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Located on the North Fork of Long Island, Greenport and greater
Southold hold a treasure trove of shops, activities, museums, and (of
course) wineries. Best thing is, you can avoid the summer traffic and
take the ferry right into town. by Colin M. Graham and Alexandra Myerson
SHOP TILL YOU DROP
MINT
While this high-end shop carries a few mainstream
lines like Milly, Alice + Olivia, and Shoshanna,
owner Joanna Leigh Mazzella prides herself on
offering some obscure pieces, too, including works
from up-and-coming designers both in the US and
overseas. Decorated in a mint green theme, it’s
the newest location of three shops (the other
two are in Mattituck and Westhampton
Beach) and flaunts a beachier feel to match
the laid-back atmosphere of the ’Port. With
a variety of trendy accessories, shoes,
jewelry, hats, bathing suits, and more,
it’s no wonder celebrities like Mandy
Moore and Susan Lucci frequent this
hot spot. 15 Front Street, Suite 4,
Greenport, 477-6436; shopmint.com.
NOW AND ZEN
Every now and then Hamptonites
have the urge to kick back with a little
knit and purl. Owner Christine
Henson has made Now and Zen the
go-to place for all needlework needs.
The three-year-old store carries a
variety of hand-spun and handdyed
yarns, needles, kits, and
hand-designed bags. And even if
you’ve never done a slip-knit or a
yarn-over before, don’t fret—the
shop holds one-on-one lessons,
by appointment, and group
knit-ins every Tuesday night
from six to eight. 211 East
Front Street, Greenport, 477-
2585; nowandzenyarns.com.
TRIANGLE SEA SALES
Established more than 30 years ago by husband-
and-wife team Joseph and Elaine Henry,
Triangle Sea Sales is the Greenport destination
for the nautically inclined. Enter through its
“old shoppe” exterior and you’re presented
with touristy items and ornamental pieces ranging
from plaques and jewelry to souvenirs and
naval trinkets. Head to the back of the store for
old binnacles, telescopes, compasses, vintage
nautical postcards, and handcrafted ship models.
A few steps farther you’ll hit “Shipwreck
Alley”—one part junkyard, one part museum,
it’s filled with used boat parts, hardware, and
old fishing gear. 36 South Street, Greenport,
477-1773; triangleseasales.com.
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VELVET ELVIS
Velvet Elvis is the home base for Metal Monk
jewelry, a collection designed by owners
Adam and Donya Kaufer. Metal Monk is a
unique line of handcrafted pieces ranging
from high-end, semiprecious items from the
Cherry Brand and Thematic collections to the
less expensive chic accessories in the Pink
Monkey line. (You can also find these pieces
at chains like Urban Outfitters and
Anthropologie.) In addition to its own jewelry,
Velvet Elvis features large metal sculptures by
Fred Conlin and smaller decorative pieces by
Tamara Hensick, plus hand-painted pottery
by Sugar Post pottery and glassware. For hip
and original items for both your body and
your home, Velvet Elvis is a definite must-see. 110 Front Street, Unit 5, Greenport, 477-2722;
metalmonk.com.
 AROUND TOWN
ANTIQUE CAROUSEL
Donated in 1995 by the Northrop Grumman
Corporation, this charming carousel was
originally built in the 1920s. Decked with
bright colors and charismatic horses, it’s a
great place to lighten up and have fun
whether you’re young or just young at heart.
Those who are daring can try their hand at
grabbing the brass ring; its capture wins a
free ride. Mitchell Park on Front Street,
Greenport, 477-2200.
EAST END SEAPORT MUSEUM AND MARINE FOUNDATION
The North Fork is best known for two things:
wineries and marinas. This museum caters to
the latter, featuring exhibitions on Greenport’s
maritime history. The most popular exhibits
are probably the Fresnel lenses, which are
used to pass more light through lighthouses so
they can be seen from farther distances. In
September the museum hosts the annual
Maritime Festival, a celebration full of kayak
derbies, whale boat races, and the famous
Clam Chowder contest. Third Street at the ferry
dock, Greenport, 477-2100; eastendseaport.org.
EDITOR’S PICKS FOR KIDS
CAPTAIN’S KIDDS SUMMER CAMP
Greenport’s nautical legacy lives on for children every summer at the Captain’s Kidds Summer
Camp. During the weeklong program, youngsters ages six to 12 will learn about the area’s aquatic history
and boat basics like knot tying and mapmaking, and prepare for a Kidd-based Maritime Pirate
musical production that’s performed on the last day of the camp. The program offers “one week of
seafaring drama promising a boatload of fun.” Shiver me timbers! Call 765-6235 or visit kiddscamp.com.
SCHOONER MARY E
From August 9 to 11, the Mary E will be docking in Greenport. Built in 1906 and refurbished in 1963, the
historic schooner offers daily sails and private charters during which you can learn how to hoist the sails,
man the helm, and navigate. Or you can kick back on the deck and enjoy the views as you slip through
the waves. If you have an interest in sailing—or are just looking for a great way to spend the day with family
or friends—don’t miss out on a chance to board this beautiful vessel. 101-A East Broadway, Port
Jefferson, 662-7925; for private charters call 332-0699 or e-mail captericvandy@aol.com; schoonermarye.com.
HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
COREY CREEK VINEYARDS
If you’re looking for a great bottle of wine and
some sweet R&R, head over to this vineyard
where the tasting room opens to a wide outdoor
deck—great for taking in the view while sipping
on their renowned Reserve Chardonnay or
Gewürztraminer. Don’t miss the live music performances
every weekend or the wine and
cheese pairings held the last Saturday of every
month, and make sure to try some of their
homemade, all-natural jams and jellies. 45470
Main Road, Route 25, Southold, 765-4168;
bedellcellars.com.
OLD FIELD VINEYARDS
This family-owned vineyard has been around
since the mid-seventies, first producing fruit and
then wines, beginning with its 1997 Pinot Noir.
Now offering a variety of selections like Merlots,
Cabernet Francs, Chardonnays, and the newly
released Blanc de Noir sparkling wines, Old
Field hosts walking tours every Saturday, symposiums
on global wines, and live music
throughout the summer. 59600 Main Road,
Route 25, Southold, 765-0004; theoldfield.com.
 DID YOU KNOW?
• George Washington and Walt Whitman both
summered in Greenport and Southold.
• South Fork restaurateur Nello Balan recently
bought two Greenport buildings where he
plans to open a hotel/restaurant next year.
• During the summers of 1938 and 1939, Albert
Einstein rented a cottage on Little Peconic Bay
in Southold. An avid (if somewhat awkward)
sailor, Einstein, who spent the summer sailing
in his boat Tineff (a Yiddish word meaning
“worthless”), called the bay “the most beautiful
sailing ground I ever experienced.”
• Throughout its history, Greenport has been
known by several names. In the pre-
Revolutionary War years, it was originally
called Winter Harbor. The town was later
renamed Stirling, then changed again to
Greenhill before being officially dubbed
Greenport in 1838 upon its incorporation into
Southold Town.
• Claudio’s Restaurant in Greenport is the oldest
single-family-owned restaurant in the country—
it’s been in the same hands since 1870.
BY THE NUMBERS
103
Number of voyages made by the 24 whaling ships located in Greenport between 1795
and 1859
1640
Year the famed Hamptons music venue
and night spot the Stephen Talkhouse
opened its doors
1838
Year Greenport was incorporated as part of the town of Southold |
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| The complete article appears on page 120 in the July 11–July 17, 2008 issue of Hamptons. SUBSCRIBE NOW and get Hamptons delivered direct. |
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