There’s no denying that the Hamptons has long been the place to be seen come summer, with many New York City residents opting to flee the stifling heat of Manhattan and flock to the South Fork of Long Island every single year.
Locations such as Sag Harbor, Montauk, and Bridgehampton are hugely popular, with many celebrities choosing to purchase property there, including Jennifer Lopez, who was recently seen enjoying a bike ride near her lavish Long Island mansion.
However, with celebrity esteem comes celebrity prices and it was recently revealed that the Hamptons rental market is so hot that seven-digit asks for three-month stays are now the norm, with many people claiming the vacation spot doesn’t live up to the hype for the average person.
It’s been reported that visitors to the Hamptons usually spend between $98 and $426 per day on average for one person, and $195 to $852 for two people, so it’s certainly not a summer vacation that comes cheap.
Perhaps that explains why holiday-goers are now switching things up and exploring the North Fork instead, in particular the beautiful village of Greenport, which has been nicknamed The Hamptons’ ‘quirky younger cousin’ thanks to it’s more laidback and casual vibe – and slightly cheaper prices.
The Hamptons has long been a popular summer vacation spot for many New Yorkers thanks to its beautiful beaches
The Hamptons rental market is so hot that 7-digit asks for three-month stays are now the norm
Popular spots such as Surf Lodge in Montauk have now become very overcrowded due to the popularity of the Hamptons
Getting to the Hamptons often takes a lot longer during the summer weekends due to crazy traffic jams
Less than a three hour drive from New York City, Greenport is rich in history and was even named one of the prettiest towns in the USA by Forbes, so it’s really no surprise that it’s popularity has grown in recent years.
Surrounding areas include Southold, Mattituck and Cutchogue, and the region – which has long been known as Long Island’s Wine Country – has become somewhat of a hotspot thanks to its 60 plus vineyards, multiple breweries and distilleries, as well as private fly fishing ranches.
Greenport, in particular, is a quaint location with charming streets full of antique shops, cute boutiques and an impressive independent art scene.
The Main Road and Front Street is brimming with several fantastic restaurants, where diners are guaranteed to enjoy some of the best seafood Long Island has to offer, yet it all feels very understated and far from the razzle and dazzle of the Hamptons.
Another selling point is that holidaymakers can mix things up a bit and take a daytrip to Shelter Island, which is just a 15-minute ferry ride away.
Nestled between the North and South Forks – but technically classified as part of the North Fork region – Shelter Island is known for its natural beauty, hiking, biking, birdwatching and some of the most breathtaking kayaking in Suffolk County.
When it comes to Greenport, holiday-goers will want to know where to stay in the picturesque location – and whether you want to be by a beach or closer to the hustle and bustle of it all, there’s two fantastic options either side of the village.
Sound View Greenport is a four-star hotel nestled on 14 acres of private waterfront land along the pristine Long Island Sound and has everything guests need to enjoy a relaxing vacation.
Holidaymakers are flocking to the North Fork of Long Island instead, in particular the village of Greenport
The quirky Long Island village is full of cute boutiques, antique shops and restaurants
Perhaps holidaymakers prefer Greenport due to it’s more laidback and casual vibe
Greenport was previously named one of the prettiest towns in the USA by Forbes
Not only does the property offer beach-facing deluxe rooms with shared decks and direct access to the hotel’s private beach, there’s also several luxury suites on offer, including a two-bedroom option and an extra special hot tub suite which offers a private deck with a cedar hot tub.
Guests certainly don’t have to stray far to enjoy delicious food and drink at Sound View either as the hotel’s’ local seafood restaurant, The Halyard, celebrates the region’s produce and brings it right to your plate – direct from foragers and farmers, growers and fishermen.
The current dinner menu includes array of seafood dishes such as fluke ceviche, striped bass crudo, Halyard crab cakes, and lobster saffron bucatini. There’s also delicious main courses such as poached cod, summer cavatelli, and the chefs choice steak cut.
Guests can enjoy their meal whilst marveling at the stunning sunset thanks to the restaurant’s huge glass windows, and when it’s time for a cocktail, the iconic Piano Bar is literally just next door and serves up all the classics as well as live music from local musicians every Tuesday evening.
In the warmer months, guests can enjoy their craft cocktail or a local brew outdoors at the Low Tide Bar which is situated on Sound View’s private beach – which is also definitely the best spot to catch a sunset on the North Fork.
For visitors who wish to be closer to the shops of Greenport, The Harbor Front Inn is a seaside-inspired hotel which embodies the spirit of maritime heritage and is just a six-minute walk from the train station.
The three-star property offers spacious rooms and various junior suites with balcony views, as well as a waterfront, heated pool which overlooks the Peconic Bay, where guests can watch ferries and sailboats coast along the horizon.
Perhaps the best thing about The Harbor Front Inn is it’s proximity to an array of homegrown restaurants, art galleries, and craft boutiques.
Sound View Greenport is a four-star hotel nestled on 14 acres of private waterfront land
The stunning property offers deluxe beach-facing rooms and various suites
The most incredible sunsets can be seen from Sound View Greenport, which also has a huge outdoor pool
The Harbor Front Inn is also home to luxury rooms and suites and is just a six-minute walk away from Greenport station
Just a three-minute walk away is a stunning seafood restaurant called Anker, which is a building modeled after a multi-level sailboat and overlooks Greenport Harbor.
The current seasonal menu includes plates such as clam chowder, grilled fish collars, Montauk red shrimp, and the classic fish and chips. Diners can also tuck into a hay-smoked whole chicken and North Fork lobster bake.
Another great local restaurant is called First and South and is just five minute walk away from The Harbor Front Inn, and also serves up unforgettable seafood such as honey and tangerine salmon and lemon pepper shrimp.
There’s also themed nights at First and South, including a tropical Tiki night every Thursday and tap takeover events on a Monday which are a beer-lover’s dream because guests get to indulge in some of the finest brews from the restaurant’s favorite breweries.
But the restaurant options don’t stop there as Claudio’s is somewhat of an institution in Greenport, and recently underwent a makeover – whilst still retaining it’s original charm and laidback vibes.
There’s plenty of outdoor space for dockside dining and the restaurant’s nostalgic menus feature local produce and everything from under the sea.
Highlights at Claudio’s include block party-style lobster bakes, dock and dine, a supper club yacht series, and live music with surprise performances.
Holidaymakers who are a fan of oysters though, should look no further than Little Creek Oysters, which is known as the North Fork’s premier tasting market for the popular delicacy.
Little Creek Oysters is located in an iconic Bait & Tackle building on the waterfront in the heart of historic Greenport
The cute hotspot is known as the North Fork’s premier oyster tasting market
Macari Vineyards is a short drive away from Greenport and is located in Mattituck
Claudio’s is another popular restaurant in Greenport with plenty of outdoor space for dockside dining
Owned by Ian and Rosalie Wile, this gem of a spot is located in an iconic Bait & Tackle building on the waterfront and is open Wednesday through Sunday and is full of nothing but good vibes and an everchanging menu.
As well as the opportunity to shuck your own oysters, customers can enjoy Shuckers Club Happy Hour as well as tuna tostadas and a $5 hotdog menu.
And for those who may want to explore a bit more of the North Fork, Ian and Rosalie also own the super cute Sunshine Shack at Orient Beach, which is a short drive away from Greenport and offers tasty lobster rolls and cocktails right on the sand.
Another option for visitors who want to explore farther afield is Macari Vineyards in Mattituck, which is also a short picturesque drive away from Greenport.
Their tasting room sits on the edge of a nearly 500-acre vineyard and farm and they offer a variety of guided tasting experiences for small and large groups, each led by a Macari Wine Educator.
As well as seasonal tasting sessions, which cost $40 per person, Macari also offer their Barrel Cellar Experience as well as a private rosé tasting suite lunch with food prepared by Chef Lauren Lombardi.
With plenty of good wine on offer and some of the most delicious seafood you’ll ever taste on the East Coast, it’s not hard to see why the North Fork is becoming more and more popular with travelers – and Greenport is certainly at the top of the list.
