A glimpse of secluded Jamesport

Notice the sweet scents of fresh fields, as new growth overwhelms your senses and melts away the toiling lifestyles of the workweek. You have no choice but to succumb to the visual charms of the bucolic surroundings. Vast expanses of farmland, fresh produce stands and other savory delights pepper Sound Avenue as you make your journey through Long Island wine country toward the reclusive Jamesport. It would not be out of the ordinary to spot a tractor slowly lumbering down the avenue. Interestingly, no one seems to mind the leisurely pace. You will find this relaxed disposition to be prominent through out the North Fork of Long Island.

Jamesport is located roughly 4 miles east of Riverhead Village on Main Road (Route 25). It is often referred to as the gateway to the North Fork. A man by the name of James Tuthill first coined the hamlet Jamesport in 1832 and had ambitious plans. He envisioned a successful whaling port thus naming it James’ Port; unfortunately, these dreams never saw fruition. The Bay in this area was simply too shallow to accommodate the large cargo ships needed for the industry.

Heading East on Sound Avenue you will pass many farms and vineyards. Your first stop however, should be the historical Hallockville Museum Farm. The Hallock family first settled this area in 1696, although archeological findings on the Keyspan(Hallock) property show Native American settlement which date back to 1500 BC. The address of the farm is technically within Riverhead town, but history shows deep roots in the foundation of Jamesport. Since boundaries have never officially been set a lot confusion surrounds deciphering one hamlet from another. Sitting on 500 acres of preserved land the Hallockville Museum Farm offers an array of activities from traditional dances and tours of the historic homestead, to summer camps all designed for learning in an enjoyable setting.

Jamesport is a town rich in history and at the heart of it stands a church approximately 277 years old. “The Old Steeple Church” once held the distinction of the being the third oldest church building still in use in the United States. The total cost of original construction was a mere $18.00. An amazingly low sum when compared to the construction costs of building today. Just across the street is one of the oldest cemeteries on the East End, with the oldest headstones at the site, Isaac Pain, dating to 1733. Stroll through and wander back a few hundred years.

For the wine connoisseur there is Jamesport Vineyards. Sixty acres of pristine grapevine yielding wine perfect for any meal or high cheese. The fourth oldest vineyard on Long Island, it is operated by three generations of the Goerler family. The giant vats inside the air-conditioned room, the oak barrels piled higher than you can reach draw your attention immediately as you cross the threshold. The walls are all glass so on-lookers can watch the process as they sip from the tasting room menu. The vineyard produces about 7,000 cases of fine wine per year and supplies some of Manhattan’s top restaurants as well as quite a few local ones. Their Cabernet Franc, was twice judged best in New York State.

For the more rustic, farmhouse experience you might wander into The Red Barn B&B for a weekend of stargazing with the proprietor. The 1877 restored house at one time was owned by a Hallock family member and is surrounded by orchards and winding vineyards. The owner Jim Slezak has a number of professional quality telescopes and binoculars to view any desirable point in the night sky the amateur astronomer needs to see. After enjoying an evening of unobstructed views of the stars, look forward to a home cooked breakfast using the best of local ingredients.

The Jedediah Hawkins Inn on South Jamesport Avenue is the perfect location for a quiet weekend getaway or a lavish North Fork wedding. The landmark slated for demolition, now proudly stands restored to its original elegant splendor. Built in 1863 by Captain Jedediah Hawkins, the Inn was featured in the fall of 2005 as the North Fork Designer Showhouse. The atmosphere is serene and sophisticated. The jeweled color palate of the interior and exterior is beautiful through all four seasons. The 2500-bottle wine cellar holds a sampling from every wine producer on long island as well as world-renowned vintages. A must see in idyllic Jamesport.

Saunter in to Cliff’s Elbow Room and be careful not to swagger out. This public house offers incredible steaks, mixed drinks and a local atmosphere worthy of its 50^th anniversary this year. Very reasonable prices and if you are not in the mood for beef, try the mouth-watering fresh seafood dishes. You will not be disappointed.

A few warm breezes south of Sound Avenue you could find yourself in South Jamesport enjoying a splash in the Peconic Bay at "Main Street Beach". It is a well-kept secret, with a very private beach overlooking bluff formations farther South. The calm lapping of small waves will be enough to lull any stressed individual into a peaceful, easy feeling. Bring a blanket, a book, and breathe.

These folks know they have a special piece of history here, they know they have a picture of tranquility, the extraordinary part...they want to share it with you.