Colonists who crossed the sound from Connecticut settled the north fork township of Southold during the mid-1600s. Greenport Village became a focal point in maritime culture, serving as a whaling port and supporting commercial fishing, shipbuilding and oyster processing. Officially named Greenport in 1831, the village was previously called Stirling and Winter Harbor. Today, Greenport remains a bustling harbor town, drawing visitors to its eclectic array of shops and eateries that are interspersed with preserved building structures from a bygone era and museums that display the village's maritime history.
At the center of this seaside village lies the sprawling, green Mitchell Park. The park abuts a lengthy dock that spans the waterfront, where strollers get a clear view of Shelter Island across the harbor. The stage at Mitchell Park hosts plays, concerts and other cultural shows throughout the spring, summer and early fall. The most captivating attraction of Mitchell Park is the carousel. The vintage 40-foot carousel, circa 1920s, features hand-painted wooden horses and a chute from which riders attempt to snatch rings as their horses pass by. Northrop Grumman used the carousel at picnics and other company social functions. In 1995, Grumman donated the carousel to the village of Greenport, and a glass pavilion was constructed around it in 2001. The musical carousel is the focal point of Greenport that draws tourists of all ages, and the rider who snares the golden brass ring wins the prize of riding for free.
It is difficult to pass up a repast at Claudio's. In 1870, a whaler by the name of Manuel Claudio left his seafaring days aboard the Portuguese whaling ship, the "Neva," behind and opened the expansive restaurant. Still owned by subsequent generations of the Claudio family, nearly 145 years later, the restaurant remains the oldest, single family run business in the nation. The building, now on the National Historic Building registry, is steeped in architecture and artifacts that convey its lengthy history. Striking a harmonious balance of casual and elegant, the menu offers up fine steak and seafood entrees and awarding-winning chowders. Today, the Claudio family owns and operates several additional restaurants for more casual seafood fare, including Crabby Jerry's and the popular Claudio's Clam Bar, which stretches along boat-lined docks and features live band entertainment.
If you are seeking other alternatives for dinner, consider The Scrimshaw, which provides both indoor seating or dockside dining options. The elegant gourmet menu is a delectable fusion of Asian, French and Italian dishes prepared by cookbook author and celebrated chef Rosa Ross. For another experience in epicurean artistry, foodies are flocking to Noah's, where Chef Noah Schwartz, formerly of the now-closed Seafood Barge restaurant in Southold, prepares a unique and tantalizing fusion menu of his own. If the chef looks familiar, Noah has greatly expanded his following through his culinary contributions to events at various north fork wineries.
When mid morning or afternoon sweets cravings kick in, treat yourself to blissful indulgence at the Blue Duck Bakery or the Sandpiper ice cream shop to energize for further village exploration.
Located next to the original town jail sits the old fire house, which now houses the Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, where craft beer aficionados can sample a flight of brews or savor a glass of their preferred picks or seasonal styles. The reasonable cost for either option earns you a souvenir glass of the brewery to take home and the opportunity to savor some outstanding beers being produced here on the island’s east end. Growlers are available to take home.
There is an abundance of charming and quaint little shops to browse and find unique gifts and souvenirs. Whether you are on a mission to find mementos of Greenport, haute couture, breezy beachwear, classic toys, a gift for your pampered pet, gourmet cheese, antiques, jewelry, platters for your table or a dusty used book whose history carries a story of its own, you are guaranteed to bring home something special. Be sure to visit Goldsmith's, where you can pick up a rubber ducky that is clad in apparel to match up with the recipient's vocation, hobby or passion. The Doofpot is chock full of ornate, fine Italian-crafted ceramics and glassware. Add a touch of style to your wardrobe and your home with a purchase from the Gazebo Gallery. Claudio's Little Wheel Gift Shop carries an impressive variety of souvenir mementos.
For an ambient close to your day of taking in the many appeals of Greenport, embark on a scenic, waterfront promenade along the docks at sundown with the cooling, evening sea breeze and the sound of gentle waves lapping under the anchored nautical vessels. In 2011, Forbes magazine declared Greenport as "one of the prettiest towns in America." A full day of exploring its many charms and attractions will instantly confirm the superlative and keep you coming back for more.
As you drive east on Sound Avenue, you will pass various places to stop and explore along your route to Greenport, including Roanoke Vineyards, Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery, Briermere Farms and Catapano Dairy Farm. Just two miles east of Greenport, you will find Lavender On the Bay in East Marion.
At the center of this seaside village lies the sprawling, green Mitchell Park. The park abuts a lengthy dock that spans the waterfront, where strollers get a clear view of Shelter Island across the harbor. The stage at Mitchell Park hosts plays, concerts and other cultural shows throughout the spring, summer and early fall. The most captivating attraction of Mitchell Park is the carousel. The vintage 40-foot carousel, circa 1920s, features hand-painted wooden horses and a chute from which riders attempt to snatch rings as their horses pass by. Northrop Grumman used the carousel at picnics and other company social functions. In 1995, Grumman donated the carousel to the village of Greenport, and a glass pavilion was constructed around it in 2001. The musical carousel is the focal point of Greenport that draws tourists of all ages, and the rider who snares the golden brass ring wins the prize of riding for free.
It is difficult to pass up a repast at Claudio's. In 1870, a whaler by the name of Manuel Claudio left his seafaring days aboard the Portuguese whaling ship, the "Neva," behind and opened the expansive restaurant. Still owned by subsequent generations of the Claudio family, nearly 145 years later, the restaurant remains the oldest, single family run business in the nation. The building, now on the National Historic Building registry, is steeped in architecture and artifacts that convey its lengthy history. Striking a harmonious balance of casual and elegant, the menu offers up fine steak and seafood entrees and awarding-winning chowders. Today, the Claudio family owns and operates several additional restaurants for more casual seafood fare, including Crabby Jerry's and the popular Claudio's Clam Bar, which stretches along boat-lined docks and features live band entertainment.
If you are seeking other alternatives for dinner, consider The Scrimshaw, which provides both indoor seating or dockside dining options. The elegant gourmet menu is a delectable fusion of Asian, French and Italian dishes prepared by cookbook author and celebrated chef Rosa Ross. For another experience in epicurean artistry, foodies are flocking to Noah's, where Chef Noah Schwartz, formerly of the now-closed Seafood Barge restaurant in Southold, prepares a unique and tantalizing fusion menu of his own. If the chef looks familiar, Noah has greatly expanded his following through his culinary contributions to events at various north fork wineries.
When mid morning or afternoon sweets cravings kick in, treat yourself to blissful indulgence at the Blue Duck Bakery or the Sandpiper ice cream shop to energize for further village exploration.
Located next to the original town jail sits the old fire house, which now houses the Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, where craft beer aficionados can sample a flight of brews or savor a glass of their preferred picks or seasonal styles. The reasonable cost for either option earns you a souvenir glass of the brewery to take home and the opportunity to savor some outstanding beers being produced here on the island’s east end. Growlers are available to take home.
There is an abundance of charming and quaint little shops to browse and find unique gifts and souvenirs. Whether you are on a mission to find mementos of Greenport, haute couture, breezy beachwear, classic toys, a gift for your pampered pet, gourmet cheese, antiques, jewelry, platters for your table or a dusty used book whose history carries a story of its own, you are guaranteed to bring home something special. Be sure to visit Goldsmith's, where you can pick up a rubber ducky that is clad in apparel to match up with the recipient's vocation, hobby or passion. The Doofpot is chock full of ornate, fine Italian-crafted ceramics and glassware. Add a touch of style to your wardrobe and your home with a purchase from the Gazebo Gallery. Claudio's Little Wheel Gift Shop carries an impressive variety of souvenir mementos.
For an ambient close to your day of taking in the many appeals of Greenport, embark on a scenic, waterfront promenade along the docks at sundown with the cooling, evening sea breeze and the sound of gentle waves lapping under the anchored nautical vessels. In 2011, Forbes magazine declared Greenport as "one of the prettiest towns in America." A full day of exploring its many charms and attractions will instantly confirm the superlative and keep you coming back for more.
As you drive east on Sound Avenue, you will pass various places to stop and explore along your route to Greenport, including Roanoke Vineyards, Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery, Briermere Farms and Catapano Dairy Farm. Just two miles east of Greenport, you will find Lavender On the Bay in East Marion.