Greenport, New York:
Prettiest Place to Live
Named on of the prettiest towns in the United States by Forbes magazine in 2011, Greenport truly is a nugget of history nestled in all the beauty of a coastal village. Back in the 1600’s, colonial settlers came down from New Haven, Connecticut and formed the township of Southold, of which the village is a part. Over the centuries, the village has been named Winter Harbor, Stirling, and Green Hill until it officially became Greenport in 1831.
Similar to Sag Harbor which is just across the bay, Greenport boasts a deep and well-protected harbor which is why it became a bustling shipbuilding port as well as whaling village. When oysters were all the rage at the turn of the 20th century, there were well over a dozen oyster processing plants in this small area, accommodating much of the demand for these delectable pearls of the sea.
Turning towards the tourism industry in the second half of the 20th century, Greenport has become a haven for seafood lovers, shopping gurus, and has truly become a destination of choice for vacationers. But what is there to do in this little village?
For history buffs, there is no shortage of museums and tours to fill your vacation itinerary, such as the East End Seaport Museum Lighthouse Tours. Take a cruise to the offshore lighthouses that dot the harbor and disembark at each one for a close up of these historic landmarks. Enjoy the panoramic views and submerge yourself in stories of this maritime community.
Mitchell Park, the jewel of Greenport, is four acres of beautiful, lush landscape right on the waterfront. There is plenty to do here besides have a pinic! The Antique Carousel, built in 1920, is the focal point of the park, and is only $2 per ride. Depending on the time of year, you can find boat shows and art shows for a fun-filled afternoon. In the winter, there is an outdoor ice skating rink as well, weather permitting.
Also located at Mitchell Park, you will find one of the world’s few Camera Obscura. It is a combination of ancient and current technology, based on the physics wherein if a small hole is made in the wall of a completely dark room, an inverted image of outside the window will be produced on the opposite wall. A cool display of science sure to wow the whole family.
Visit Greenport, where you don’t have to go far to get away!
by LA DiNardi
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