Parents are always looking for new places to take their families, to make new memories and to explore new parts of the world. I love where I live and we are always finding new things to do and explore right here on Long Island.
I had the pleasure to do just that on the North Fork of Long Island with 11 other publisher moms from across the U.S.
We recently had the pleasure of staying at The Hyatt Place East End in Riverhead, which is located on the tip of Long Island’s North Fork. This waterfront hotel allows its visitors to enjoy the close proximity of local businesses and local attractions such as the Long Island Aquarium, Tanger Outlet stores, Riverhead Raceway, vineyards (Martha Clara Vineyard), beaches, The Blue Duck Bakery and Cafe, local restaurants (Jerry and the Mermaid) and more. The Hyatt Place East End offers 24/7 dining, including free breakfast for its guests, an indoor and outdoor pool, a fitness center, seasonal poolside bar and grill and sun deck. Their staff is very friendly and accommodating to all their guests.
And now our adventure begins . . .
Jennifer from Tran-Star Executive Worldwide Chauffeured Services picked us up at the Hyatt. She had a great outgoing personality and accommodated us in every way possible for our group. Jennifer chauffeured us throughout our day in a luxury party bus. We all sat back, relaxed, laughed and enjoyed each other's company as she took us from place to place explore our North Fork itinerary.
The Village Cheese Shop located on Love Lane in Mattituck . . . OMG! A must go to place if you are in the area. This place has a cozy, friendly, right at home feeling. We were welcomed with open arms from the owner Michael Affatato, who spoiled us with a huge delicious pot of cheese fondue that was paired with wine, specialty meats, apples and an assortment of breads. My mouth still waters when I think about it. Michael brings in small-batch cheese, charcuterie, chocolates, truffle-based condiments and more from around the world, allowing his customers to enjoy these wonderful tastes.
After we enjoyed some great food and wines, we headed to our next stop for some more wine, but in a different way. At the beautiful Martha Clara Vineyards, we met with Winemaker and General Manager Juan Micieli-Martinez, for a presentation on Long Island Wine 101 plus a group wine tasting. Once owned by the Entenmann Family, Martha Clara Vineyard is home to some of the best grape growing in the world. Martha Clara is one of my favorite vineyards on Long Island that offers private wine tastings, wine classes, accommodates weddings and more to their loyal customers as well as their new customers. And while you are here, don't forget to visit there store and bring home some of your favorite Martha Clara wines.
Next we are headed to Greenport and what a cute little quaint town this is. We first visited The East End Seaport Museum, which highlights Greenport’s historic waterfront and rich maritime heritage. This museum displays seasonal exhibits, arts and culture offerings and educational programs for the entire family. Our group then boarded the Peconic Star Express and cruised to the Bug Lighthouse. As we are cruising, our captain explains the history of the lighthouse to us. This lighthouse sits beautifully on the water and worth the visit and to know that people once lived here is just mind boggling. Make sure you take pictures, the scenery is breathtaking and its just allows you to escape reality. And before you leave, make sure you've had the chance to ring the lighthouse bell that sits on one of the exterior levels.
Now that we are back on land, we had some extra time to walk around Greenport’s Main Street, where their stunning carousel is located on the waterfront. It's a gorgeous view at night as the sun is setting. We strolled the streets for a little admiring the local restaurants, boutiques, local brewery and more.
It’s getting late, we are hungry and head back to our hotel, where we enjoy a delicious dinner at Jerry and the Mermaid. This restaurant is located right next to our hotel, The Hyatt Place East End, which is convenient for any family staying there. We had the honor to chat with Jerry Jr., while his delightful and friendly staff served us some amazingly delicious seafood. We had the chance to sample fried oysters, Ahi tuna, clams casino with bacon and artichoke heart francaise. Such a great place for anyone or any family to experience. And if you aren't tired and want to hit the sack, Jerry and the Mermaid also have karaoke on certain nights.
After a rested night of sleep, we walked over to the Blue Duck Bakery and Cafe for breakfast. A family owned bakery that offers the finest quality pastries and cakes, as well as their signature line of artisan breads. We had the chance to have some freshly made pastries that were so delicious. We enjoyed them together at the cafe, which is a friendly, aromatic and colorful atmosphere.
Our group is now recharged and excited to tour the Long Island Aquarium, so we head back to the hotel because the aquarium is right next door to the Hyatt. Bonus, right? This is one of my favorite places to go with my kids on Long Island. There is just something about watching the fish that is so memorizing. This FINtastic aquarium features one of the largest all living reef displays in this hemisphere, 120,000 gallon shark tank, sea lion shows, African penguins, numerous touch tanks and several exhibits including the colorful garden of Butterflies. You can even get up close and personal with a Penquin Encounter, right here at the Long Island Aquarium. These creatures are so interesting to study and watch, that it keeps us coming back time after time.
These are just a few places we had the chance of exploring right here in the North Fork, Long Island. So pack the family or visit the North Fork with friends. You will have so much to do, you will love it.
Disclosure: Discover Long Island hosted Macaroni Kid for a 2 day press trip. Accommodations and most meals and activities were complimentary. No other compensation was received in consideration of this article, and all opinions are my own.
