Steal My North Fork Itinerary for June
Fun and thrills at the 2024 Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival. (Photo credit: Petite North Fork)
We have a small antique chalkboard on display in our kitchen. At the start of each month, we sit with our kids and write a North Fork bucket list for our family that we aim to complete before the month’s up. It often includes events, happenings, nature outings, and moments of connection, and nothing feels better than seeing how we measured up at the end of each month before we clean the (literal) slate and move on to the next.
In the same spirit of creating memories with our petite crew, I’ve developed “Steal My North Fork Itinerary,” a new sponsored content series that highlights 10 things I’m most looking forward to doing with my family that month.
This month, we officially welcome the start of summer, so, of course, we’re celebrating it. We’re also playing mini golf, touring one of our local lighthouses, heading to three festivals, and so much more. Here’s what you’ll find us doing throughout June.
Steal My Itinerary is made possible by Lea Mommy Chef. Her custom-made treats, which are equal parts stunning and delicious, are made right here on the North Fork.
Celebrating our favorite season at the Summer Solstice, Laurel
To call us “summer lovers” would be a gross understatement. Some usher in the New Year ready to go, while others bloom in spring; however, our family feels most renewed in summer. Because of that, we go big when celebrating the start of the summer solstice. This year, join us at the Summer Solstice Celebration presented by Stephanie Visek of Its a Vibe as we welcome the best season of all. Enjoy henna hand art, flower crown making, dancing around a maypole, dying fabric with flowers, and shopping spiritual and wellness vendors. The celebration is scheduled for Friday, June 20, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at The Gardens at Beds & Borders in Laurel. Tickets cost $55/adult, free for children 12 and under. Buy your tickets here.
Hulling, gaming, and riding at the Mattituck Strawberry Festival, Mattituck
The 70th Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival returns on Wednesday, June 11, through Sunday, June 15. We’ll be there with our friends and neighbors on Wednesday to participate in hulling night. Of course, we’ll catch some rides, play some games, and eat strawberry everything. On Wednesday night, there is no charge for admission, and ride bracelets cost $30/person. Admission and bracelet costs vary throughout the festival days. Visit mattituckstrawberryfestival.com for more info, including hours of admission, ticket costs, and the fireworks schedule.
Watching the street come alive at the Annual Mosaic Street Painting Festival, Riverhead
Prepare to watch Main Street in downtown Riverhead transform into the most colorful and vibrant street you’ve ever seen. On Sunday, June 1, from noon to 5 p.m., during this free, family-friendly event, East End Arts and the local community will create mosaic-style street art using chalk for all to enjoy. There will also be live music, dance and theatre performances, a drum circle, children’s activities, local food trucks, and more to enjoy. And, don’t forget to swing by the “Kid Zone” with your petite crew.
Crafting and creating at our third Art Lab on the Lawn, Greenport
Our first two Art Lab on the Lawn sessions were a huge hit, and we know they’ll only get better as the weather warms and we can create under a bright blue sky. Join us on Sunday, June 8, between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to craft, create, and play in an open-air, open-studio setting on the lawn at Hotel Moraine. The cost per artist is $15. Reserve a spot for your petite crew here.
Dancing, eating, and shopping at the Greek Festival, Mattituck
Last summer was our family’s first time attending this festival, and it was AWESOME. We’re looking forward to visiting again this year for some incredible Greek food and pastries, traditional Greek music and dancing, and tons of unique vendors. The Greek Festival, held on the grounds of the Transfiguration of Christ Church in Mattituck, is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, from 12 to 11 p.m. and on Sunday, June 29, from 12 to 6 p.m. Opa!
Having an evening of fun and food at Drossos Snack Bar and Mini Golf, Greenport
Nothing says nostalgia like a round of mini golf followed by a casual meal and ice cream at the snack bar. The place? Drossos in Greenport. The setting is easy-breezy, and the food and ice cream never miss. There’s something classic and special about surprising our crew with nights like this, and we look forward to it each year. Check their Facebook page for up-to-date hours of operation.
Checking out the view from the top of Horton Point Lighthouse, Southold
Although our fam has viewed many Long Island and East Coast lighthouses, we’re embarrassed to say that we have never been inside Horton Point lighthouse right here in Southold. Well, that is about to change with the lighthouse now open for the season. An inside tour will give you a look into the lives of former lighthouse keepers and staff, and a climb to the top presents sweeping views of the lighthouse grounds and the Long Island Sound. The lighthouse climb is at the climber’s discretion, with 27 circular steps to the top, plus seven steps to the watch tower and another seven to the lantern. Admission to the lighthouse is $10/family, cash only, and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. More info here.
Meeting some super cool animals at Landcraft Garden Foundation, Mattituck
A visit to Landcraft Garden Foundation is always special, but an up-close encounter with wildlife such as raptors and a groundhog makes this upcoming Garden event irresistible. On Saturday, June 21, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center will introduce us to four rehabilitated raptors and their resident groundhog, Allen McButterpants. In addition to learning about the birds of prey and their rehabilitation story, attendees of all ages will also learn how to become a wildlife ambassador. This event is free for children with adult admission to the garden. Reservations are not needed. More info here.
Gathering and eating with friends at Maizeat at The Shoals Dockside, Southold
Maizeat by adored chef, Cheo Avila, is the new-to-the-scene popup experience at The Shoals Dockside. There, gather with your crew (petites welcome!) for global bites inspired by Cheo’s own travels abroad and good vibes. Open Thursday through Sunday from noon until 7 p.m., rain or shine — don’t worry, Maizeats heads indoors to the lounge if needed.
Dedicating the day to strawberry everything at Golden Acres Organic Farm, Jamesport
The sweetest farm is about to get even sweeter with its upcoming “Have a Berry Good Time at the Farm” strawberry event on Saturday, June 7. At this event, the organic farm tucked off Peconic Bay Blvd. in Jamesport is dedicating the day to the almighty strawberry. Strawberry picking will be available from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. — weather and field condition permitting, strawberries and stories from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will feature read-alouds with Waldorf Early Childhood Educator, Maria Kata, and nosh on strawberry shortcake made with biscuits from Main Road Biscuit Co. from noon to 4 p.m. Registration is not required. Components of the day are priced separately.