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Slowly waking from its winter slumber, the North Fork comes alive again now that we are well into spring. With this also comes a wave of seasonal visitors looking for rest and relaxation, and a little fun in the calm before summer. Being a seasonal area, many restaurants and businesses break for the off season to reset and refocus, while others prepare to open for the first time. Monthly events, art show openings, and old favorites back for another season are just a few things to look forward to this month as doors open for spring. Here are our picks for May…

Orenda
Inspired by feminine strength, the history of adornments, and the power of rituals, Orenda has opened its doors on Front Street in Greenport. The fine jewelry shop is run and curated by designer Susan Pridham of Blue Ruth and jeweler Alexa Suess of Common Ground Adornments. The duo each create their own unique pieces honoring globalism, humanism, and all things female, while also sourcing pieces that reflect these ideals from other women designers and creatives. The shop alone offers inspiration for those looking for a little harmony in their lives with wall hangings, crystals, wood carvings, leather bound journals, accessories, and more. It’ll be hard to walk in and walk out empty handed. Rest assured, there is a little something beautiful for everyone inside Orenda.

Love Lane First Fridays Return
This month marks the return of Love Lane First Fridays which will run on the first Friday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m. now through October. Walk the quaint little street as it closes and local businesses popup for summer and fall fun. Try bites and sips from local shops like Love Lane Kitchen, Lombardi’s Love Lane Market, The Village Cheese Shop, Roanoke Vineyards, and more while listening to live music. It’s a great family event where the kids can get their faces painted and adults can shop goods from local artisans. Oh, and it’s free. Kick start your summer weekend on Love Lane.

North Fork Art Shows
Local artists help define the culture of the North Fork. This month, be sure to check out these shows and take it all in. Fine artist Kelly Franké’s charcoal drawings will be on display at the Rosalie Dimon Gallery in Jamesport. To celebrate the arrival of sunnier times, “Here Comes the Sun” juried art show will be on view at the East End Arts Gallery in Riverhead. “White Paintings,” an exhibition of new works by Brooklyn and Long Island-based artist Jacqueline Ferrante is on now view at VSOP Projects in Greenport. A group show of women artists, “Solely Women,” will have its opening reception this month at the William Ris Gallery in Jamesport.

Restaurants Reopening
We could not possibly wait any longer for these North Fork restaurants to reopen their doors for the summer. This month, regional Italian restaurant Barba Bianca will be back with chef Frank DeCarlo at the helm of this waterfront hotspot right on Preston’s Dock in Greenport. The Claudio’s empire will reopen Memorial Day weekend under new ownership, honoring the restaurant’s history and simultaneously looking toward the future. Salt on Shelter Island and its sister restaurant, Port in Greenport, will soon join in opening for the summer season as well. Bonus: all of these restaurants offer water views. All the more reason to love the month of May!