Greenport Village, Long Island, New York

Newsday Article

Greenport, a North Fork charmer
By MICHAEL J. REILLY
Published: June 19, 2005

WHERE

Greenport, on Long Island's North Shore.

Boutique hotels and trendy restaurants make this quaint waterfront town the place from which to explore Long Island's North Fork.

Check out Mitchell Park, which overlooks Greenport Harbor. While parts of the park are under construction as part of a big waterfront improvement, the scenic waterside boardwalk and historic carousel offer old-time charm.

The 40-foot carousel, built in the 1920s as a carnival ride in North Tonawanda, N.Y., is open daily for rides.

ATTRACTIONS

Downtown Greenport has plenty of boutiques, for those who love shopping, as well as art galleries.

Tour local waters aboard the Mary E, a 1906 schooner that leaves at 12:30, 3 and 6 p.m. daily from Preston's dock at the end of Main Street.

For the historically inclined, the East End Seaport Museum & Marine Foundation operates the Maritime Museum, Third Street at Ferry Dock, with exhibits on the fishing and oyster industries. Admission by donation; 631-447-2100; www.eastend seaport.org. The Greenport branch of the Long Island Rail Road Museum is in a former railroad freight house built in 1892. The museum's collection includes artifacts, photographs and other railroad history. www.rmli.org.

For oenophiles, the North Fork is dotted with more than 25 wineries. Tour the vineyards, learn how wine is made or just go tasting. For a list of locations and hours, contact the Long Island Wine Council: 631-369-5887; www.li wines.com.

WHERE TO STAY

Opened in May of last year, The Harborfront Inn at Greenport, 209 Front St., is a 35-room luxury hotel overlooking the harbor. Most rooms have water views and private balconies. There is a fitness center, heated outdoor pool and full-service concierge. Rates are $219-$650 in high season; discounts after Labor Day; 631-477-8661.

The upscale, modern Greenporter Hotel & Spa, 326 Front St., offers such amenities as in-room spa treatments and pet-care services. Peak-season rates range from $179 to $289; 631-477-0066.

Many quality inns and bed-and-breakfasts, where lower rates may be more attractive, include The Townsend Manor Inn, 714 Main St., 631-477-2000; and the Harbor Knoll Bed & Breakfast, 424 Fourth St., 631-477-2352. An option just outside the downtown area is The Soundview Inn, on North Road (Route 48) on the Long Island Sound; 631-477-1910.

WHERE TO EAT

The Frisky Oyster (631-477-4265) is an upscale place with an eclectic menu and vibrant red fabric walls.

Also worthwhile are Claudio's (631-477-0627), a historic restaurant featuring local seafood; pub-style Rhumbline, (631-477-8840); The Loft (631-477-3080) with a second-level outside patio; La Cuvée (631-477-0066), wine bar-bistro; and casual Bay & Main (631-477-1442), with live music on Saturdays.

The Greenport Tea Co. (631-477-8744) serves a full tea in a cozy storefront.

At the high end, lunches average $20 for one course and a drink; full dinners can move to the $75-and-up range.

HOW TO GET THERE

Long Island Expressway (I-495) to exit 73 (County Road 58/Old Country Road exit) toward Greenport/Orient, merge onto CR-58. Pass through one roundabout. CR-58 becomes NY-25. Travel on Route 25 about 7 1/2 miles and it will turn into Front Street in Greenport.