20 North Fork things to do before that first school bell rings
Believe it or not, here we are — the final stretch of school break upon us. Whether you had a long and leisurely summer or felt it flew by way too fast, there are still a handful of days to make the most of what’s left. Need suggestions on what to do? We have you covered with our list of 20 things to do before school is in session. Long live summer.
Take a moonrise swim in the Peconic Bay
Spend a calm morning in Orient with breakfast at the new Moonflower Café and a stroll in Poquatuck Park
Catch the final night of Dances in The Park on Monday, 8/26 with reggae band Winston Irie
Meander through Landcraft Garden Foundation in Mattituck, and don’t miss the honey harvest on Saturday. 8/31 — open to all ages
Clean up your favorite beach, with the help of Relic’s Beach Cleanup Stations across the North Fork, or head to Hallockville State Park Preserve for AMSEA’s weekly cleanup on Saturdays at 10 a.m.
Learn how to skateboard at Greenport Skate Park’s group clinics on Saturday, 8/31 & Sunday, 9/1
Find a windy night to head to the Sound and run from the waves — sandy feet welcome, change of clothes optional
Savor a late-season U-pick
Cruise local waters to capture sights of eight East End lighthouses on the Lighthouse Tour by Cross Sound Cruises
Learn about the fisherman (and his largest catch!) that inspired the main character in the movie “Jaws” at East End Seaport Museum’s Shark Exhibit, also check out the Children’s Room
See which truck pulls the most weight at Long Island Antique Power Association’s Truck Pulls on Saturday, 8/31
Stargaze at Custer Institute and Observatory on a Saturday evening
Slurp down watermelon in a watermelon eating contest at Harbes Family Farm on Saturday, 8/24 & Sunday, 8/25 during its Watermelon Festival
Stock up on books for fun from Southold Library’s Book Cottage, open Wednesdays and Saturdays
Head to the racetrack for Riverhead Raceway’s School Bus Demolition Derby on Saturday, 8/24
Take your final swing at Drossos Mini Golf and stay for lunch or dinner at Jennie’s at Drossos Snack Bar
Paint on a chocolate canvas at Disset Chocolate, Saturdays from noon until 3 p.m.
Wrap up summer break with Finding Nemo at The Suffolk on Sunday, 8/25
Bring dinner and sparklers to your favorite beach and linger until dark
Set the alarm clock and head to Orient for a final summer break sunrise