Steal My North Fork Itinerary for August
Greenie Supply Treasure Maps have been a fam fav for a long time. (Photo credit: Petite North Fork)
We’re not sure how either, but somehow our very favorite summer month is already upon us, with long, hot days that melt into sorbet-colored skies and sweatshirts on the beach at night. We welcome August. This month, we’re watching sunsets, hunting for treasure, catching a rare glimpse of a migrating bird, oohing and aahing at a circus held right here in Cutchogue, and so much more. Here’s what you’ll find us doing throughout August on the North Fork. Come along, friends, this is summer at her finest.
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.
Hunting for treasure with Greenie Supply Treasure Map, Port of Egypt, Southold (map vending location)
Our family has never been shy about our love of Greenie Supply Treasure Maps. I’ve actually lost count of how many maps we’ve completed since the very beginning, even if we’ve needed a hint or two on a few along the way. These treasure hunting maps are fun for the whole family, requiring even the youngest in tow to pitch in — hello, expert hole diggers! This month, our fam is excited to put our love and knowledge of the North Fork to the test with the latest treasure map, #26. Pro tip: If you also plan to give the newest map a shot, don’t forget shovels or a compass, just in case!
Taking a tour deck tour of Tall Ship, Kalmar Nyckel, Greenport
Our family always enjoys it when Kalmar Nyckel — a replica of a 1638 Swedish merchant ship — sails into town and docks in Greenport Harbor. No matter how many times we’ve taken the deck tours, we’re always awestruck by its beauty and never pass up the opportunity to set foot aboard this massive ship. While the sails are sold out, we’ll be there for the final free deck tour on Saturday, August 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. before Kalmar Nyckel sets sail from the North Fork.
Walking along the Sound while learning about rocks and more, Riverhead
It may come as no surprise that my family is “treasures in your pockets” kind of people, and it’s not just the kids. When I saw that Hallock State Park Preserve is hosting a “Rocks, Sand ‘N Clay” walk and talk on Saturday, August 2, from 9 to 11 a.m., I was equally as excited as my children, eager to learn about rocks, sand, and cliff clays that are commonly found along our beaches. Call 631-315-5475 to register.
Singing and dancing to GUNK at Monday Night Dances in the Park, Greenport
If you haven’t yet been to a live show by GUNK, you’re massively missing out. This all-girl, funk cover band puts on a show like no other, and at last year’s performance at First Friday, had everyone in our family dancing for HOURS. We plan to do it all again on Monday, August 25, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Greenport’s Monday Night Dances in the Park held at Mitchell Park.
Getting an up-close look at Purple Martins at Silver Sands, Greenport
Like it did for many people and families, COVID-19 turned ours into backyard bird watchers. A pair of binoculars nearby? Check! Bird call app? CHECK! Pocket birdspotting guide? YOU KNOW IT! So, I was thrilled when I read that Peggy Lauber, president of North Fork Audubon Society, is leading family-friendly tours of Purple Martins on the Silver Sands Motel property. The tours, which are held every Thursday at noon and are free and open to all, feature a close-up look at the baby Purple Martin birds before they migrate south. But get this tour on your calendar sooner rather than later, because these birds are only here through mid-August!
Fishing with Tom Mangiamele, New Suffolk
I feel like learning how to fish is a rite of passage for kids growing up on the North Fork. Lucky for us, experienced local fisherman, Tom Mangiamele, is sharing his fishing tips with us. On August 20, 22, 25, and 26, from 4 to 5 p.m., Tom is hosting these free sessions for kids and adults (childen under 10 must be accompanid by an adult) where we’ll learn to fish with real bait, casting with artificial bait, care of equipment, fishing techniwuies, and fish ecology in Peconic Bay. Reservations must be made to secure your spot. Email, nswfevents@gmail.com to get on the list.
Visiting the animals at Critterville Farm Sanctuary’s Visiting Day, Riverhead
Serving over 80 animals, Critterville Farm Sanctuary is opening its doors to the public for a day of visiting animals, live music, food, and fun. As animal-lovers ourselves, our petite crew looks forward to learning about this nonprofit sanctuary and meeting the animals that call this place “home.” Visiting Day is scheduled for Saturday, August 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with pay-what-you-can admission donation. To receive the farm sanctuary’s address, RSVP at crittervillefarmsanctuary@gmail.com.
Joining the circus, well, kind of! at Peconic Community School’s Circus Slepndiferous, Cutchogue
On Tuesday, August 26, at 5:30 p.m., Peconic Community School in Cutchogue is hosting an interactive outdoor circus performance and workshop experience for children, and we’re all invited to join. The one-hour show will be followed by an hour-long interactive workshop for children with the performers. Tickets, which will be available at the door, will cost $20/family, and don’t forget to bring your own seating — chairs, picnic blankets, you name it!
Rooting for our fav handmade boats at Riverhead’s Cardboard Boat Race, Riverhead
Even if you’re not racing in it, this annual event is so much fun to watch from the Riverfront. We’ll be rooting for our friends and our favorite boat picks on Saturday, August 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Riverhead Cardboard Boat Race along the Peconic River. In addition to the races, there’s always food, activities, and fun for children of all ages.
Saying “So long” to August at Low Tide Bar at Soundview Greenport, Greenport
To close out our favorite month, I’m picturing this: feet in the sand, sweatshirts on, and the sun setting in the sky, while our crew gathers to make s’mores at Low Tide Bar’s firepits along the Long Island Sound. Sounds dreamy, right?! We’ll be making a reservation for bites, drinks, and s’mores at this Greenport spot that feels like a real vacation. Open Fridays through Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m. with bonfires lit at 7 p.m.