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(Credit: Sunset Beach Films)
Riverhead is having a moment! The historic waterfront city was this week named a Forbes advisory “Best Places to Travel in 2023” — one of 11 U.S. destinations on this year’s list. It’s part of a flurry of positive press coverage in recent months — including stories in the New York Times and US News & World Report — spotlighting Riverhead’s renaissance.
“It’s an exciting time for Riverhead, and we’re thrilled to see our efforts go from local to regional and now international recognition,” said Downtown Business Improvement District Executive Director Christy Verity. “Riverhead is such a unique blend of East End vibe, urban sparkle, history and experience. The vibrancy and vibrancy we saw at our 2022 event showed that Riverhead is on the fast track to renewal.
In addition to the historic waterfront, the Forbes article highlights nearby local attractions such as the Jamesport Farm Brewery and the Big Duck, an iconic architectural landmark in Flanders.
Feeling inspired to travel? We’ve put together our own itinerary for you to spend a winter day in Riverhead.
7 A.M Start the day with an early breakfast at Star Confectionary, a charming 1920s diner serving up old-school dining favorites. Afterwards, head to River Walk for a morning stroll along the banks of the Peconic River. At the end of the street is Milton L. Burns Park, where you can explore a series of outdoor art installations by local artists.
9 A.M Experience the bounty of the North Fork at the East End Winter Food Market. Wind your way through more than 40 vendors selling local food, wine and other artisan goods. The market is a popular stop for day trippers and locals alike and is open on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
10 A.M It’s time for a coffee break! A treasure trove of LUMBER + SALT, antiques and reclaimed materials is Riverhead’s newest coffee shop: North Fork Moto. Try the warm winter specialty oak-speed latte, which features house-made brown sugar syrup with oak barrels and spices. Inspired by the owners’ love of motorcycles and dogs, the artisan coffee bar is the perfect place to sip on lattes while browsing antiques and other accessories like candles, pet-inspired mugs and bike accessories.
12 o’clock in the evening For lunch, head to Barrow Food House, a farm-to-table, fast-casual restaurant located in an 1850s farmhouse. There’s a reason this local spot has been named by our readers as having the best hamburgers on the North Fork: Their menu includes a juicy Smash Burger on a brioche bun, cooked to perfection and topped with aged cheddar, bacon, pickles, shredded lettuce and house sauce. Be sure to add a side of their addictive hand-cut fries served with the reserved lemon and black pepper mayo.
1 o’clock in the evening Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering around the Long Island Aquarium and learning more about its diverse inhabitants. The aquarium has over 80 exhibits featuring creatures from land and sea. Highlights include the aquarium’s majestic shark tank, vibrant coral reef displays and an interactive butterfly garden.
5 pm With so many great dining options in Riverhead, it’s hard to pick just one. For a fun and fast casual, grab a bite at indoor-outdoor Funchos, which serves delicious Tex-Mex tacos, burritos, and killer margaritas. For a more intimate dining experience, head to Turquoise Grill – an indoor hub where wine hangs from the ceiling and Middle Eastern dishes like shish kebabs and falafel are served.
7 o’clock in the evening A day in Riverhead – wind, rain, snow or shine – wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Snowflake Ice Cream Shop for homemade ice cream. Rated best in New York state by Travel & Leisure magazine, Snowflake has been serving up an incredible array of ice cream flavors since 1953, from Peconic Swamp to Gold Rush.
Spend the night? Preston House is a stunning, modern boutique hotel in the heart of historic Riverhead.
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