Long Island's North Fork: Briermere Farms

I grew up on Eastern Long Island, so I feel qualified to offer up a little geography lesson: Long Island is shaped like a fish. The farther West you go (towards the “head” of the fish), the closer you get to New York City. The other side (the “tail” of the fish) is made up of two forks. There’s the South Fork, or what many know as the Hamptons, and the North Fork, which is lesser known and charming in a different kind of way. 
The Hamptons are lovely, but for some people, it can be scene-y and celebrity driven. I mean, when I go out there with my Mom it’s obviously not, because we just walk around Main Street (every Hampton seems to have a Main Street), go to the Hampton Designer Showhouse (which is open to the public), and basically just relax and pop into shops. But even so, the South Fork (the Hamptons) is definitely a bit more built up, with designer stores and such, and it’s on the ocean, which draws more crowds. 
The North Fork has a different vibe. I’m generalizing, but it’s more rustic, a little more down to Earth, a little more quaint and secluded. (Case in point is the fact that you’ve probably heard of the Hamptons, either by seeing it mentioned on TV or in a movie or hearing about some celeb’s vacation home out there, and yet I’m guessing that most people who are not from Long Island have no idea what the North Fork is or what towns are on it). The road leading out there is gorgeous and scenic, dotted with long expanses of farm stands, vineyards, and adorable country houses.
Anyway, one of my absolute favorite places on the North Fork is Briermere Farms. They sell the MOST yummy pies in the entire world, using fruit that they grow on their farm. There are actually a lot of little farm stands out there that sell pie, which is fine, but Briermere is the BEST. THE BEST, I tell you! My favorite is peach cherry, and their homemade oatmeal raisin cookies are to die for, as well… in fact, I ate so many this past weekend that I probably should have died, but I digress. Check out the country charm:

To read a little more about the North Fork, check out this article in the NYT, where they expound on it’s “Un-Hamptons” qualities.

Leave a Comment

  1. I love the off the wall places the best! Thanks for sharing. This will definitely be on my East Coast places to visit list! πŸ™‚

    Published 8.4.14 · Reply
    • Thanks Mariana! I hope you make it out there, it really is lovely πŸ™‚

      Published 8.5.14 · Reply
  2. Valerie wrote:

    This looks lovely! I really fancy some juicy summer fruits now <3 xx

    Published 8.4.14 · Reply
  3. Leslie wrote:

    Thanks for the little geography lesson! I'm not from the area, so it's always been a bit of a mystery to me! The North Fork looks lovely and much more my style. I love how down to earth it is! Those pictures are gorgeous.

    Published 8.4.14 · Reply
  4. How darling! This reminds me so much of the south. Hope you enjoyed your cookies and pie πŸ™‚

    XX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass

    Published 8.5.14 · Reply
    • Thank you so much! I'm sure I would love the South, Charleston especially seems SO historic and beautiful!

      Published 8.5.14 · Reply
  5. Wonderful photos! Added to my travel wish list πŸ˜‰

    Published 8.5.14 · Reply
  6. Eliza wrote:

    This place does look really great! I like finding spots to visit that are a little off the beaten path. πŸ™‚ xo

    Published 8.5.14 · Reply
  7. Anonymous wrote:

    I grew up on the North Fork of LI and am proud to say that I've consumed many Briermere pies over the years and spent many hours picking peaches at the local farms. Such a wonderful place to grow up. Let's hope it never becomes 'Hampton-ized'!

    Published 8.5.14 · Reply
  8. Holly wrote:

    This looks wonderful and picturesque! And the pies look so yummy πŸ™‚

    Published 8.5.14 · Reply
  9. This place looks absolutely gorgeous, Jackie! I've never been to the Hamptons (mostly because of how celebrity-driven it seems to be) but the North Fork looks a lot more welcoming. It has such an adorable rustic charm and I definitely want to visit to gorge on oatmeal raisin cookies now!

    When I go, I'll definitely be hitting you up for your recommendations on other places to visit (:

    Melanie
    Lace and Combat Boots | a life + style blog

    Published 8.6.14 · Reply
    • Thanks Melanie! Even though the Hamptons have that celeb reputation, they can definitely still be fun to visit. But the North Fork definitely has it's own charms too. Let me know if you make it out there! Hope you're having a great summer πŸ™‚

      Published 8.9.14 · Reply
  10. PS–My family used to vacation in Sag Harbor–but that's before the Hamptons if became a celeb hangout.

    Published 8.7.14 · Reply
  11. Gosh I hope so! I'd have to place an order ASAP πŸ™‚

    Published 8.9.14 · Reply
  12. I grew up in Manhattan but the man grew up on the water in Bayshore. He's taught me to love both forks for different reasons. Putting this place on my to-do list for next summer!

    Published 12.22.14 · Reply
    • Oh, how nice! LI is definitely a great place to explore in the summer!

      Published 12.28.14 · Reply
  13. When my parents were still living on Shelter Island, we would always stop on our way to visit from NC. One year we stopped on our way back to NC and filled our coolers with pies. I think we bought 14 or 15. When we got home, we froze them and enjoyed them all winter long! They were a wonderful reminder of our summer days on the North Fork!

    Published 7.1.18 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      That’s a great idea! I might have to do that this summer :). Can never have enough Briermere pies!

      Published 7.1.18 · Reply