Community Corner
Best Foodie Day Trips Near Suffolk County
We found four delicious day trips right in your backyard.
Written by Charlene Cooper
Here are four day trips that will whet any adventurous appetite and don't require much travel! Whether you visit a relaxing tea shop or enjoy a day at the farm, these trips are packed with tons of flavor and fun. Plus, you can get there on one tank of gas—or less.
Harmony Vineyards
169 Harbor Rd.
Head of the Harbor, NY
(631) 291-9900
Why Go? For great wines with a gorgeous waterfront view, take a trip Harmony Vineyards. A great location for a date or even the entire family, the winery offers areas designated for adults only, as well as a two-acre field by the waterfront where kids can roam, explore and play alongside parents.
Must Do: Stop by the Old East Farm House, which houses the tasting room and The Gallery at Harmony Vineyards. You'll find a variety of art on display.
Insider Tip: Pets are also allowed, but only near the lower vineyard seating area.
The Fine Print: The tasting room is open Thursdays from 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Fridays from 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays from 1 p.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
Robinson's Tea Room
97 Main St.
Stony Brook, NY
(631) 751-1232
Why Go? The tea shop has something everyone can enjoy, with varieties ranging from vanilla to English Breakfast to oolong and apricot.
Must Do: Try the freshly baked scones, served with homemade clotted cream and jam.
Insider Tip: All the tea pots and cups on the table at Robinson's Tea Room are for sale.
The Fine Print: Open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Full tea service is $25 per person and includes a pot of freshly brewed loose tea and tiered plate of house-made scones, clotted cream, raspberry preserves, assorted finger sandwiches (ham salad, tuna salad, cucumber), assorted pastries (vanilla custard tart, white chocolate mousse in chocolate candy shell) and petits fours.
Macari Vineyard-Mattituck Tasting Room
150 Bergen Ave.
Mattituck, NY
(631) 298-0100
Why Go? Set in 500 acres of waterfront estate, this family owned and operated winery offers wines ranging from Chardonnay, Malbec, Petit Verdot and much more. Also enjoy domestic and imported artisanal cheese and charcuterie pairings with your wine tastings.
Must Do: Be sure to check out the animals at the vineyard, which is home to horses, Spanish goats, ducks, rabbits and Texas longhorns.
Insider Tip: Pack a lunch and enjoy it in the designated picnic area.
The Fine Print: The vineyard and tasting room is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are traveling in a bus or limousine, advanced reservations are required.
Harbes Family Farm
5698 Sound Ave.
Riverhead, NY
(631) 298-0800
Why Go? See barnyard animals and pick fruit and vegetables throughout the day, then head to the farm stand for freshly made meals and treats.
Must Do: Adults should visit the farm's Tasting Room, located in their charming 100-year old Cherry Barn, for an array of wines to enjoy on site or at home. Then take the kids to the Barnyard Adventure area where they will love watching pig races and playing with baby chicks.
Insider Tip: Outside food and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the farm. However, the farm's Country Concessions area is a great option for lunch and dinner.
Fine Print: Open 7 days a week. Admission to the orchard is $8 per person and includes 1/4 peck of apples and a ride in the apple express, where you'll be dropped off in the best areas for apple picking.
