There’s just something about July on the North Fork. The scent of sun-warmed lavender in the breeze, heirloom tomatoes in abundance, and that signature blend of coastal charm and farm-to-table deliciousness. As your go-to girl for everything fabulous North Fork, I’ve curated my essential July Bucket List. These are the moments to make the season, all thoughtfully curated to celebrate the very best of summer 2025. Let’s dive in!
Festive Fireworks at Peconic Bay Vineyards
Summer doesn’t officially begin for me until I’m lounging on a vineyard lawn with chilled rosé in hand, watching fireworks shimmer above the vines. Peconic Bay Vineyards hosts the most dazzling Independence Day celebration, and it only gets better each year. Expect sweeping views, next-level barbecue from The Catered Fork, icy oysters from Hampton Oyster Co., and that nostalgic sweet touch from Mister Softee.
The event to kick off the season happens on July 5. You can opt for general admission by the carload or elevate your evening with upgraded seating in the garden or at the vineyard picnic tables. The fireworks display is long, spectacular, and utterly unforgettable. Word to the wise, tickets always go quickly, so reserve early.
The Ultimate “Boatel” Experience with Ride Shore at The Shoals
Summer on the Fork means getting on the water, and The Shoals has made it effortlessly stylish through their partnership with Ride Shore. Whether you’re cruising at golden hour or planning an indulgent day at sea, these charters are giving classic Riviera energy with a distinctly North Fork twist.
My personal favorite is Felicity, a gorgeously restored 1978 Hinckley 40’ that blends retro glam with graceful power. Choose from a lineup of sleek boats like the Chris-Craft Corsair 25’ or the ultra-spacious Formula 33’. Each charter includes a captain, fuel, dockage, and coolers stocked with ice and water. For the ultimate onboard indulgence, add a curated boat picnic by Maizeat and Chef Cheo Avila.
Dinner plans? Ride Shore’s dock-and-dine water taxi service makes restaurant hopping a breeze. Start at The Shoals and choose from destinations like Claudio’s in Greenport to Sunset Beach on Shelter Island and Le Bilboquet in Sag Harbor, you’ll arrive by sea, with zero traffic and maximum style.
Summer Nights at Southold Social
This summer, Southold Social is fully stepping into its role as the Fork’s chicest social club. The nightly lineup is effortlessly stylish and undeniably delicious, the kind of place where evenings begin with oysters and end with dancing under the stars.
Mondays are all about surf and turf, with a lobster bake featuring a raw bar, 1 ¼ pound lobster, and perfectly grilled steak. Thursdays call for alfresco oysters at The Prive, the exclusive open-air space designed for sipping, savoring, and socializing. Fridays bring live jazz and artisan cocktails under the stars, served lounge-style with a dose of downtown edge.
Bring your favorite people and your best summer look. Southold Social is where luxe North Fork nights truly begin.
Coffee, pastries, and Porsches, yes, please. On July 27, Southold Social is turning up the luxury with a curated car show featuring high-end rides, followed by a chic summer brunch from 11 AM to 1 PM.
Duryea’s Orient Point Beach Club Brings Major Vibes
If you know Duryea’s in Montauk, then you’ll love its slightly more tucked-away sister in Orient Point. The Beach Club here feels like a hidden coastal gem, effortlessly stylish and elevated in all the right ways.
Reserve your spot by vibe — Water’s Edge for 2 to 3, Sandbox for a small group, or Loungers for a full party crew and indulge in a chic menu of Mediterranean spreads, lobster sliders, grilled brochettes, and a show-stopping raw bar. Fridays feature $1 oysters all day, which is reason enough to cancel all other plans.
Add a bottle of rosé, the perfect playlist, and frozen desserts that taste like summer in a spoon. This is your Hamptons alternative with a French Riviera spirit.
Elevated Eats at the North Fork Table & Inn Food Truck and Beer Garden in Southold
Sometimes, the most memorable meals come wrapped in parchment and served on picnic tables. Enter the NFTI Food Truck, now with an on-site beer garden that brings a whole new level of laid-back luxury to your North Fork days.
Still serving their iconic Big Grin Burgers and indulgent duck fat hashbrowns, this summer they’ve added loaded hot dogs, icy Limeade Slushies, and a beer truck to round out the experience. And let’s talk about the new must-try: Harvest Sticky Buns. These golden, gooey delights are inspired by Southold’s lush fields and made in small batches, which means they’re gone quickly. Place your order early and thank me later.
Whether you’re stopping by post-beach or making it your afternoon destination, this food truck scene is deliciously casual with just the right amount of chic.
So, what’s on your July Bucket List? From vineyard fireworks to floating picnics, exclusive beach clubs to sticky bun cravings, the North Fork has officially entered its high season. Answer the call in your summer whites and come celebrate the season in style.
