Weekend Life....North Fork, Long Island

 

North Fork, Long Island, NY, early September 2013. 

We took a couple of nights before NYFW in September to explore the North Fork of Long Island. As you can see from the photographs it was grey and rainy (clearly I like to take the British weather with me when I travel!) but we still had a wonderful time pottering about farm shops, eating lobster rolls & clam strips and taking the car ferry over to Shelter Island and Sag Harbour (while listening to Billy Joel "The Downeaster Alexa"*)

Things we loved:

Briermere Farms pies: Although a little on the sweet side (nothing a good splodge of thick double cream wouldn't have sorted out had we had some) it was a mighty fine apple pie with lovely flaky pastry. And still fragrant and warm when we picked it up - a delicious treat after our long flight and drive from JFK.

The Lunch Truck at North Fork Table &Inn: Lobster roll + gazpacho. Go early (or late!) to snag one of the rustic chairs and tables in the clearing behind the lunch truck, or take a picnic blanket to

Fork and Anchor, East Marion: A very sweet little general store which serves great coffee and light lunches/breakfasts. Really friendly service as well. And it is just down the road from the beautifully fragrant (even at the end of the season) Lavender By The Bay.

Espresso, Sag Harbour: I wrote about this place on our last visit to Sag Harbour and it was just as nice this time around. With torrential rain, thunder and lighting outside, we were tucked up safe and sound inside with an enormous omelet to share.

The Dock House, Sag Harbour: Clam strips and chowder.

*Such a beautiful song which I desperately hope he sings at Madison Square Garden.

Weekend Life...Long Island

These are the last of my photographs from 2011's pre-NYFW trip to Long Island, New York.

Prior to staying at The Surf Lodge, we spent two nights in Hampton Bays. It was just a few days after Hurricane Irene so we felt extremely fortunate to have even made it to Long Island and that the damage caused by Irene wasn't worse than it was.

We spent our time driving around, admiring the beautiful houses and architecture (who doesn't love a porch with a swing out front?!), visiting the roadside farm stalls which are dotted around the island, hoping for a random sighting of Ina Garten (okay, that was only me ;), photographing random cars (clearly I am obsessd with American motor vehicles-I photographed even more than I have shown you here!), taking a trip on the ferry to Shelter Island and listening to this song by Billy Joel. I think it is my most favourite Billy Joel song.

Eat: Excellent chowder at The Dockhouse in Sag Harbour (sit on the dock and watch all the huge yachts- and their lucky passengers- as they manoeuvre their way into the harbour while slurping your chowder).
Espresso Market in Sag Harbour. This kind of place is one of the reasons I love travelling in the US so much- the food won't blow your mind but it is good, homemade and served with a smile. We shared an omelette stuffed full of mozzarella, fontina, provolone and prosciutto for breakfast one morning.
Canal Cafe&Market on the Shinnecock Canal, Hampton Bays.

Drink: The American Hotel is an institution (so worth a visit for the history) but.....