About the North Fork

While the Hamptons has become known as a playground for the rich and famous, the North Fork of Long Island has managed to retain its rural character for nearly four centuries, making it a favorite destination for families, couples and just about anyone looking for a peaceful respite.

The North Fork, historically supported by its agricultural and maritime industries, has always been a popular getaway destination. Its popularity has grown however, in recent years, thanks in part to skyrocketing interest in the area’s wine industry.  Agri-business on the North Fork has spawned agri-tourism and, each year, countless numbers of visitors flock to the area, looking to indulge in the beauty, the sounds and the tastes of Long Island’s wine region.

On any given weekend, Long Island’s wineries and vineyards host an array of special events that feature live music, art shows, delicious local foods and, of course, some of the finest wines available.  Wine tastings and vineyard tours are usually number one on the itinerary of anyone visiting the North Fork region.

The beauty of the grapevines that dot the landscape is matched by the quaint New England charm of the North Fork’s downtown areas, its historic homes and breathtaking water views of both the Long Island Sound to the north and the Peconic Bay to the south.

Brief History of Greenport, LI

This small seaside village has become famous for its quaint retail establishments, fine dining, and nightlife, but what makes Greenport so unique is its rich maritime history, which has been tastefully preserved for more than three centuries.

First settled in 1682, Greenport was originally comprised of two settlements.  Stirling, located on the West side of Stirling Basin on the North edge of what is now Greenport, ran along King's Highway (now known as Route 48 or North Road) and faced the Long Island Sound.  The other, named Green Hill, overlooked the harbor.  As the two settlements flourished the residents of Stirling and Green Hill officially merged the two and, in 1831, officially adopted the name Greenport.  In 1838, it became the second incorporated village in the State of New York.

In the years that followed, Greenport became a prominent whaling port and, at the height of the whaling boom, the Long Island railroad was extended to village, making it the main link in the rail-steamboat route between New York and Boston.  By 1856, Greenport boasted 250 homes, 16 stores and 3 shipyards.  As the whaling industry faded, commercial fishing increased, keeping the local boat yards in business.  During Prohibition, rumrunners became active off Greenport and a Coast Guard station eventually opened in the village.  Local shipyards further profited, doing business for both the good guys and the bad.  To catch a glimpse of Greenport's past, visit the East End Seaport Museum, Bootleg Alley.

It's not just the maritime industry, however, that helped put this village on the map.  Historically, Greenport has also been attractive to some of America's most renowned artists including Walt Whitman; playwright William Gillette; painter Whitney Hubbard; and author & illustrator Marjorie Flack.  Many of their homes, or the homes of those who connected them to the village, still stand today.  Visitors can spend an entire day just exploring the historic homes of Greenport.

Today, artists continue to find a home in Greenport, including award-winning actress Peg Murray; sculptor Arden Scott; craftsperson Gail Horton and award winning songwriter Hugh Prestwood. With outdoor theater, live music events, and a plethora of galleries, the arts are still very much alive in the Village of Greenport.

Most recently, the Village of Greenport has upped the ante on fun with the creation of the expansive Mitchell Park, which overlooks Greenport Harbor.  Although some of the park is still under construction, the outdoor amphitheater, harbor side boardwalk and public docks are quite active during the busy summer months.  The icing on the cake, however, is Greenport's famous carousel.  Built in the 1920s as a carnival ride in North Tonawanda, New York, the 40-foot carousel was donated to the village of Greenport in 1995 by Northrop-Grumman.  Greenport boasts a population of just over 2,000 and, although the village seemingly bursts at the seams when thousands more visitors descend during the tourist season, there is plenty of room for everyone.