Steal My North Fork Itinerary for May

All things dandelion at the Dandelion Festival, 2024. (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 that same spirit of creating memories with our petite crew, I’ve developed “Steal My North Fork Itinerary,” a new sponsored content series that will highlight 10 things I’m most looking forward to doing with my family each month.

For May, we plan to spend just about every possible moment outside — from visits with animals to flower festivals. Here’s what our fam is up to this month.

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.

Dandelion Festival at KK’s Farm, Southold

Celebrate the almighty dandelion at this annual event that always leaves a lasting impression on our family. On Sunday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at KK’s Farm in Southold, gather for a day of educational workshops, music by beloved Brady Rymer, flower crown-making, hula hooping, kids’ crafts, and more. Bring your own picnic and enjoy time with friends and neighbors as we celebrate biodynamic agriculture and perseverance. This event is free to attend. Park in dedicated lots or on the south side of Main Road; no parking is allowed on the north side.

Visit the Lambs at 8 Hands Farm, Cutchogue

If your kids are like mine, a stop at 8 Hands Farm Market and Cafe isn’t complete without a few minutes dedicated to watching the animals roam the fields, and begging to cross the rope for a closer look. Well, we’re in luck. 8 Hands Farm is currently hosting lamb visit tours where you and your family can get an inside tour of the farm’s lambs and kids. Tours are currently running Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on the half hour, starting at 11:30, with the last tour at 1 p.m. Groups are limited to 6-8 people and cost $10/person. Gather by the sign in front of the farm store before your desired tour time; no advance registration required.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Feather Hill Shopping Center, Southold

It’s no secret that our fam’s love for Latin Fuzion runs deep! Not only are we regulars for the fresh food and inviting environment, but the casual atmosphere and kindest owners and staff make the Southold Latin eatery our most consistent go-to restaurant. We were thrilled when they announced their first annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. The event, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, from 12 to 4 p.m., will feature food, music, crafts, and games. Join us as we celebrate Mexican culture and community right here on the North Fork. 

Spring Native Plant Sale at North Fork Audubon Society, Greenport

Last year was the first year that our family made a conscious effort to plant only native flowers in our home gardens. We kicked off planting season with the spring native plant sale by North Fork Audubon Society, and we look forward to visiting the sale again this year to bulk up our gardens even more. Native plants that are beneficial to the region’s biodiversity and environmental conservation, and before hitting the plant sale, together our family will visit longislandnatives.com to review some fun facts and each choose a few plants that we hope to purchase at the plant sale. The spring native plant sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. No advance sale necessary.

Family Camping Weekend at Dorothy P. Flint, Riverhead

Okay, so we can’t actually make this family camping event, BUT if we didn’t have a milestone birthday party to host and celebrate, we’d be there — so, you should go! This weekend getaway, scheduled on Friday, May 9, through Sunday, May 11, sounds like the ideal way to unplug and connect with family while not even leaving the North Fork. Even those who don’t *love* camping can get down with this cabin “camping” held on CCE’s Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp property. The cost is $300/cabin, and the family weekend includes beach explorations, scavenger hunts, farm animal fun, nature walks, crafts, campfires, and more. Bring your own food; charcoal grills available. Learn more and register here.

Day for the Bay with Peconic Baykeeper, New Suffolk

We’re an all-seasons beach family. Through every season, you can find us in and along our North Fork’s surrounding waters. Because of that, it’s important to us that we learn about the waters that we love and enjoy so much. Meet us at the New Suffolk waterfront for a whole program dedicated to our Peconic Bay by the Peconic Baykeeper! On Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Peconic Baykeeper will educate us on water quality, bayside ecology, and more. This family-friendly event is free, but registration is required. 

The Wizard of Oz at the North Fork Community Theatre, Mattituck

Following the release of Wicked, our fam’s obsession with all things Oz hasn’t quite died down, so when we saw that our own North Fork Community Theatre (NFCT) would be doing the classic musical, we were PUMPED. Thursdays through Sundays, beginning May 15 and ending June 1, NFCT invites people of all ages to catch the show that will closely follow the L. Frank Baum's classic version. Showtimes at 7:30 p.m. for all days except Sunday, when the show will begin at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $33/person and can be purchased here for all showtimes.

Art Lab on the Lawn with Artfully Long Island, Hotel Moraine

Yep, me again plugging my own event, BUT the first one was just so good that you won’t want to miss this next one. Scheduled for Sunday, May 25, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join Artfully Long Island and Petite North Fork on the lawn at Hotel Moraine for an open art exploration session. There, artists of all ages will imagine and create using recycled and upcycled materials. The cost is $15/artist. Secure your spot here for the May session of this monthly in-season series. See you there!

Yellow Book Barn Grand Opening, Riverhead

Books! In my opinion, you can never have enough — and it’s evident with half of our playroom stocked with books of every reading level — so we’re always excited when The Yellow Book Barn at the Riverhead Free Library reopens for the season. We’ll be there opening day on Saturday, May 24, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to stock up on loved summer reads for our whole crew. Can’t make it on opening day? The Yellow Book Barn will be open for the season on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Horse and Farm Animal Walking Tour at Spirit’s Promise, Riverhead

A few years back, our family visited Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue for a farm tour. It was so well done and enjoyed by our group of all ages. Fast forward to early spring, to a conversation in our car as we drove past the equine rescue, talking about how we’d like to visit again. Then, like magic, I got an email that Spirit’s Promise is hosting their Horse and Farm Animals Walking Tours through the season. On Sunday, May 4 and Sunday, May 25, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Spirits Promise will host one-hour guided farm tours including a hands-on walk-through experience and education about the rescued animals. The cost is $20/person (free for children under 2). You can learn more and register here.