Summer is in full swing, and, as usual, there are plenty of exciting, fun, tasty and educational activities to engage in on Long Island’s beautiful East End. Each month for the rest of the season, we will highlight a few.
The North Fork Chocolate Company, in Aquebogue, handcrafts “small batch” artisanal chocolates and gourmet desserts from products of local farmers on the East End. Only fresh, natural ingredients go into the company’s products. It also features goods and products created by local food and craft artisans in its retail store. This is a great place to gather, enjoy delicious chocolate and discover local products.
Location: 740 Main Rd., Aquebogue. For more information, visit NorthForkChocolate.com. Crafters/artisans looking to sell their goods can call 631-599-4944.
For those people interested in visiting a farm, the East End has tons from which to choose. Take Harbes Family Farm, located in Jamesport, for example. It offers a great farm experience, where visitors can come in for fresh lemonade and also purchase in-season fruits and veggies.
Location: 1223 Main Rd., Jamesport. For more information, visit HarbesFamilyFarm.com.
People that prefer the comfort of being indoors with family can enjoy a day at the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center, in Riverhead, where they can meet sharks, seals penguins and more.
Location: 431 E. Main St., Riverhead. For more information, visit LongIslandAquarium.com.
Further east, in Montauk, is Hither Hills State Park, which offers visitors scenic picnic areas, sport fishing, a sandy ocean beach, playing fields, a playground and a 168-site campground on the ocean. The unique “walking dunes” of Napeague Harbor are located on the eastern boundary of the park.
Location: 164 Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk. For more information, visit nysParks.com/parks/122/details.aspx.
While in Montauk, people should also make a point of visiting Puff ’n’ Putt, a family fun center featuring mini golf and a variety of boat rentals.
Location: 695 Montauk Hwy., Montauk. For more information, visit PuffnPutt.com.
For those people that are a fan of wildlife or just a fan of the great outdoors, there is nothing better than a hike through the Quogue Wildlife Refuge—a 300-acre nonprofit nature preserve, founded in 1934, which is home to diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy walking 7 miles of trails to explore diverse habitats, including forests and ponds and more. They can also visit the Outdoor Wildlife Complex, which houses permanently injured wildlife that require human care to survive, including bobcats, owls, falcons, a bald eagle and other native New York animals. Dogs and bicycles are not permitted on the trails. The refuge is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset and admission is free.
Location: 3 Old Country Rd., Quogue. For more information, visit QuogueWildlifeRefuge.org.
Every Friday throughout the summer, people can come to the Hayground School’s Farmers’ Market, in Bridgehampton, for donation-based yoga classes. (45-minute class for kids and 45-60 minutes for adults.)
Location: 151 Mitchell Ln., Bridgehampton. For more information, visit TimeToBreatheZen.com. To reserve a space, use the code “mind body.”
This summer, local acupuncturist and herbalist Dori Fortunato will be hosting lectures and monthly Reiki circles. Dates are not yet set.
For more information, visit DoriFortunato.com. See ad on page XX.
If someone knows of something great happening on the East End of Long Island, then let us know by emailing [email protected].
