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Pumpkin Search on the North Fork of Long Island

September 5th, 2008 category: People and PlacesNo Comments »

As reluctant as many of us are to let go of summer months on the North fork of Long Island, fall brings activities that offer fun that appeal to any age level.

Not initially believing in the challenge of the corn maze (it’s tough to imagine that our corn season is coming to an end already…), last season, we took it upon ourselves to indulge the kids in the family by visiting the Harbes Family Farm.

I still laugh out loud when the memory is revisited- and going again this year with or without the kids is simply a North fork experience that is as required (by us) as hitting the beach on a gorgeous day.

In addition to the corn maze, which in and of itself provides the hokiest, most charming experience (think: friendly outdoor haunted house), hay rides on a bumpy old trailer with a host encouraging a “sing along” is a riot. Kids love it, and adults may well not get through it without one of those really healthy belly laughs.

The following link provides much in the way of resources for North fork, Long Island fall activities. See you there!

http://www.northfork.org/calendar/index.php

Options Realty: your source for buying and selling condos and homes on the North Fork of Long Island.

Monthly Blast From the Past…North Fork, Long Island

August 4th, 2008 category: North Fork Neighborhoods, People and PlacesNo Comments »

NY Times

I read with interest the following article, published by The New York Times on June 18, 1989.

The author was Barbara Klaus. Link to the article below.

The Talk of the North Fork; Past Riverhead, Suburbia Looms Ever Closer

“At the Hargrave Vineyard here, Abigail Bakker is packaging newly bottled wine. As on other weekdays on Long Island’s North Fork, it’s quiet. The grapes are swelling on the vines and the roads are all but empty. Now in her 20’s, she remembers how it was when she moved here as a child.”

Hog Neck Bay While there has certainly been growth in the years between 1989 and 2008, the North Fork of Long Island retains much of the charm that was present when the “locals” expressed a bit of dismay over the changing landscape.

“On Saturdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day long lines of luxury cars pull in and out at the Briermere Farms stand in Riverhead. Customers are drawn by the 18 varieties of fruit pies and fresh produce.”

Tree Face Thanks to the 2% Peconic Tax, (Community Preservation Fund) many of the open farms that so many consider intrinsic to the area remain “open”. There was a recent Southold purchase that involved woods near Cedar Beach in Southold- the land will remain Evergreen woods. The Peconic Land Trust has this quote published on it’s web site -

“The 2% real estate transfer fee paid by buyers goes directly to the Town in which the property purchased is located.”

Tomato Stand It takes living here to comprehend the importance of retaining the value in an area such as the North Fork- while the Hamptons offer their own recipe for summer living, North Fork residents have their own interpretation of “quality of life”.

“Yard sales are something that draws both local residents and the people with second homes. They rush from sale to sale, pouring over the contents of attics and basements from Riverhead to Greenport. People scoop up such treasures as wigs, circa 1962, rusted potato mashers, mosaic ashtrays and plastic Mr. Peanuts.”

For many, and I’ve come to agree, there’s nothing wrong with disliking change in the landscape of this little piece of island, and much to be said for preventing it.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home on the North Fork of Long Island, pricing has come down, and inventory is as plentiful as the sweet corn found fresh at the farmstands!

On the North fork of Long Island, It Gets Me Every Time…

July 29th, 2008 category: People and Places, Southold Real EstateNo Comments »

Tag Sale We were heading to the annual Clambake courtesy of the Flanders Men’s Club. While there were a few errands to run, the day was interrupted when that magnet sucked my car into a parked position.

As happens so often on the North Fork of Long Island in the summer, locals and vendors pick a sunny day, and the race is on for those looking for that SOMETHING. Or ten. Below are a few photos of the ultimate tag sale experience on the North Fork of Long Island. Until next weekend.

tag sale Coca-Cola Machine LI Map

The coke machine worked perfectly, and was priced at 20.00. Had the seller not offered to plug it in and demonstrate, he’d have missed out on the quarters that ejected en masse. And we left without them.

Satisfied that all had been viewed, considered, and explored, it was off to the clambake.

Flanders Clam Bake enterance The wonderful thing about living on the North Fork of Long Island is that the unexpected events provide the most memorable experiences. eatin! Whether it’s corn that has a sweetness that defies qualities inherent in a vegetable, or a coke machine that dumps a small fortune into the lap of a surprised seller, it’s just, well…FUN. And next weekend is just around the corner…

Clam Bake Water If you’re unaware of our beautiful area, the tag sale map below offers a view: we’re on the top fork. The other “fork” at the tip of Long Island is the Hamptons. Visit www.optionsrealty.com for more North fork “stuff”.

Play Ball! A Farewell to Yankee Stadium

July 15th, 2008 category: People and Places, Real Estate NewsNo Comments »

I know this is a Real Estate Blog-(here comes the “but”)- but…allow me to ramble on a bit about America’s Game.

We are fortunate to have Mark Stark on our real estate team- he gets us into Yankee Stadium. As an esteemed umpire with years of Little League experience, Mark was chosen in one of these final “hurrahs” for Yankee stadium to attend a Little League game sponsored by, and for, White & Case, llp.

I tagged along with Mark to this event- an afternoon of baseball played by just, well, us and others, on the magic grass of Yankee Stadium- the shadow of “greats” encompassing us in awe. Their “dirt”.

Little did I know that the 1978 World Series MVP, Bucky Dent, was to be there also.

Well, we ended up having Bucky Dent pitch for us.

I was catcher and Mark called the balls & strikes. A “picnic” pick up game of all ages and skill levels. Just like that.

I never thought that I would be standing on the field of Yankee Stadium having a catch with one of my baseball heroes- only in a dream.

I have been to watch many games in Yankee Stadium. I’ve sat in the bleachers; nose bleed seats, and even behind the plate in the front row.

I’ve dined on both Filet Mignon at The Yankee Club and also polished off a quick dog under the bat before the first pitch. Many more dogs than steaks, relished.

I found myself standing with others in the flashing eclipse that contained bright lights that could be celebrated- where both giants & Giants have stood and played.

If there is any building that has a spirit to it, it is Yankee Stadium.

I only hope that some of the kids we were playing with appreciate the day as much as I did, now and as they grow older enjoying the fun and lessons that baseball and being a witness to greatness can offer. I don’t believe that there will ever be a stadium built again that has been host to so many historical and memorable moments. And yet…I look forward to the moment of being proven wrong.

I’d love to hear Yankee Stadium stories- this is it, folks~

Rest in Peace, Bobby Murcer.

Thinking of buying or selling real estate on the North Fork of Long Island? Contact us!

Classic Car Show – Cutchogue Lions Club

July 2nd, 2008 category: People and PlacesNo Comments »

I’m going to repost this, since it is sure to be a big turnout.

The 38th annual event will take place on Sunday, July 6th.

Hosted by the Cutchogue Lions Club, the location will be

at the Capital One Bank Operations Center on the Main Rd. (rt. 25) in Mattituck.

Enjoy the movie from a previous show!

The Cutchogue Lions Club will be hosting a HUGE LOCAL EVENT, the Classic Car Show.

ccs

For car lovers all over Long Island, this event brings the best of the best, and offers classic car lovers the opportunity to appreciate the work and dedication present with Classic Car Restoration.

The event will take place on Sunday, July 6th. Please visit the above site for additional details/directions- it’s certain to be a fun day for all.

Denise and Greg say, “Hope to see you there!”

Options Realty: Proudly serving the North Fork of Long Island.

Love North Fork Antiques? Welcome to Nirvana!

June 18th, 2008 category: People and PlacesNo Comments »

OK, the store isn’t called “nirvana”, but it could be for those of us that are enamored of items from days gone by.

The store being profiled is owned by David Markel, and is called Mel’s Antiques/Market Estate Liquidator.

Located in a barn like structure (with it’s own remarkable Southold history), Dave often liquidates estates, bringing the treasures to his own venue.

Dave is remarkable in that, as both an artist and thespian, he has that “critical eye” affording him the ability to recognize antiques of value and quality. Despite this knowledge, the items found in his shop are not only reasonable, but often, STEALS!

If you enjoy tag sales on the North Fork of Long Island, some weekends find Dave hosting events. On Sundays, he is often found in his shop, with directionals advertising a tag sale. The items that he brings to his shop are displayed both outside and inside- a veritable treasure chest!

To request Dave’s input on a tag sale of your own, he can be reached at davidjmarkel123456@yahoo.com, or you can call him at 631-765-1973.

If you are planning a trip to the North Fork, Dave’s shop is located at the Landing- Hortons Lane just north of the North road/Horton’s Lane intersection, behind Eric’s cafe.

DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY- THERE ARE SOME REAL TREASURES TO BE FOUND!

The Arcade in Greenport Just Might Have It

June 12th, 2008 category: North Fork Neighborhoods, People and Places1 Comment »

Arcade

Profiled this week is a business in Greenport, New York celebrating it’s 80th year in operation.

The ARCADE is known to locals in the area as the “go-to” for just about anything (and more). According to Bob, who has owned the store for seven years, the philosophy of his buying department is to stock anything that a person might find useful. The result of this effort has provided the Arcade with a reputation for having it all- from candy to cotton sheets to candles- and everything in between.

In addition to school supplies, the Arcade offers yard flags, wind chimes, magnets, glasses, clothing, footwear, decorative arts, toys, kitchen appliances, towels, rugs, curtains, dog toys, beach necessities and anything else that might be more difficult to locate.

According to Bob, the most prominent visitors are the summer crowd- a longtime favorite shopping destination, the Arcade has a loyal following from seasonal visitors that call Greenport home.

I recall a similar “five and dime” when I was small, and it was a store that we relished visiting- for children, it’s a step back in time fondly recalled by parents.

These charming stores are becoming a rarity. “There are only a thousand or so remaining nationally”, states Bob, noting that the current climate of rising costs jeopardize the existence of this kind of unique retail offering.

Let’s hope that the Arcade enjoys another 80 years- and congratulations on such a significant birthday!

If you need it, they likely have it- visit the Arcade when you reach Greenport. The Arcade is located on Main street, with ample parking located behind the store.

The Cutchogue Lions Club – Classic Car Show

June 8th, 2008 category: People and Places, Real Estate News1 Comment »

The Cutchogue Lions Club will be hosting a HUGE LOCAL EVENT, the Classic Car Show.

ccs

The event will take place on Sunday, July 6th. Please visit the above site for additional details/directions- it’s certain to be a fun day for all.

Denise and Greg say, “Hope to see you there!”

Options Realty: Proudly serving the North Fork of Long Island.

The Good Guys Wear a White Hat

May 18th, 2008 category: People and Places, Real Estate NewsNo Comments »

J&V Embroidery / Options On an otherwise uneventful day, I happened to meet a couple visiting our area.

Through the course of our conversation, Jean mentioned that she does embroidery. Interested, because the look of embroidery for logos is so much nicer than a transfer type look, I asked about her specialties.

Mentioning that logos are one of her areas of expertise, she offered to send me a catalogue of items, in addition to a sample of the embroidery of our logo.

I was absolutely shocked when, within a few days, I received a sweatshirt in the mail, fully embroidered and beautifully done, with our logo- I was simply astonished.

THAT was Jeans “sample” for me- a sweatshirt that had PERFECT STITCHING on the flawless logo.

Now completely intrigued, I asked about baseball hats with the logo- we’re having an outdoor party, and want to make sure that the “sphere” exits with Options. Real Estate is a “remember I’m here” business, even with family.

Today, three days after our conversation, I received in the mail the hat pictured above. It’s so gorgeous that I had to photograph it in an artsy way (can you tell how thrilled that I am)?

Without quoting prices, I will mention that these hats are INEXPENSIVE, but look like a MILLION. My next order will include black hats- and there will be a “next” order.

It’s so hard today to experience a business that responds immediately; offers quality at a low price; and clearly takes pride in what they provide to the consumer- and when it happens, the individual responsible often doesn’t know how appreciated the integrity level is. JEAN, AND JV EMBROIDERY, WE APPRECIATE YOU!

J&V Embroidery / Options 2 If you need anything embroidered, JV Embroidery is located in Hicksville, NY (Long Island). Jean does all kinds of embroidery- it’s terrific (and terrifically inexpensive) for the real estate contingent- hats, visors, t-shirts, etc.

Quality merchandise for marketing never goes out of style.

Whether it’s a single item or a ton, check out the offerings. I can only tell you that I was amazed.

Jean and Vinny, may your business burst at the seams- just not on my orders.

JV Embroidery

45 Charles Street

Hicksville, New York 11801

1-516-827-9209

Oh- and if you’re looking for property in the North fork area of Long Island, give us a call- maybe you can have a hat, too!

North Fork Long Island- Spring has Arrived!

May 7th, 2008 category: People and Places2 Comments »

Has the chilly air on the North fork (despite brilliant sun) made you uncertain about the imminence of summer? spring 08

It’s greener, sure- but just a taaaad too early to buy annuals without giving them a shock.

The certainty for me that spring is here, with summer beckoning, arrives annually with a big, bold, red and white banner on the North road, that reads: STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL.

That sign starts it for me, and I become much more interested in events listed in the Suffolk Times because I can generally count on good weather.

In addition to advertised events - the North fork has an ongoing, amazing tag sale opportunity. I’ve never attended a tag sale or antique store without getting a steal. Times are listed, with a warning not to arrive early, as a courtesy to other “lookers.” The light fixture shown below was a $40. find at the Trading Post.

The sales stretch from Riverhead to Orient, and staying on Main road or North road (Sound avenue) (there and back) should allow you to hit most of them, although I love the east end- generally, I’ll start inSouthold, head to Greenport and Orient, then back to Cutchogue and Mattituck.

After tag sales (you should be finished by 9:30a.m.- they usually begin at 8:00, grab an egg sandwich at Erics, located on the North road and Hortons Rd. in Southold. I like their waffle fries, in addition to the healthy fare offered. And, they take credit cards, so if your last dollar was spent on that Limoges cup and saucer, you’re good to go.

oliver We sail, so a day off includes a trip to the marina. When we considered marinas, we discovered that Brewer Sterling Harbor offered more than we’d hoped for. In addition to simple (and easily navigable) access to the bay, this marina will be housing a great restaurant, Porto Bello. Available to members are a pool and shower facilities, with those running the show always available, if a question arises.

Southold town offers sailing classes for those interested in learning- it’s a terrific way to enjoy the water here.

If sailing isn’t your “thing”, activities for kids (big and small) are ongoing, with everything from bird watching to basketball to bingo. The link above provides a full menu of spring and summer fun!

We’re taking some photos of the beaches this week, so will share some of our favorites then- along with some great upcoming events at the wineries. Stay tuned! spring sl

If you fall in love with the North fork (as we have), call us to schedule a time to explore calling it “home”, or fill in your info below for an update on available properties. To email directly: laurie@optionsrealty.com

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