Lined with mom and pop stores selling odes to pollock, items made by special needs adults, homemade pesto, mustard, and jam, minimalistic home furnishings, and wineries, it’s no wonder you can spend a whole day wandering around Southold.
Southold wasn’t originally on my North Fork itinerary. I had beaches I wanted to visit and trails I wanted to hike. But when Memorial Day weekend brought about 3 days of torrential downpour, I had to adapt my plans quickly. I had to come up with innovative ways to spend 3 days out on the North Fork. During my research, I came across Main Street in Southold, Long Island. Not much was said about Southold, but I read that there were plenty of cute shops to visit. On a rainy Saturday afternoon, I decided to go checkout the scene for myself. What I found was Main Street, a street filled with unique, mom and pop shops selling everything you can and can’t imagine. It was a wonderful and whimsical way to spend the afternoon that truly brought to life the soul and community of Southold.
North Fork Roasting Co.
If you haven’t already stocked up on coffee, or if you’re looking for your second dose, then you need to stop by North Fork Roasting Co., a North Fork staple. These artisan coffee roasters make coffee that is so good, they opened up a second location in Westhampton. Beyond just the great specialty coffee, the ambiance here is cozy. You can choose to relax outside in the garden or inside.
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Store hop down Main Street in Southold
Beacheeky
Our first stop was Beacheeky. The store has great summer wear, bags, and dare I say cheeky accessories. They had cute summer bags with classic New England prints and embroidery that depicted areas like the North Fork and Long Island Sound. They had beautiful local artwork and some fun jewelry and beach accessories. The cheekiest accessory that caught my eye? An umbrella that is disguised as a wine bottle. After all, North Fork is known for it’s many wineries! They called it a Vinbrella…I absolutely loved it.
One For All
Right next door to Beacheeky is a store called One For All. I absolutely loved the concept of this store and recommend people visit it even if you don’t plan on buying anything. Everything in the store is handmade by young adults with special needs. The concept was started by a mother and son, Theresa and Sean. Sean himself has autism. The idea is that many with special needs are often given jobs in food services and retail. But how about those that want to pursue other careers? Like Sean who was interested in film? One For All gives adult with special needs the opportunity to pursue a career in what it is they like within the creative field. You can find everything from artistic movie framed posters to bowties, jewelry, canvas bags and totes, and more.
Pearl On Main
Pearl on Main is filled with modern and vintage furnishings. It’s a compact coastal getaway all in a store. I wanted to purchase everything in sight from the wood furniture to the large baskets, handmade pillows, clothing, rugs, and lighting fixtures. White and neutral tones reign here making it a minimalists dream store.
About Food
What drew us next door into About Food is the owner GP Lane’s demeanor. We saw a group of people huddling around the counter inside, like they were admiring some sort of a spectacle or a show. We joined the crowd. GP was sampling his delicious ginger beer, which I had never had before. Only later did Nicole explain to me it’s not actual alcoholic beer, it’s more like a soda. Kind of like Root Beer. Then why call it beer? I digress… I eagerly took my first sip and was thrown for a loop by the after taste. The ginger left a warm lingering heat at the back of my throat. Quite pleasant if you ask me.
The crowd drew in even closer to the back of the store where GP was standing behind the counter. He was elaborating on the products and ingredients he had in store. All products are high-quality and organic. They’re either made right on the North Fork or chosen from select places around the world. He makes his own pesto and sells interesting condiments such as handcrafted mustards, jams, jellies, salad dressings, sauces, oils, and more all from produce on the North Fork.
GP caught me taking a picture of his ode to Pollock, who had lived on Long Island out in East Hampton. A piece of wood, that looked similar to an ore, was suspended in the middle of the store. It was painted white with colorful paint splatters. It read “Pollock” across the wood. GP sells his artwork as well in the store and this was one of those pieces. He told us the paint he used was mixed with a bit of Pollock’s favorite whiskey so he could get into the artists true spirit…now I don’t know if that was true or just a joke, but I like the sentiment behind it!
White Flower Farmhouse
The minute I walked into White Flower Farmhouse, my senses were teased with a comforting and inviting feeling. The sweet smell of lavender in the air, the fun sights and way the windows let in streams of light that reflect off of the soft European linens. The soothing sound of vintage jazz music is playing in the background, the same type Nicole and I listen to when we’re at home or cooking (yes, we’re those girls who are into old school jazz!). It was a haven for down-to-earth utilitarian consumers who were into neutral color tones. If delight was White Flower Farmhouse’s goal, then they reached it.
What they’re most known for is there farm tables made from locally repurposed planked doors and old wood from the North Fork. They’re made by a carpenter in the neighboring town of Peconic. The paint, stain, wax, or style finishes are custom fitted to the client’s desires.
Arni Paperie
I came to this custom stationery store because of something I had read in the North Forker. They had recommended that on a rainy day on the North Fork, you stop by and buy some color by number coloring books. We browsed around and came across some beautiful stationery and a few books. The design was so unique, you could tell a lot of thought was put into every item selected. I took a complimentary postcard of Long Island on the way out as memorabilia.
Visit A Winery: Croteaux Vineyard
When you mention the North Fork, the first association people make are wineries. It is one of the most well-visited wine regions on the Northeast. If you’re from the tri-state area, you know this already. But many who are not from the tri-state area are always surprised when I tell them we have a huge winery scene here. And while the best time of year to visit is sunny days in the spring, summer, and fall, there is plenty to do on rainy days as well. There are many wine tasting rooms beautifully designed to accommodate indoor tastings. But while it may be raining...you can still enjoy your wine outside believe it or not at Croteaux Vineyard.
Yes, I will admit. What drew me to Croteaux Vineyard was not the fact that it is the only vineyard in the US dedicated exclusively to making dry, fresh, fruity, rosé wines–although that is a cool fact. But it was the décor that drew me. Even when it’s raining, the winery has plenty of indoor-outdoor areas that cover you from the rain. Nicole and I enjoyed a glass of rosé under the old barn with lavender and dry flowers hanging above our heads.
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Food For All Times Of The Day
The most talked about place in the town of Southold, and in all of North Fork quite frankly, is North Fork Table & Inn. Unfortunately, everything was booked so I wasn’t able to try the place out. This restaurant set in a historic countryside home lives and breathes by the farm to table philosophy. They utilize food and ingredients from local Long Island farms, vineyards, and waterways and bring it to the table in an effortless yet highly stylized manner. This is definitely on my list for next time. If you’re looking for something a little more lowkey for lunch, their food truck is open every day as well from 11AM – 3:30PM offering a variety of sandwiches, salads, and smokers.
>> Next: Rainy Day On The North Fork: 13 Things To Do (Don’t Cancel Your Trip!)
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