Designer Rachel Comey shares her top recommendations from her favourite city escape - Long Island’s North Fork.
For over a decade I've made the North Fork my weekend escape from NYC. For a long time it was the obscure, tranquil, opposite to it’s famously posh sibling to the south, the Hamptons. Blanketed in equal parts by lush farmlands and vineyards, and surrounded on two sides by dramatic shorelines, it’s an easy train, bus or car jaunt from the city. Travelling there with friends and family over the years has made it very special to me.
[post_ads_2]
Typically, my weekends start early because of the notoriously competitive yard sale culture that's existed on the North Fork and which originally drew me to the area. I recommend picking up a copy of the Suffolk Times and making a plan for which sales to hit first.
On your way out, I like to grab a strong coffee and scone at Aldo's Coffee Co. The yard sales are typically picked clean by 9am, and I need something to help me forget about the ones that got away, so I head to The Giving Room in Southold for a yoga class, followed by a fresh organic juice in-house.
[post_ads_2]
On Front Street in Greenport, you'll find Beall and Bell, a curated selection of vintage furnishings, artwork, and other travel finds. The owners, Ken and Ginger, have an amazing knack for seeing potential in their finds. I’m always bound to discover something unique.
On the way home I might stop and pick up some groceries for dinner later on. Highlights include Deep Roots Farm, which has local produce and free range chickens (I love that the farm stand operates on the honor system), and KK's Farm, a biodynamic farm with the best greens and berries.
Our house is a converted laundry building in Greenport, which is spacious for living, but sleeping quarters can be tight. When friends come to visit we send them to either the Silver Sands Motel on the bay or the Sound View for an LI Sound waterfront view. Both charming motels, one renovated and modernized, one not disturbed for decades.
[post_ads_2]
After a long morning bustling around town, we often relax by taking a hike through the North Fork Audubon. The beautiful woods reach a deserted rocky beach that I adore.
Post beach rosé tastings at Croteaux Vineyard are always well deserved. We enjoy sitting in the lovely garden out back while sipping away the afternoon. For fresh oysters by the pier, try, Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market in Greenport. This little shack is located in an iconic Bait & Tackle building right on the waterfront, and is a hidden gem.
[post_ads]Most nights, we like to stay in and enjoy the company of friends and loved ones, or unwind in the quiet retreat of the house. We are no strangers to hosting dinner parties - savouring all our fresh local finds from earlier in the day.
This place has truly transformed me and my perception of things. I’m able to clear my mind and become rejuvenated again. I’ve found it helps me take a different approach to my work life when back in the city. I wouldn’t trade my time here for anything. You really must visit The North Fork and experience it for yourself.
See more at: Vogue
