Steal My North Fork Itinerary for April

Ya’ll, we made it! Warm days are slowly returning, the sun is still high in the sky at dinnertime, and there’s an ease to these days that feels comfortable and welcoming. The spring season breathes new life not only into nature, but into our monthly itinerary, as well, with more plans to spend time outdoors doing ALL THE THINGS. This month, we’re visiting farms, beginning to eat outside, celebrating Mother Earth, of course, and more. Join us as we venture across the North Fork with our petite crew in this edition of “Steal My Itinerary.”

Steal My Itinerary is made possible by Mariah Mills, your local Real Estate Advisor — helping families buy, sell, and rent homes across the North Fork.

Cleaning up our local beaches and trails, Events planned across the North Fork

I’d be lying if I told you that our family doesn’t keep trash pickers and a bucket in our car, or that my kids don’t often beg to head to the beach for a quick cleanup session after dinner. Ever since Santa brought trash pickers down the chimney one year, our crew has been obsessed with putting them to good use. (Perhaps, our most used Christmas present ever? Wonderfully weird, I agree.) This month, three beach and trail cleanups have caught our eye, some to honor Earth Day, others regularly scheduled. On Saturdays, April 11 and 25, from 10 to 11 a.m., volunteer with Group for the East End to clean up Pipes Cove Preserve in Greenport as part of the Bay to Sound Trails Initiative Phase 5 project. On Sunday, April 19, from 8 to 11 a.m., head to Reeves Beach in Riverhead for a morning of beach cleanup and seed swapping at this Earth Day effort led by Stephanie Visek. And, every Saturday, join The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society for a beach walk and cleanup at Hallock State Park Preserve in Riverhead from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Visiting kid goats at Catapano Dairy Farm, Peconic

Eeeeeek, nothing screams spring more than baby animals, and Catapano Dairy Farm has all the baby goat-ies you could ever want to see (and cuddle!). The dairy farm will be open for the season on Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from 1 to 5 p.m. on Easter Sunday, then on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the spring season. Visit their website for upcoming events and happenings like goat cuddling sessions and goat yoga.   

Exploring and plant shopping at Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton

Every spring, we visit Peconic River Herb Farm with our kids for a morning of exploring every nook of this magical place that’s so much more than just a garden center. Our kids love to search for fairies, ride trikes on the grounds, and pick out their favorite plants to bring home and plant in our yard. Peconic River Herb Farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Kicking off al fresco dining season at 1943 Pizza Bar, Greenport

No spring-kickoff is complete without a visit to 1943 Pizza Bar, where we opt to sit outside overlooking Stirling Square while we don sweatshirts and nosh on the best brick-oven pizza around. Be sure to check back for our Al Fresco Eats map in The North Fork Trail coming soon. 

Getting our fill at Harbes Family Farm, Mattituck

I know I’m not alone when I say that our family counts down the days until Harbes Family Farm reopens for the season each year, and we’re so glad that time has come! Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., you’ll often find us there for an hour or so right before closing to run and play and bounce and ride. Sure, traffic and crowds can be nutty, but we’re so thankful to have the “Disney World of farms” right in our own backyard. 

Hanging outside with friends at Jamesport Farm Brewery, Jamesport

Since ownership changed hands last year and Jamesport Farm Brewery became family-friendly, we frequently find ourselves headed there with our whole crew in tow to spend leisurely weekend days. With a consistent lineup of food trucks, plenty of space to run and play, and a plethora of seating, this local brewery has become one of our favorite spots to unwind and enjoy. Check their Instagram for the latest on food truck lineups, hours of operation, and more. 

Creating art using recycled and upcycled materials at Art Lab at Hotel Moraine, Greenport

Back for its second year, Art Lab at Hotel Moraine, led by Nicole Roccaro of Artfully Long Island, invites artists of all ages, from tiny to teen, to create at their own pace using recycled and upcycled materials. The April session is planned for Sunday, the 26th, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tickets cost $15/person and can be purchased here. The sprawling Sound views, unlimited creativity, and unfussy vibe make this monthly event unlike any other.  

Walking through a million tulips at Waterdrinker North Fork, Riverhead

Head to Waterdrinker North Fork beginning on Wednesday, April 22, to meander through over a million (not an exaggeration!) tulips during the farm’s Tulip Festival. When you’re done soaking in the beauty and snapping a ton of photos, enjoy the plentiful play areas and structures, barnyard animals, mini golf, jump pads, and so much more. Tickets to visit the farm cost $20/person for ages 3+ and can be purchased here.

Visiting the Railroad Museum of Long Island, Riverhead

Full disclosure, although we’ve always wanted to, we’ve yet to visit the Railroad Museum in Riverhead. Determined to make it happen this season, I was excited to see that the museum is reopening on Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will continue to be open every Saturday until MDW. The museum will then also open on Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through the summer season. Visitors can check out the many exhibits and collections throughout the museum, marvel at the trains and locomotives, and learn about Long Island railroad history. More details here. 

Celebrating Earth Day with Slow Food East End, Jamesport

Slow Food East End’s Annual Earth Day Celebration is back for its 5th year, and our petite crew will be there! On Saturday, April 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Golden Acres Farm in Jamesport, we’ll gather with friends and neighbors to celebrate “good people and good food” alongside the folks from Slow Food East End. This family-friendly event will feature food, produce, and beverage tastings, local artisans and goods, demonstrations, kid-centric activities, live music by Julia King, and so much more. Learn about it here.