North Fork, Long Island, NY Real Estate Blog OptionsRealty.com

Archive for the 'People and Places' Category

Greenport, NY Homes

June 30th, 2009 category: People and PlacesNo Comments »

Meandering in a Greenport neighborhood, Saturday morning…

An Afternoon at Raphael’s Vineyard in Peconic

June 9th, 2009 category: People and Places3 Comments »

We have a friend who happens to be, along with his band partner, an excellent musician, performing as the Earthtones on the North fork/East end of Long Island.

Armed with this information, we decided to visit one of the local vineyards on a Sunday afternoon, just to see what the Earthtones experience was about.

Weekends offer several “live music” signs in front of the numerous vineyards; we have a musical preference, and had been told that theEarthtones might fit the bill. For those seeking out an afternoon sipping wine and listening to live music, you won’t be disappointed.
We aren’t wine “tasters”- our interests might be cultivated in that direction at some point, but frankly, the notion of being very unclear as to what we were tasting (in the presence of experts) remains been a bit intimidating.

No worries- wine tasting (other than enjoying a fabulous glass offered by Raphaels) wasn’t on the menu!

Listening to classics from Bob Dylan or John Prine was a perfect complement to a great glass of wine- no comments on the texture of the vino solicited!

A few suggestions for those that haven’t yet enjoyed the vineyard experience:

Our friends Glenn and Rick are fantastic- we like classic rock, and their offerings were just perfect. The Earthtones offer really, really good listening. The local offerings vary; check ahead to see if the music being offered is in your area of preference.

One doesn’t have to be ANY kind of wine expert to enjoy the ambiance of the local vineyards- Raphaels has an interior full of tables, with a bar in the center- no reason to feel intimidated for simply purchasing a glass of wine with which to enjoy the music!

Some of the vineyards are venues in which it’s a “bring your snacks” environment. We entered the area to see a long table, with a group of people enjoying the fabulous music, the local wine, and a huge array of snacks that were brought by them. Call ahead to check their weekend schedule of events.

There was an outside area, along with several tables inside.

I don’t know about you, but the vineyards this year may usurp a few days out on the boat. While we love sailing, and bringing a picnic, this experience will remain a “keeper”- full enjoyment of local flavor, absent the time consuming task of getting the boat ready (and, sans our bulldog and min-pin, who force a real sense of guilt on our part if we don’t bring them along). Sorry- no dogs allowed at the vineyards!

Live music from the Earthtones, and a great glass of wine in a relaxed, fun environment were exactly what we’d hoped for.

Thanks, Glenn and Rick of the Earthtones, and Raphaels - we loved the music, the wine was wonderful, and we now have a weekend plan for guests that will most certainly include vineyard visiting.

For those interested in a fabulous afternoon, the schedule for the Earthtones can be found below.

Looks like we’ll be doing some more wine tasting!

Look for the Earthtones at the following times/locations in June and July:

Sunwaters Restaurant, Dune Road, Westhampton Beach June 20th, 7-10

Route 48 Vineyards, Cutchogue June 28, 2-6

Laurel Lakes Vineyards, Laurel, July 4, 1-5

Clovis Point Vineyards, July 5, 2-5

Laurel Lakes Vineyards, July 18, 1-5

Bedells Vineyards, Cutchogue July 19, 1-5

Will post August as the summer unwinds. Great music from Glenn and Rick of the Earthtones, and a wonderful atmosphere provided by a Raphaels- thank goodness summer is here!

To view Glenn Jochums website go to www.glennjochum.com- lots of “stuff” for music aficionados.

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North Fork/East end Long Island Events

May 3rd, 2009 category: People and PlacesNo Comments »

When seeking out our favorite spring/summer events on the North fork of Long Island, our go-to is the North Fork Promotional Council. They have a calender of events here.

We missed the Cutchogue Canine Classic last year, but the pics were hilarious- bring your dog to the second annual canine classic, and see if there’s a category that might offer a prize for your prized possession.

In addition to traditional North fork events, the wineries are offering some special interest activities- whether hoping to learn about the art of wine, or simply curious about the cultivation of wine, local vineyards offer ongoing opportunities for exploration.

The Mattituck Strawberry Festival is a biggie out this way, offering rides, crafts, and of course, huge ripe strawberry concoctions, from drinks to cakes.

See you soon!

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Blogger Tells it Like it Feels with Credit Card Companies

April 11th, 2009 category: People and Places, Real Estate News, Real Estate PhilosophyNo Comments »

Frustrated with the shenanigans of credit card companies seeking to raise your rate? We loved this blog, but be aware that it’s pretty blunt, before clicking!

Today’s post comes to us from an Active Rain participant in Melbourne, Fla., Laraine Shape. Her post titled, Bank of America can Just Kiss My Ass raised a laugh.

To get the whole “Poop” [pun intended], Click Here to read Laraine’s entire post on Active Rain.

Thanks for visiting Options Realty. Feel free to sign up below.

To search available homes for sale on the North Fork / East End Long Island or condos on the North Fork of Long Island, click “north fork homes”, enter your area of interest and any parameters, and click “go”- properties for sale include Riverhead, Aquebogue, Baiting Hollow, Calverton, Jamesport, Laurel, Mattituck, Cutchogue, Peconic, Southold, Greenport, East Marion, Orient, Orient Point, Westhampton Beach, Hampton Bays, Flanders, Southampton, Sag Harbor, East Hampton, NY.

To get more specific local North Fork or East End & Hamptons real estate information, fill out the form below with your questions/comments. We know how to find properties coming on the market, and available. If you’re looking for a foreclosure on any part of Long Island, we’ll help you find it.

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As the real estate market continues to challenge the East End

March 23rd, 2009 category: People and Places, SellersNo Comments »

As the real estate market continues to tighten, we’re revisiting our favorite home staging site.

Check out the pics- it really is an art, and Val Allocco at Staged2Sell has it figured out for you.

Our experience with Val resulted in simple, cost effective transformations- it doesn’t have to cost a fortune (or even close) to get expert advice in order to make your home “the nicest on the block.”

Added to her site is an outside/exterior staging expert- with so many opportunities on the north fork to pick up gorgeous plantings, it makes spring a welcomed arsenal toward the goal of getting your home sold!

To see some terrific before and afters, click Staged2Sell

Thank you, Val!

To search available condos or homes for sale on the North Fork / East End Long Island or condos on the North Fork of Long Island, click “north fork homes”, enter your area of interest and any parameters, and click “go”- properties for sale include Riverhead, Aquebogue, Baiting Hollow, Calverton, Jamesport, Laurel, Mattituck, Cutchogue, Peconic, Southold, Greenport, East Marion, Orient, and Orient Point, NY.

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On the East End, the North Fork of Long Island. A Dog-Gone Find.

January 8th, 2009 category: People and Places3 Comments »

Our bulldog, Oliver, became VERY ATTACHED to a very specific dog toy. It was an amazing toy: a rubber ball attached to a string.

IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME THAT, WHEN IT FINALLY (after seven months) EXPIRED, locating the same toy would be a search…resulting in a REAL FIND!

After looking through several stores known for having dog toys, and realizing that a generic variety, rather than the REAL DEAL, would last no more than a few days with our somewhat…exuberant family member, it occurred to me to try a NEW place on the North Fork of Long Island. While calling itself a dog ”daycare”, surely they’d also carry some dog toys…

Not only does DOGTOWN, located at 40385 Rt. 48, Southold NY 11971, carry dog toys, they carry QUALITY dog toys. Sure enough, a container holding my sought after “Oliver toy” was right there in abundance.

Much to my delight, the owners offered me a tour of their new facility. All the while, my mind considered what was once unthinkable: FINALLY, A GREAT PLACE TO LEAVE THE DOGS!

For those of us that travel, even if it’s a visit to see relatives in Westchester NY or Connecticut, such trips never included the luxury of an overnight- to the contrary, plans always revolved around, “What time should we leave to get back to the dogs”?

While bringing Oliver and Greta would be terrific, dogs aren’t always a welcomed appendage (particularly if they’re a bit excitable in a new environment).

For those visiting the east end of Long Island, whether it’s the North Fork or the Hamptons, DOGTOWN is a place where not only will you feel comfortable leaving your best friend for a day (or ten), the convenient location makes it absolutely perfect for frequent “hellos” (if they’ll bother saying “hello” back).

As the pics demonstrate, this is a HAPPY CREW at DOGTOWN- that it’s impeccably clean is just an unexpected bonus.

That the owners are clearly DOG LOVERS is evident in their planning of this luxe dog daycare.

While rates are subject to change, I’ll include their handout (effective 1/09)- along with a phone # to call for reservations. 631-765-8844.

Based on what we’ve seen, this is a place that could end up being “the” place for both locals with beloved dogs, and visitors finally able to comfortably accommodate their four legged friends, so call early!

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Reported Mountain Lion Wrecks Life

November 2nd, 2008 category: North Fork Neighborhoods, People and PlacesNo Comments »

Good for Denise Civiletti. An impressive “exchange” occurred here.

My life, living in the area where mountain lion sitings were confirmed by local residents, has changed.

Mind you, the sitings are QUITE close to our own house.

There’s a sign on the back door that reads, ”No dogs unattended”, lest I forget that with a cat that can jump 15 feet, my privacy fence is not at all that. It is unnerving to have to think about a large predatory cat, claws irrespective. Our bulldog might look VERY appetizing, with the min-pin as an appetizer.

Walking through woods recently purchased by the town is unthinkable for me. Honing in on what appears to be, at least according to sitings, the mountain lions present territory of choice is just creepy.

Would it be better to live in ignorance, assuming that two separate sitings in close proximity were an ignorable (not a word) coincidence? It would be unthinkable not to report it as a serious likelihood, the presence of this large, predatory visitor- escaped exotic pet that it surely is.

It’s also a large animal that instinctively takes advantage of those unaware.

Having just returned from a visit with my granddaughter, and awareness of very small, and small children on my street, thank you for reporting the facts as they were obtained, Denise.

According to local residents who saw the same animal type.

That’s good enough for me until the town exhausts all measures to locate a potentially dangerous animal.

Whose cat is this, anyway?

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Loose Mountain Lion in Southold, Long Island

October 24th, 2008 category: North Fork Neighborhoods, People and Places37 Comments »

Oh- and by the way- did you know that there’s a mountain lion running around in the Bayview neighborhood of Southold, New York?

If you’re going to make a “mountain lion sighting” checklist, it might be good to start off by letting someone know that there is a mountain lion hanging around in your back yard, or sunning in a driveway. A neighbor, relative, police…someone.

Evidently, this cat has been around for more than three months. It would seem odd enough with the first sighting, wouldn’t one think, that alerting people with small children, pets, selves, etc. would be AN ACTION TO TAKE (but evidently wasn’t)???

I guess that a trap that won’t fit the lion, even with “smelly catfood” in it, can be eliminated- it’s been tried.
Our waitress at lunch today was amazed that a side of beef was passed over as bait in favor of a can of nine lives!

If anyone feels the need to let someone know that they’ve seen the mountain lion in MY NEIGHBORHOOD, a few streets away- we couldn’t find the trap but wanted a photo of it- feel free to leave a comment, or photo of the mountain lion. I’ll forward it to someone sometime before it KILLS my small child, relative, pet…?????????????

yikes.

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General Wayne Inn in Southold on the North Fork

October 19th, 2008 category: North Fork Neighborhoods, People and Places, Southold Real Estate2 Comments »

When we first moved to Southold, New York in 2002, there was a structure in our neighborhood called the General Wayne Inn.

Situated oddly, Sean’s father explained that he had in fact dined at this opulent eatery located in the residential area of Bayview- it was a destination spot often navigated on foot, as those in the area were able to combine a nice walk with a fine meal.

The building was abandoned when we viewed it, but still intact- clearly devastated by a fire of some sort, it was destined to deteriorate without immediate intervention.

Below are photos of this once-grand establishment, along with a recent town meeting addressing the uncertain future of this once glorious structure.

http://southoldtown.iqm2.com/citizens/Detail_PublicHearing.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=1106&MediaPosition=&ID=1150&CssClass=

It has increasingly become an eyesore, due to the lack of maintenance and preservation that the owner was unable to provide for it.

I’d love to see it purchased and restored, but as the years go by, all elements worthy of restoration seemingly grow legs- where a sign once proclaimed it’s identity, there is now simply an empty and rotting post.

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Brooklyn Ocean Challenge Cup

September 11th, 2008 category: People and PlacesNo Comments »

I want to help promote this great effort by a great few in celebrating and taking part in this local sailing event. As you may or may not know, we are avid sailors here in our local waters of Eastern Long Island and the Peconics. So it is of great interest to see something from former sailing generations being polished up for us today. The Brooklyn Ocean Challenge Cup, 2008.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Chinese Y.C. and Old Cove Y.C. to host centennial
Brooklyn Ocean Challenge Cup – October 3rd, 2008

Greenport, New York, September 8th, 2008 – The Chinese Y.C. and Old Cove Y.C. will host the centennial Brooklyn Ocean Challenge Cup on October 3, 2008. The race originating in Greenport Harbor and around Block Island will revive the historic CYC perpetual Brooklyn Ocean Challenge Cup, first contested in 1905.

The Cup is recognized as one of contemporary yachting’s inaugural ocean challenges and regarded amongst the most prized Long Island yachting trophies. An account of the 1909 race deemed the race “the blue ribbon of the sea for small sailboat ocean racing”. In 1922 the New York Times described the cup as “one of the most sought for of the metropolitan trophies”.

The history of the esteemed Brooklyn Ocean Challenge Cup dates back to 1904 when the late William Randolph Hearst, then commodore of the prestigious Brooklyn Y.C., deeded a magnificent silver trophy for open ocean racing to the club. The first race, from New York to Hampton Roads, Virginia, took place in 1905 and was won by Frank Maier’s Tamerlane.

Following the Great Depression the competition landed “on the beach.” Indeed the Cup was reported lost or destroyed in the American Y.C. fire of 1952. Fortunately, the reports turned out to be groundless, but they received sufficient attention to raise the Brooklyn Ocean Challenge Cup to a somewhat legendary level. Actually it was safe in the possession of James Heatherton. Heatherton was the sole surviving member, officer and director of the Brooklyn Y.C.

In 1953 Mr. Heatherton deeded the Cup to the CYC as a perpetual trophy for long distance sailing races. The Cup returned to competition the following year. The last competition for the cup was in 1979 and was won by Pat Malloy’s Mandrake. Since 1905 the cup has been under the auspices of more than 10 yacht clubs has been contested for 26 times. A full account of the Cup’s race history is available at www.brooklyncup.com.

The centennial race is being organized by the CYC and OCYC in cooperation with Shelter Island Y.C., the Village of Greenport and the East End Museum and Maritime Foundation. In addition to the CYC perpetual Brooklyn Ocean Challenge Cup the Village of Greenport will sponsor the Greenport Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the yacht taking line honors. SIYC will sponsor a team racing trophy. The organizers are enthusiastic that the BOCC will become an annual event.