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Montauk Distilling Co. has opened its doors in Riverhead. (Credit: David Benthal)

Summer. Sweet, sweet, summer. While some folks are already wishing you away with their talk of plaid and pumpkin spice, we know better, because there’s just so much of you left.

But with all this talk of end-of-summer, we’ve gone ahead and made an ultimate last-licks summer bucket list to ensure we make the absolute best of these long, warm days, all 43 of them.

Mermaid Party at Montauk Distilling Co.

I can’t wait to celebrate all things summer at the first-ever Mermaid Party at Montauk Distilling Co. in Riverhead. The event, hosted by the distillery and Kelly Siry of NOFO Endless Summer, is set for Friday, Aug. 26 from 4 to 9 p.m., and mermaid attire is highly encouraged!

Entry is $10 and includes a shot of one of their own spirits, plus music by DJ Henry Eau and food from Balo’s Foods and The Treatery. – Tara Smith, Senior Reporter

Check out local music in Mitchell Park

It’s already August and somehow, I haven’t gotten to Mitchell Park in Greenport for a Monday night Dances In The Park! The series runs through Aug. 29 and I’m looking forward to bringing a picnic, some rosé, and friends to see either Southbound (Aug. 15), The Cravin Band (Aug. 22), or Winston Irie (Aug. 29). For more information visit villageofgreenport.org. – Lee Meyer, Reporter

Guests enjoy a ride aboard Bootleggers Run at Splish Splash last summer. (Credit: Joe Werkmeister)

Ride a waterslide 

My kids are at the age where there’s literally nothing they want to do more than head out to an amusement park for the day. Having grown up not far from Splish Splash, I tend to take for granted that we have a world-class water park right in our own backyard. So, for me, riding Hyperlight, the newest ride at the Calverton park makes it near the top of my summer bucket list. The ride, a reimagining of the former Abyss, incorporates sounds and lights into the experience. I can’t wait to give it a try. – Grant Parpan, Content Director 

Eat at The Greenhouse Café

New to the North Fork food scene is The Greenhouse Café hosted at Breitenbach Farms in Aquebogue. Open for lunch on weekends from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. the café features farm-to-plate paninis and bruschetta bites, freshly-squeezed lemonade, and more. With peach season in full swing, I have my eye on the honey bee bruschetta bites that feature goat cheese, peaches (or other seasonal fruit), and a drizzle of honey. YUM! -Michelina Da Fonte, Associate Content Director

Landcraft Gardens (credit: Felicia LaLomia).

Landcraft Garden Foundation

I try to spend as much time as possible in nature during the summer, and the Landcraft Garden Foundation seems like the perfect spot to do just that. Located in Mattituck, this garden is filled with a variety of blooming flowers and plants. There’s also a sculpture exhibition going on through Oct. 29. The Landcraft Garden Foundation is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Victoria Caruso, Reporter

Go for a paddle

Paddleboarding is such a great way to get outdoors and spend some time on the water. I don’t own my own board, but luckily there are a ton of places that offer hourly rentals and even lessons. One of those spots is Jamesport Bay Suites, tucked away and located directly on the Peconic Bay. The best part is you don’t need to be a guest to rent a paddle board — just call the office at 631-722-3458 for more information and rates. – Tara Smith, Reporter

Savor oysters at the Shuck Truck

I’ve heard only good things about the Wednesday night Shuck Truck at The Shoals in Southold, and as an oyster lover, I’m looking forward to heading there before summer’s out. Little Ram Oysters’ delectable offerings, combined with the beautiful water views? Sign me up! The Shuck Truck is open on Wednesdays from 4 – 7 p.m. at The Shoals. – Lee Meyer, Reporter

Have a Picnic at Bridge Lane Tasting Room 

When I think about summer, I think about picnics, and the best kind of picnic is one with local wine. Luckily, Bridge Lane offers both. With rainbow-painted picnic tables and tasty wine in picnic-friendly packaging, it’s definitely a place I’ll be bringing my basket to before the end of summer. – Victoria Caruso, Reporter

Fortino’s Tavern in Greenport features dining on the dock. (Credit: David Benthal)

Dine on the docks in Greenport 

No North Fork summer feels complete to me until I’ve dined on the waterfront. This year, I have my taste buds set on Fortino’s Tavern, located off Preston’s Dock in Greenport. My desire to eat there was cemented this summer when staff members were calling dibs on who got to choose them for our roundup of the Best Things We Ate (So Far) in 2022, which will be published in our September food issue. The lobster roll is calling my name. – Grant Parpan, Content Director 

Stare at the stars at Custer 

It’s been too long since I’ve made it to a Saturday night sky gazing at The Custer Institute and Observatory in Southold. Hosted only on Saturday evenings (weather permitting) from 7 p.m. until midnight, volunteer staff provide tours of the night sky and opportunities to view stars, nebulas, galaxies, and more through their many telescopes on site, including the apochromatic Zerochromat telescope in the historic observation dome. Check out their website for more info and upcoming night sky events. – Michelina Da Fonte, Associate Content Director

The sunflower maze at Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farm in Baiting Hollow opened Father’s Day weekend. (Credit: Tara Smith)

Revel in a sunflower field at golden hour

Is it really summer on the North Fork if you don’t post an Instagram shot of a sunflower field? I was lucky enough to visit the maze at Rottkamp’s when it opened back in June but since then, I’ve only driven by. Before the bloom ends, likely around Labor Day, I want to be sure to go back and visit and make sure to stock up on farm fresh produce at their stand and maybe a treat from For Goodness Cakes Co. – Tara Smith, Reporter 

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