By Ruth Thomas
Holiday shopping on the North Fork can be an exciting and enjoyable experience. Treasures abound in the many local shops and stores throughout the quaint hamlets of the North Fork, featuring beautiful clothing, fine accessories, handmade jewelry, fun children’s toys, delicious chocolates, and so much more. Shop local and discover the many fine gifts the North Fork has to offer during the holidays.
The charming Village of Greenport is known for its many specialty shops. From clothing to candy, you can find it all here at the trendy boutiques along Front and Main Streets. On Front Street, stop at Not Just Bows and pick up some fun hats, gloves, and scarves. Browse through interesting books at Burton’s Bookstore highlighting a wonderful collection of Long Island books as well as a great nautical section. Look in Blue Ruth and find that distinctive piece of handmade jewelry, featuring the work of owner/designer Susan Pridham. She also showcases local artisans. Visit Rose & Dee’s Jewelry & Crafts for a fine selection of sterling silver jewelry. Discover Kharmah presenting comfortable and casual women’s clothing made from natural materials such as linen, cotton, and bamboo. In addition, they carry accessories and unique jewelry.
Head South on Main Street and explore Di Angela Leather for a nice assortment of women and men’s quality leather goods, including handbags, shoes, jackets, wallets, and gloves. Go to Goldsmith’s Toys & Electronics for toys, sporting goods, kites, puzzles, and art supplies for kids and adults. Venture into Creations by Lisa for fashionable apparel and accessories for women and children at reasonable prices. Check out Verbena presenting fine gifts and home décor including jewelry, housewares, candles, and soaps. Pick out a fun toy for your pet at Harbor Pet, a boutique style pet store, also including designer beds, hand-painted food bowls, and luxurious clothing for your favorite companion. Browse at Simply Beautiful Boutique offering a large selection of jewelry, handbags, scarves, and accessories for all occasions.
Go North on Main Street and indulge in nostalgic candy, delicious chocolates, and exquisite gifts including picture frames, jewelry, and accessories at Sweet Indulgences. Pop into Land Shark Unlimited, with a supply of specialty sweatshirts and T-shirts, celebrating Greenport and the North Fork. They also have a variety of nautical gifts and home décor. View the beautiful collection of Italian hand-painted ceramics and hand-blown Venetian glass at Doofpot. Visit Taste Boutique, a high quality accessory, fashion, and gift boutique, with an expansive jewelry collection ranging from vintage to modern contemporary. Pick out stylish women’s clothing, jewelry, and accessories at Impulse Boutique.
From Greenport, head west to Mattituck’s enchanting Love Lane. Walk along the picturesque street that features cute shops with distinctive gifts, fine cheeses, delectable chocolates, a chic clothing boutique, and a new toy store. Discover Love Lane Toys featuring dolls, puzzles, and train sets as well as unique and educational toys. Visit delightful Bauer’s Love Lane Shoppe, presenting soaps, candles, jewelry, bags, and more. Indulge in the great assortment of local and imported cheeses at The Village Cheese Shop, with a selection of over 200 cheeses (mainly European and some American), as well as premium meats. Michael Affatato recently purchased the landmark cheese shop from founder Rosemary Batcheller and plans to carry local and French wines starting in November. Order a cheese platter or gift basket for the holidays. Try Love Lane Sweet Shoppe for some scrumptious chocolates and candies and order a gourmet basket of luscious chocolates. Check out Mint, a premiere clothing boutique for women, that offers the latest styles in women’s fashion. They carry a multitude of dresses, blouses, and denim as well as a wide array of jewelry and accessories.
Also in Mattituck, stop by the Mattituck Shopping Plaza off Main Road and look through RENEE’S Mattituck, the premier fashion retailer on Long Island. Owned by the Gildersleeve family, a third generation family-run business, offering men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, furniture, and accessories. Featuring contemporary and trendy fashions.
Continue west on Main Road to Jamesport, and visit the Jamesport Country Store in the Old Telephone Company Building, owned by the Waldman family for over 40 years. Choose from an assortment of vintage goods, handmade crafts, local photography, candles, soaps, books, old-fashioned toys, candy, and various collectibles and gifts.
While out shopping in the many towns along the North Fork, stop at some vineyards for a wine tasting experience, dine at the fine “farm to table” restaurants for a lunch or dinner break, and make sure to take in the beauty of the fall season as winter slowly approaches. Visit the many local specialty stores on the North Fork and enjoy the pastoral landscape along the way.
