It is divided by more than just water. Commonly called the South and the North Fork - never the twain shall meet. Although I spent years exploring the South Fork, I hardly knew the North Fork. But all that changed last weekend.
Although this area is quickly being "discovered", I found at its heart no change. While wineries have become the it destination, the downtown areas with turn of the century buildings, funky antique shops and unique stores showcasing local production, is what's keeping this part of the Island unique.
Great farm to table restaurants have sprung up but the area remains unscathed by big name brand stores. Whereas East Hampton's downtown seems to be synonymous with brand store shopping not so Greenport. I happily did not see one (sorry Tory Burch and Ann Taylor's of the world).
The North Fork remains rustic and homey because it has kept big brands at bay. Local folks tell me everybody fiercely protective of what they have and locking the developers out. Fingers crossed it stays that way. X
Wherever I went there were treasures to be found. Shopping a consignment shop, shucking our oysters, a vineyard owner graciously allowed me to claim his empty nest. Taking our church BBQ lunch to a picnic table at the seashore. And I learned about the finer points of wine tasting.