Steal My North Fork Itinerary for February

Birdwatching ready. (Photo credit: Petite North Fork)

Cabin fever? Not here! We’re bundling up and heading out and about to make the most out of this full month of winter. This month, we plan to participate in a birdwatching community science project, have a staycation not far from home, celebrate winter, and head off the Fork for a hiking adventure in Montauk. Read on for the full list of 10 things we're looking forward to doing this February on the North Fork and nearby.

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.

Counting backyard birds with our community at the Great Backyard Bird Count at Inlet Pond County Park, Greenport

Even if your crew is already backyard bird watching aficionados, taking part in a community science project by counting and reporting local bird activity is a fun way to take this family hobby one step further. On Sunday, February 15, from 1 to 3 p.m., we’ll be joining Jennifer Murray of Turtleback Environmental Education Center at Inlet Pond County Park in Greenport for an afternoon of learning how to ID birds and how to count and record them, going on a bird walk, and listening to a storybook and puppet show by Carmen Campos of PuppetEd. This is a free, bilingual family workshop. All are invited, but registration is required. 

Making Spin Art and heart-shaped collages at this season’s final session of Art Lab in the Cottage at Hotel Moraine, Greenport

Join us for a special Valentine’s Day edition of Art Lab in the Cottage. Create fancy heart-shaped collages using our selection of patterned papers, stickers, ribbons, buttons, and more. We’ll also be featuring Spin Art, a fun, colorful, creative experience you won’t want to miss! Use classic pinks and reds for traditional Valentine’s vibes, or mix in a variety of colors to make your own unique creations. This will be our final Art Lab in the Cottage for the season, so don’t miss out! The cost is $15/artist. Two sessions: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12 to 1 p.m. Register here. Space is limited and will sell out. 

Bundling up and enjoying winter at Winterfest, Southold

Sure, it will likely be freeeeezing out, but that’s kind of the point. Gather with our community and celebrate winter at Southold’s Annual Winterfest on Saturday, February 21, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in downtown Southold. This year, Winterfest is more family-friendly than ever with an indoor climbing wall obstacle course, Uncle Tony’s Reptile Show, face painting and glitter tattoos, crafts, and more. This event is free and open to all. Raindate, February 22.  

Celebrating Valentine’s Day with our kids at The Treatery, Jamesport

We’re switching things up this year for Valentine’s Day with a family dinner on the 14th that we just can’t pass up! On Saturday, February 14, with 5 and 6:30 p.m. seatings, The Treatery is hosting a special Lovers & Friends Tasting Menu with savory and sweet small plates, many inspired by heirloom family recipes like heart-shaped three cheese ravioli, Pop’s meatballs, from scratch mozzarella sticks, tiramisu, cannolis, and so much more. Small plates are priced $10-$20 each. A $10/person deposit is required to book. Make your reservations here: 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Taking a tour of the New York Marine Rescue Center, Riverhead

With the New York Marine Rescue Center, located on the Long Island Aquarium property in Riverhead, offering “behind the scenes” educational tours to the public, we knew we had to get a tour date on the calendar. Tours include learning about the marine rescue’s rehabilitation efforts, any in-house patients currently under care, and an inside look at the entire hospital, including the treatment room where all admitted physicals are performed, the lab where water quality and blood analysis are conducted, and the 20+ in-house rehab tanks. Tours are open to people of all ages and cost $30/adult, $12/child under 12, and $18/student with a valid ID, and can be booked through Airbnb. 

Having a staycation at The Inn at East Wind, Wading River

After writing about North Fork staycation hotels for winter break, I couldn’t resist booking a one-night stay for our petite crew. We chose The Inn at East Wind because of its proximity to The Shoppes at East Wind and all that is offered there for kids. Even though we’re only traveling 20 minutes from home, I know our 30-hour getaway will be jam-packed with vacation vibes, including lots of pool time! 

Getting K-Pop glammed up at Bella Anima Parties, Wading River

During our staycation, our crew will be getting glammed up K-Pop Demon Hunters-style at Bella Anima Parties Pop Up. This session will be offered on Monday, February 15, and Tuesday, February 16, with sessions between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The cost is $45/child for color braids, manicures, makeup, and face gems, glitter tattoos, bracelet making, singing, and lemonade, or $25/child for color gel hairstyles, tattoos, face paint, bracelet making, singing, and lemonade. Text 631-603-7722 to book. 

Learning about plant care, planting, and painting at Valentina Verde’s Kids’ Workshop, Wading River

We’re not going to lie… even though we’re enjoying this snowy winter season, we are starting to get the spring itch and dreaming of getting our hands dirty in the garden. We were excited to learn about Valentina Verde’s upcoming kids’ workshop, where we’ll learn basic plant care, paint a terra-cotta pot, plant an easy-care spider plant, and take home a Plant Certificate with simple care instructions. The cost is $30/child for this two-hour session, which is scheduled for Monday, February 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. Register here. 

Dipping Oreos (and more!) in chocolate and decorating them at a Sweet Treats Party at The Sweet Escape Macarons, Wading River

We’ll round out our staycation with a Sweet Treats Party at The Sweet Escape Macarons on Monday, February 16. At this St. Patrick’s Sweet Treat Party, which is scheduled from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., with 50-minute time slots, attendees will dip and decorate Oreos, Rice Krispies, and pretzels, then participate in games and temporary tattoos. The cost is $20/child. Register here before this event sells out!

Hiking to see seals at Montauk Point State Park, Montauk

If we had to rank our family’s top four favorite things to do/places to be, it would be the (ANY!) beach, the North Fork, hiking, and being in Montauk. So, when we saw a planned hike IN Montauk to go seal watching, it was an easy yes! This month, Montauk Point State Park has scheduled Seal Hikes on Sunday, February 1 at noon, Sunday, February 15 at 11 a.m., and on Saturday, February 28 at 10 a.m. (There are also dates planned throughout March and April.) All hikes will learn from the park office in the Lower Parking Lot. Group Seal Hikes cost $4/person, free for children under three. These hikes are not recommended for strollers. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Book by calling 631-668-5000, and don’t forget your binoculars!