Shop 'til You Drop: Mattituck, What’s Not to Love?
Early spring is the perfect time of year for hopping around the island.
Without summer traffic or the temptation of spending the entire day on the beach, we can easily pass a Saturday or Sunday afternoon leisurely exploring. Next time you take a drive out on the North Fork, head to Mattituck’s quaint and charming Love Lane. According to the Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society, the Love Lane business district came about due to the Long Island Rail Road in 1844. “The present Love Lane was named Railroad Avenue and only ran from the Main Road to the railroad tracts. From there to Mattituck Creek, it was a path where in the 1800s young lovers would take their horses and carriages in the evenings north to the creek. In the 1920s, the entire stretch was officially named Love Lane.”
Whether you’re looking for a great cup of coffee to start off your excursion or some cheese to take with you to the vineyards, you’ll find this and more at The Village Cheese Shop. Mattituck’s Village Cheese Shop has a wonderful selection of imported and local cheeses and the knowledgeable staff will help you make the perfect selection for your pairings. They also have gourmet pastas, sauces, teas and much more, so you might not even need to go grocery shopping later on! The Village Cheese Shop is located in the heart of town at 105 Love Lane. Call 631-298-8556 or visit thevillagecheeseshop.com.
Even if you’re not feeling stressed out (okay, come on, who isn’t?), with the change in seasons and daylight saving time, your mind and body might really benefit from a little TLC. Blue Sage Day Spa is your Mattituck destination for customized facial and massage treatments, waxing and body scrubs for both men and women. Check out the website for special offers and the full list of services. If you’re a local B&B guest, be sure to inform them for your 10% discount. Blue Sage Day Spa is located at 140 Pike Street, Mattituck. Call 631-298-4244 or visit bluesagedayspa.com.
If you’re looking for a great place for a bite to eat, Love Lane Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday night is “Super Supper Savings” with a $29 prix fix three-course menu that allows you to opt for wine over dessert (yes, please), Friday night beer and wine happy hour and Monday night dinner is only $15, paired with a cold draft. The restaurant places an emphasis on local and organic, you’ll find dishes serving up Satur Farm lettuces, Long Island shitake mushrooms, local fluke and an excellent North Fork wine list. 240 Love Lane. Call 631-298-8989 or visit lovelanekitchen.com.
While cruising Love Lane, you’re sure to come across Bauer’s. Bauer’s Love Lane Shoppe is filled with wonderful gift items, home décor, stationary, candles, jewelry and vintage finds. Vera Bradley and Crabtree & Evelyn devotees will be amazed by the selection. Located at 100 Love Lane, call 631-298-0204 or visit bauerslovelaneshoppe.com.
There just aren’t many of these old fashioned candy shops around anymore—which makes a pop inside Love Lane Sweet Shoppe all the more delightful. Aside from offering a wide variety of gourmet candies and chocolates, they specialize in personalized gift baskets and gifts for weddings, birthdays and other celebrations. Why not bring home a box of Godiva to enjoy with some North Fork red wine? Love Lane Sweet Shoppe is located at 125 Love Lane. Call 631-298-2276 or visit lovelanesweets.com.
Now for that wine! Roanoke Vineyards has a wine bar right at 165 Love Lane. Sip and sample and then maybe even visit the vineyard for a tour or a tasting on your way back toward Riverhead. The New York Times declared, “Roanoke has mastered Cabernet Franc.” Roanoke Vineyards is located at 2543 Sound Avenue in Riverhead. Call 631-727-4161 or visit roanokevineyards.net.