Get Oriented at Orient Beach State Park

Many of you may not be brave enough to hit the beach in Orient Point in the winter, but for those of you who like the outdoors and don't mind the cold (or the fact that the snack bar is closed this time of year), this eastern-most point on the North Fork of Long Island is beautiful all year around. 

According to our friends at WikipediA, this park was designated a National Natural Landmark in April, 1980. It's home to a rare forest containing red cedar black-jack oak trees and prickly-pear cactus. You can walk along the wood deck that overlooks Gardiner's Bay and take in the beautiful views.  On a clear day you might see Gardiner's Island and the Montauk Peninsula in the distance (we did).

We had a great time collecting shells, listening to the waves and watching the birds. 

Whether you head to Orient Beach State Park in the winter or summer, we're sure you'll like what you see.

ORIENT BEACH STATE PARK:

At East end of North County Road (25) on the North Fork

Greenport

THIS LOCATION IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED

We like the snow in the winter, and we certainly have been getting a lot of it this year! One thing is for sure though, Long Island looks lovely covered in white. Snow shouldn't deter you from heading east. In fact, this is a great time of year to enjoy Long Island's East End - you'll have the place all to yourselves (no annoying crowds folks). 

Our suggestion this week - Greenport.

Once a whaling and ship building village, Greenport is a lovely place to spend the day or the weekend. You'll enjoy just walking around and visiting the quaint shops and eateries including the Greenport Tea Company, Verbena and other shops. 

Also stroll along the waterfront where you'll see a large bronze sculpture of an Osprey by Roberto Julio Bessin. It commemorates the Americans who lost their lives during the September 11th attack in 2001.

You'll see, the ground doesn't have to be green to enjoy the North Fork town of Greenport.