We love exploring the North Fork of Long Island. The wineries and orchards are indisputably great destinations, but after a quick anniversary getaway with my husband, we're sharing some less obvious -- and highly recommended -- stops! 

We've previously dined at North Fork Table & Inn (highly recommend!) and The Halyard (the most incredible sunset view) but wanted to try something new this time around. We set out towards Greenport at the very end of the North Fork and made a few stops at some of our favorite shops before settling into our hotel for the evening.

One Kourt Studio: We stopped in for a bottle of natural wine. Probably my favorite wine store on Long Island for its artisanal and natural offerings. 

Greenport Pottery: Just outside of the Greenport's main drag, this fabulous pottery shop (which has operated here since 1981) sells glazed stoneware, much of which I've accumulated over the years: wine coolers, colanders, vases, even bird houses!

Beall & Bell: I've purchased so many great finds here! The proprietor, Ginger, has the best eye and lists pieces for purchase on Instagram. My beloved mid-century modern lamps from Beall & Bell:

After some shopping around we checked into our accommodations at The Shoals Suites & Slips in Southhold (just before Greenport on the NoFo). The dockside suites are modern, clean, and super well-equipped (bikes, a super cute gift shop, and complimentary Southhold General baked goods in the morning). Plus there's a food truck that serves our very favorite Little Ram Oysters:

For our anniversary dinner, we took the North Ferry over to beautiful, Shelter Island. We drove around for idyllic sunset views of harbors and fields full of wildflowers and deer, then made our way to Vine Street Cafe, which also has an awesome market where we'd previously picked up provisions:

After a great (no-child-waking-me-up-rest) at The Shoals we drove into nearby Southold and picked up coffees at Southhold General before popping into two of my all-time favorite Long Island shops, White Flower Famhouse (simple ceramics, linens, and decor for a laid back country vibe) and their recently opened flower shop, where I've scored beautiful planters, botanical notecards, and the sweetest topiaries: 

Driving back west from these tranquil little villages on the North Fork, you'll hit numerous excellent farmstands and food purveyors. Our favorites? The Village Cheese Shop in Mattituck and the excellent (and incredibly local) Farm-to-Table butcher and purveyor 8 Hnds in Cutchogue. Also, we can't wait to try the newly opened Minnow Restaurant in nearby New Suffolk.