Steal My North Fork Itinerary for July
The Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruise is a family-friendly excursion you won’t want to miss. (Photo credit: Petite North Fork)
Aaaaahh, July! Summer is here in all her glory. We’re barefoot and sun-kissed, have eaten more Magic Fountain than we’re willing to admit, and have completely lost track of what day it is — and we’re thrilled by it! This month, we’re picking farm-grown flowers, watching monster trucks crush it (literally), making early ice cream on a historic farm, noshing on lobster with our North Fork neighbors at one of the best community events, and so much more. Come along, friends, high summer on the North Fork welcomes you to dive right in. Here’s what you’ll find us doing throughout July.
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.
Cruising local waters and spotting East Coast lighthouses aboard the Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruise
During this family-friendly excursion — which feels like a mini vacation — you and your petite crew can count and learn about eight lighthouses throughout the Orient and New London Harbors while aboard a spacious Cross Sound Ferry cruise vessel. The cruise departs from Orient Point, runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2 p.m., and runs for about two hours. Tickets cost $34/person ages 12+, $17/person ages 2-11, and free for children under 2. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard. Learn more and book here.
Noshing on lobster with our North Fork neighbors at Greenport and Southold Rotary’s Lobsterfest
Join us, your Nork Fork neighbors, and friends for an evening of fun and the ultimate summer food: lobster! (Don’t worry, non-shellfish eaters, steak and kids’ food are also available.) This year’s Greenport and Southold Rotary Lobsterfest, which will be held at Veterans Beach in Mattituck, is planned for Saturday, July 26, from 5 until 8 p.m. with live music and dancing until 9 p.m. Tickets cost $68.87/adult and $10.85/child. Choice of lobster or steak for adults and hot dog or hamburger for the kiddos. Complete info and tickets here.
Watching monster trucks smash and stunt at Riverhead Raceway’s Monster Trucks Night of Destruction
If you have a monster truck-obsessed kid, Riverhead Raceway is the place to be on Saturday, July 19. Grandstands for Monster Trucks Night of Destruction will open at 4 p.m., with ceremonies beginning at 6 p.m. Insider tip: Monster trucks likely won’t begin until around 9 p.m., so plan for a late night. Tickets cost $30/adult, $15/child ages 6-12, free for kids 5 and under. Tickets are available at the gate. More info here.
Making early ice cream at Hallockville Museum Farm
Head to Hallockville Museum Farm on Sunday, July 13, from 1 to 3 p.m., for a hands-on workshop led by historical cook Diane Schwindt, where participants will help make ice cream the old-fashioned way by using antique ice cream molds. Your summery treat can be enjoyed on a homemade waffle. The workshop cost $40 for adult non-members, $15/children ages 5-12, and free for children ages 4 and under. Register here.
Picking farm-grown flowers at Horton’s Flower Farm
Open in its new location, this Mattituck u-pick flower farm is as dreamy as you imagine it to be. On Saturday, July 12, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the farm will host a Kids’ Craft Day where children ages 3 to 12 are invited to pick a bouquet of flowers and make handmade cards to take home. The cost is $25/person. No reservation required. Horton’s Flower Farm is located at 6900 Wickham Ave., Mattituck.
Gathering on Thursdays with friends at Brick Cove Marina’s Boats + Brine
Although this weekly, family-friendly hangout takes place at the picturesque Brick Cove Marina in Southold, the setting is so inviting and comfortable that you feel like you’re in your own backyard. Boats + Brine will take place on Thursdays in July and August (beginning with Thursday, July 10) from 4 to 8 p.m. Each week will feature local oysters, live music, a food truck, and drinks. Brick Cove Marina is located at 1760 Sage Blvd., Southold.
Ooohing and aaahing over every single tractor and antique ride at Long Island Antique Power Association’s summer showcase
Bring your tractor-loving kiddos to the Long Island Antique Power Association’s summer showcase featuring John Deere tractors, vintage tractors and farm equipment, antique cars, trucks, a steam engine, black blacksmith, a saw mill, and more. This annual event is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, and Sunday, July 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and costs $10/person, free for children 12 and under. Long Island Antique Power Association is located at 5950 Sound Ave., Riverhead, just west of Hallockville Museum Farm’s Naugles Barn.
Getting a good look at the North Fork night sky at the Custer Institute and Observatory
Where are my “Look at the moon” people? This one’s for you and your petite crew. The Custer Institute and Observatory in Southold is open every Saturday at 8 p.m. (weather permitting) for a night of public observing sessions where you can explore planets, stars, cosmos, and beyond through powerful telescopes while getting a tour of the night sky led by knowledgeable staff. Learn more here.
Using our imagination to create masterpieces at Art Lab on the Lawn, Greenport
It’s official, Art Lab on the Lawn is not to be missed! Join us on Sunday, July 20, 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. Bring your blankets and chairs and lounge on the lawn while your kids dive into their creations. The cost per artist is $15. Reserve a spot for your fam here.
Playing a round of mini golf followed by a food truck dinner at Sandy Pond Links on Fridays, Riverhead
TGIF just got a whole lot better with “Food Truck Fridays” at Sandy Pond Links in Riverhead. Pack up the fam and head to Sandy Pond Links for a round of mini golf, then have a casual dinner from the Maui Chop House food truck, which will be on-site Fridays through July. See website for exact timing and details.
“Steal My North Fork Itinerary” is a sponsored content series that highlights 10 things I’m most looking forward to doing with my family each month on the North Fork.