What to do in Long Island in September.
September is one of my favorite time of the year on the Island! It’s less crazy hot and busy than July & August, it’s still pretty warm and it’s more quiet. Plus, it’s the beginning of the HARVEST season! Find out below our favorite activities and all you can do while staying with us at The Hidden Retreat.
© Photograph: Andre Maier.
Visit Long Island Wineries
[Check out the wineries websites for their updated opening hours]
September is an amazing time to visit the Long Island wineries, it’s about to be the harvest, the vines are full of grapes and you can still enjoy the outdoors! Here is our list of the must-visit wineries on the North Fork (updated for Covid-19):Paumanok Vineyards: it’s better to book a tasting or a tour (Booking here). They accept walks-in but it’s upon availability. Charcuteries & Cheese platters and outdoor seatings. No Children allowed.
Sparkling Pointe: Bubbles lovers announcement: It’s Long Island’s only sparkling wine-only winery! Their sparkling wines are made following the Traditional Champagne Methode. Due to Covid-19, the tasting house is by reservations only. You can book through Resy on their website (Here). No children allowed.
Bedell Vineyards: One of the most acclaimed by critics on the island. No reservations taken at the moment. Open everyday during the season. Walks-in and outdoor tastings only! Check out their bottle/food menu HERE.
Bridge Lane Wines: The most casual of all, it’s the second wine of Lieb Cellars. They are producing easy sipping wines with instagram-friendly labels. Their tasting room and outdoor seating is great for a good time with friends, no deep knowledge necessary. No reservation necessary but you can book in advance as the outdoor/indoor seating is on a first come first served basis. Website & Booking HERE.
McCall Winery: Beautiful wines made at this family-owner property! Regularly mentioned by Experts like Robert Parker. It was also voted Winery of the Year in 2013. You can book your visit here.
Wölffer Estate: Probably the most popular winery in Long Island! Their “Summer In a Bottle” Rosé can barely stay on the shelf at wine stores. Check out their reopening details, hours and reservation system HERE.
Harbes Orchard’s Annual Apple Harvest
[Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13 from 9am-6pm]
Harbes Orchard organizes their Annual Apple Harvest in mid-september! Great activities and events for the whole family like Pumpkin picking, great foods to enjoy, wines to sip, Corn Maze, pony rides, vendors, Live music, etc.
Website and infos HERE.
© Photo by Arūnas Naujokas.
Wildwood Fall Festival
[Saturday, September 26, 2020 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM]
Fun-filled family event featuring craft vendors, live entertainment and refreshments. All activities are FREE and include children’s games, wagon rides, pony rides, petting zoo, funny photos, inflatables, build a scarecrow contest and pumpkin weight raffle.
Wildwood State Park Info HERE.
Enjoy the Long Island beaches
September is an amazing month to enjoy the numerous beaches that the Island has to offer! Take your pick between the ocean beaches of the South Shore or the quiet waters of the North Shore. Summer crowds have dwindled, and you can breathe in the salt air and listen to the soothing sounds of the surf…No daily fee or seasonal pass necessary after Labor Day.
Check out our favorite beaches in Long Island which are opened to non-residents during Covid-19!
Cruise the Wetlands From Stony Brook Harbor
Did you know that Stony Brook Harbor is home of a beautiful Wetland ecosystem? One of Long Island’s North Shore’s gem to see! The Wetlands Cruises offer 1 & 1/2 hour tours. A naturalist from the Stony Brook University Marine Sciences Center is on-board to describe the wildlife and flora you'll see. Cruises are scheduled according to the tide table from mid-May through mid-October.
Website and Bookings HERE.
Are you planning to come visit Long Island in the fall instead? Visit our article on our favorite things to do during the Fall!
You can also book at stay with us at our Airbnb The Hidden Retreat.
