. From vineyards and goat yoga to beaches and wildlife—and of course, caring for two sweet pups—it was a perfect summer sendoff before college.
