Mashomack Preserve is considered one of the richest habitats in the Northeast.  The preserve contains 2,039 acres, which is about 1/3 of the island.  Among the riches to be found are tidal creeks, oak woodlands, fields, and freshwater marshes.  The preserve is often referred to as the “Jewel of the Peconic” and is edged in white by 10 miles of coastline.  Mashomack Preserve is open 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., March through September, and 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. October through February.

For those seeking birds, you will not be disappointed.  Many birds are year around residents of Shelter Island and the list is long.  It includes Cedar Waxwing, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, American Robin, House Finch, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and Carolina Wren.  Migrating birds throughout the Spring and Fall include Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Purple Finch, Indigo Bunting, Canada Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Palm Warble, Black-throated Green Warbler, and others.  Lastly, there are the Summer visitors.  They can be a mixed variety but Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, Common Yellowthroat, Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Great-crested Flycatcher, Black-and-white Warbler, Piping Plover, Least Tern, and Osprey.  I think that covers the birds, but let us know if we missed any!

Vacationing on Long Island and going to the beach just seem to be like peas in a pod.  One of the favorite beaches is Orient Beach State Park.  Orient Beach has 45,000feet of frontage on Gardiners Bay and the water is calm and delightful.  It has been said that Orient Beach “has the most shells available at any state park beach” and is a shell-collecting paradise.  Now this is an activity all in itself and a delightful way to enjoy the day.  Of course, to make it a little more enjoyable there is also a bathhouse, showers, restrooms, and a food concession stand.   

Visitors at the beach can swim in the bay, fish, picnic, play ball, go hiking or biking, and enjoy a calming walk on one of the many nature trails.  Since this is a calm beach, it is also perfect for kayaking.  So bring your own or plan to rent one at the beach.  Bike rentals are also available, so not to worry if you do not have yours with you!  However, the all time favorite thing to do is just sit in a beach chair and feel the warmth of the sunshine.  Now this is summer on Long Island!

On Saturday, June 26th, the day will be jam packed with events at local vineyards starting at noon. Renowned chefs will include Chef Lia Fallon, a New York-based chef and food stylist extraordinaire; Chef Arie Pavlou, Executive Chef at the soon-to-open Comtesse Therese Bistro in Aquebogue; and Chef Noah of Noah’s Place in Greenport. Paula Croteaux, owner of the Farmhouse Kitchen Cooking School, will be doing  demonstrations;  organic wines will be paired with chocolate, art shows will be happening, and wine, wine, and more wine will be flowing!

Sunday the weekend wraps up with a Grand Tasting at Mitchell Park in Greenport. Over 50 local wineries and restaurants will participate while overlooking the lovely view of the harbor. Weekend guests of the Arbor  View House Bed and Breakfast will receive two complimentary tickets for the Grand Tasting on June 27th, so make your reservations soon!

Cedar Beach Country Park in Southold is a 68 acre park with over 2,800 feet on Shelter Island Sound.  From the park, visitors can enjoy great vistas of Shelter Island Sound and the saltwater marshes of Cedar Beach Harbor.

Arshamomaque Point in Southold encompasses a 54-acres wooded preserve with several trails that wind through mature woodlands, ponds, and saltwater wetlands.

Arshamomaque Preserve in Greenport is a 120 acre preserved owned by the Town of Southold.  They have 1.3 miles of nature trails that wander through mature woodlands, freshwater wetlands, and open fields.

Inlet Pond Park in Greenport enjoys a 55 acre preserve with 1.6 miles of trails leading to Inlet Pond and Long Island Sound.  The North Fork Audubon has a visitor’s center and also offers nature programs.

Dam Pond Maritime Reserve in East Marion is a 36 acre reserve also owned by the Town of Southold.  Here you can enjoy a small protected bay, grasslands, saltwater marshes and woodlands.  There is also a trail that wanders through the reserve which is 1.2 miles long. This trail is a favorite of bird watchers and I love jogging in this park.  The Audubon Society keeps track of the birds that are found here.   This reserve is about a quarter mile from the B&B.

It will take some time to try them all, but we will enjoy having you as our guest at the Arbor View House Bed and Breakfast as you explore the North Fork Wine Country of Long Island

Noah Schwartz, former chef at the Seafood Barge in Southold, has opened a new Greenport restaurant, Long Island.  The restaurant is at the former location of the Frisky Oyster Bar on 136 Front Street and is called Noah’s.  As the Seafood Barge could not renew their lease, Noah quickly scouted the area and found that this location would be perfect for him.  Renovations were underway and now Noah’s is officially open.

Noah is a native Long Islander and a graduate of New England Culinary School and worked for over seven years in California’s wine country and then made his move to long Island North  Fork Wine country.   He has experience in opening restaurants and this one is very special to him, as it is his own.  Noah will be bring to Noah’s, a culinary experience enjoyed in California and he is already receiving positive feedback from his customers.  Recent reviews had customers raving about the scallop ceviche and pomegranate ribs.  The sardines were quite a surprise and totally delicious as is the  Pulled Duck from the Crescent Farms in Aquebogue.  There are so many Oyster dishes  so that you’d think that he’d call the place Noah’s Oysters. Even though the menu is mostly fresh seafood, Noah is a master with the Steak which  is done with Manchego Cheese and rich crispy onions, yummy.

The concept at Noah’s is to offer “small plates” at the top of his menu ranging from $6 to $15.  Thus, allowing his guests to sample multiple smaller plates and enjoying a variety of dishes.  The menu also features 2-3 oz. wine pours to accompany the small plates.  Of course, to balance this he will also have snacks on the menu beginning at $3.  Truly a delightful way to dine!

We have eaten there several times and recommended Noah’s to guests  who rave about the selections and love the ambiance and personal service. What we love the best are the small plates giving you more choices to sample several dishes.  Noah’s Restaurant is now the newest and  hottest restaurant in Greenport.

Call for reservations at 631-477-6720 tell them Wilfred from Arbor View House Bed & Breakfast sent you.

While activities at Mitchell Park vary according to the season, this is the time of year to enjoy ice skating!  When I think of ice skating, I envision the romance and grace of skating and just how truly beautiful it is to watch and enjoy.  The ice skating rink at Mitchell Park is open daily and they offer skate rentals for guests without skates.  Also, if you have not been skating in a long time or have never skated before, they also offer private lessons.

After an afternoon or evening of skating, return to the Arbor View House to enjoy some afternoon delights along with a relaxing aromatherapy bath and cozy fire.  Or, take advantage of your romantic escape with a couples massage.  Then slip into your fluffy bathrobe and cuddle in for the evening.  You will have to agree that this is romance at its finest!

Reserve our Romantic Holiday Magic package and get ready to be pampered!   A welcome basket awaits you upon arrival, chock full of chocolate truffles, assorted nuts, cheese, crackers, and Champagne.  Slip into the fluffy bathrobes and slippers and relax in front of the fireplace or in your private Jacuzzi.  During your stay, you will each also enjoy a sixty minute massage and a luxurious Aromatherapy Bath.  During the day, visit our local North Fork Award Winning Wineries and take advantage of discounts provided by the Arbor View House Bed and Breakfast.  As the evening hour approaches, enjoy a romantic dinner at one of local restaurants, as a gift certificate of $100 is included within this special getaway package. 

Sadly, the getaway will come to an end but you will always remember the memorable breakfasts and moments shared during your romantic getaway.  This is sure to become part of your Holiday celebrations!