Ketanga Kollection: Top 5 Things to do in the North Fork, NY

Ahhh, the North Fork! When crowds of New Yorkers head to the Hamptons for weekend getaways, we love to visit a different part of Long Island. The North Fork, known for its vineyards, farms and family-run businesses, is a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

At Ketanga, we are all for a balanced lifestyle. So workouts and wine? Yes please! We love hosting retreats out on the North Fork where we work out in between the actual grape vines and then sip on some of the best vino around.

Coming up next are our Box Wine retreat and our Labor Day Yoga & Wine Retreat! For a sneak peek of what to expect, or to take your own trip to the North Fork, read on for some of our favorites.Cheers!

1st stop: Biscuits for brunch

Main Road Biscuit Company is always our first and last stop in the North Fork. Known for its farm-fresh omelets and sandwiches and famous biscuits, Biscuit is just so good! On a nice day, ask to sit on the small back porch for fresh air and quiet, and be sure to say hi to the owner Marissa - one of the hardest working women we know :) Looking for a place to go to digest after your meal? The South Jamesport Beach is about a 2-minute drive and is the perfect spot to enjoy your food coma!

2nd stop: Adventure at Orient Point

Our best-kept secret deserves to be set free. Orient Beach State Park is the ultimate escape from your weekend escape! Located at the easternmost tip of the North Fork, Orient Beach State Park is the go-to- for activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, nature walking, and playing beach games. It's also a low-key option for relaxing on the beach with stunning views and enjoying a picnic with friends. 

3rd stop: Lunch & chill in Greenport

Arguably the cutest town in the North Fork, Greenport is home to lots of restaurants, bars and boutiques. You can easily make a day of wandering in and out of shops, perhaps buying overpriced Greenport sweatshirts to remind you of your incredible getaway. Another idea is to hang out in Mitchell Park and even do a workout in the big open space overlooking the marina and antique carousel!

4th stop: Wine-d down at a vineyard (or two)

When in the North Fork, one must wine (and dine). With over 60 vineyards to pick from, it can be hard to pick where to go, so here are some of our favorites!

• For the view, Palmer Vineyards takes the cake. They have over 90 picturesque planted acres and adhere to sustainable wine growing practices.
• For the taste, Laurel Lake Vineyards is our go-to! In a recent Pilates & Pinot retreat, guests truly loved each one of the wines in our tasting (and it's hard to please everyone in a group!). Our favorite? The Cabernet Franc!
• For the tiny bubbles, Sparkling Pointe is the top choice. They take sparkling to another level with multiple varieties and even have unique tasting options like a chocolate pairing (so worth it!).

5th stop: Dinner fit for a king

For this one, you HAVE to arrive hungry. No joke, the portions are massive and absolutely delicious! Situated next to the water at Strong's Water Club & Marina, Paces Dockside is one of our absolute favorite restaurants to take retreat groups on the North Fork. With fresh, local produce, creative spins on classic dishes and unparalleled views of sunset, Paces wins in our book. Try the Oriental Duck Wings and Baked Clams for apps and the cheesecake for dessert!

If these activities sound like a good time, consider joining one of our upcoming Workout & Wine retreats! Coming up next: Box Wine and Yoga & Wine retreats.

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