North Fork Magic

Living here and working on the North Fork changes one perspective on just saying “Long Island”when asked where I live.

I travel a lot and when meeting people, “where are you from? “ is quite often a question that will arise. This is when I realize I need to say “the North Fork of Long Island”.

Long Island is a nice place, but it doesn’t have anything in common with the North Fork. If you have ever visited or are lucky enough to live here, you understand.

I find myself describing the North Fork as a cluster of small towns, full of wonderful places to visit: farms, wineries, restaurants, coffee shops, small unique stores and quiet beaches. All this with friendly, local people who will talk to one another and share a table.

People react differently to my illustration of the North Fork. Many have no idea where I am speaking about and some have been to a wedding or celebration in one of the larger wineries: others want to visit, and yet others don’t believe we can not get to the city in less than an hour. In any case, I go on and on if they ask.

When is a good time to visit? is the question from those I have intrigued with my description. Here is where I fall short.

Honestly, any season is magical, so I send it back to them and ask what they would like to do while there? That gives me a direction to the correct season.

In my phone I have names of people I’ve met, who when they make a plan to come out, want to get together for a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. So far it’s only been one person, but I think I can persuade a few more.

Southold, on the North Fork of Long Island. That’s where I am from.