Setauket wedding adventures, North Fork wine tasting, East Hampton beaches, and a New York City movie premiere — the ultimate 9-day Long Island & NYC travel guide.
A few weeks ago, I set out for a 9-day adventure that promised it all: a family wedding in Setauket, wine tasting on the North Fork, beach time on the South Fork, and finally, a trip into New York City for a movie premiere. It was also a deeply personal journey — my chance to fulfill my mom’s wish to return to the city she loved and called home for more than 30 years.
Setauket & Port Jefferson: Wedding Weekend Bliss
I flew into Long Island Islip Airport on Avelo Airlines — my first time with them. The direct flight was easy, hurricane season was on a pause, and the weather was a dream, mid-70s each day. My first four nights were spent in Port Jefferson at Danfords Hotel & Marina, a charming family-run inn right on the water next to the ferry dock.
I hadn’t been to Port Jeff in years, and the last time I remember struggling to find a simple cup of coffee. Things have changed! The village is now buzzing with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. A few food highlights worth bookmarking:
- Locals Café – Fresh, creative menu featuring matcha lattes, hearty egg dishes, sandwiches, and olive oil zucchini muffins that were so good I went back three times.
- The Steam Room – Overstuffed lobster rolls and rich crab soup.
- Old Fields Restaurant – A lively steakhouse; my skirt steak with a salad was cooked to perfection.
- Joey Z’s – Endless breakfast options, from crepes to traditional egg plates.
- The Fifth Season – The setting for the rehearsal dinner. I kept it classic with Caesar salad, filet mignon, mashed potatoes, and spinach — comfort food done right.
The wedding itself couldn’t have been more beautiful. The couple exchanged vows just as the sun set over the Sound, casting gold and pink streaks across the sky. If sunsets are good omens, then this marriage is certainly blessed.
The North Fork: Wine, Friends & Sunsets
Day five took me to Southold on the North Fork to visit two of my best friends who had just bought a house on the Sound. Excitement was high — not only to see their new home, but also to spend the day wine tasting and riding around in their sleek 1963 black Lincoln convertible.
Our first stop: Suhru & Lieb Vineyards. I’d known the Lieb family years ago, so it was special to see how much the vineyard has evolved since changing hands in 2012. The tasting room is warm and inviting, the outdoor space has expanded beautifully, and my white wine flight paired perfectly with their appetizer menu.
Next up: Croteaux Vineyards, the only vineyard in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to rosé. The barnyard-style setting is laid-back yet chic, with live music, glasses of still and sparkling rosé, and flights served on labeled trays — a nice touch. I loved wandering through the vines with music in the background, glass in hand.
We wrapped the day at Sparkling Pointe, just in time for their final Fizz & Fry of the season — a playful pairing of sparkling wines with fried seafood. Think crispy wings, shrimp, fries, and bubbly. It was indulgent and fun, and the vineyard itself is stunning for photos. We capped the day with sunset views from my friends’ rooftop deck. And what a sunset it was — glowing pinks, oranges, and purples melting over the Sound.
The next day was all about boats and exploring. We stopped at local farm stands and wandered Greenport, where we had lunch at Ellen’s on Front. Their “cuppa chowda & half sandwich” was perfect alongside oyster sliders. The chef was recently named Best of the North Fork 2025 — well deserved!
Afterward, we hit the water, cruising along the coast past Southampton and even spotting my old stomping grounds near the National Golf Links. The sea breeze, sunshine, and nostalgia made for the perfect afternoon.
The South Fork: Hamptons Charm
Day seven brought us to the South Fork, starting with a ferry from Greenport to Shelter Island and onto Sag Harbor. Early fall is the perfect time to be here — quieter than summer, yet still vibrant.
First stop: LT Burger, back in action and just as good as I remembered. The Au Poivre burger with sweet potato fries was a standout.
From there, it was time for more wine tasting with girlfriends at Channing Daughters. I’ve always loved this spot for its eclectic wines and inviting outdoor space, and it didn’t disappoint. Dinner took us into Bridgehampton to Elaia Estiatorio, a Greek favorite of mine. Their salads and mezze plates are bright, fresh, and delicious.
The next morning, my hostess (one of my BFFs) whipped up a gorgeous breakfast. Afterward, we walked Sammy’s Beach, a place that holds special meaning for me. It was once the favorite walk of my two French bulldogs when I lived nearby, and being there again was grounding. This time, my friend’s dog, Dutch, tagged along and happily splashed in the bay.
Later that day we headed to Amagansett Beach, where we spotted a pod of whales swimming close to shore. To say it was magical would be an understatement.
New York City: A Bittersweet Goodbye
Day eight started off with a hiccup. After fueling up with hazelnut coffee and crumb cake from Hampton Coffee Company, we hit the road — only to blow out two tires on County Road 39 thanks to roadwork. Luckily, a mobile tire service saved the day, and within an hour we were back on track.
Arriving in Manhattan always feels like a homecoming, and this time it carried extra weight. My girlfriends and I met for lunch at BG Restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman, overlooking Central Park. I ordered champagne to toast my mom before taking her ashes to the park — fulfilling my promise to bring her back home. It was an emotional but beautiful moment.
That evening, I attended the premiere of Looking Through Water, a film produced by a friend of mine and starring Michael Douglas. The event was capped by a Q&A with Douglas and his son Cameron. Sitting in that theater, surrounded by friends, it felt like the perfect finale to an already unforgettable trip.
Home Again
Day nine was all about the best part of any trip — coming home to my Lola, who was more than ready for extra cuddles.
Final Thoughts
This journey was a beautiful blend of celebration, nostalgia, friendship, and closure. From lobster rolls in Port Jeff to rosé flights on the North Fork, from sunsets in the Hamptons to champagne toasts in Central Park, every day brought something special.
If you’re planning your own Long Island getaway, my advice is to mix it up — balance the food and wine with fresh air and walks, soak up the small-town charm, and always leave room for the unexpected.
Because sometimes the best part of travel is how it weaves together joy, memory, and meaning into a story you’ll never forget.
Tracey's Tastes 
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