O Tannenbaum

PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINIt's not just the tree but it's also the hunt and with just one weekend left to snag the most perfect tree to hang your holiday angel on it's important to know where to go. For the Christmas trifecta, wine, antiques and trees it’s the Sherwood House’s Tasting Room and Material Objects located in Jamesport on the Main Road. A glass of Merlot, a Douglas Fir and a gift for Aunt Martha makes the season bright. For a bit of Dickens charm head to Dart’s Christmas Tree Farm in Southold where not only the outdoor fire but the old wooden barn and fields of beautiful trees will warm your soul. And Strawberry Fields Farm on Sound Avenue in Mattituck where you’ll find a picturesque farm on over 10 acres complete with rolling hills and grazing horses. Happy Holidays!

Dart’s Christmas Tree Farm - 2355 Main Bayview Rd., Southold 
Sherwood House/Material Objects - 1291 Main Rd., Jamesport
Strawberry Fields Farm - 4300 Sound Ave., Mattituck

Let it Snow

PHOTO KINGSLEY KING, VIA FLICKRWhen the snow starts falling why fight it when you can join it. Here’s a list of some of our favorite hills and ice covered ponds. (Always check on the ice conditions before venturing out.)

Marratooka Lake located on the Main Rd in Mattituck
Wolf Pit Lake on Wickham Ave in Mattituck with lights for night time skating
Laurel Lake Preserve for both ice skating and cross country skiing
Green Hill Cemetery on Webb St in Greenport. Most popular for sledding
Orient Point Park at Orient Point has great trails for cross country skiing
On Shelter Island the best place for sledding is Goat Hill in Shelter Island Heights

Ice Boating in Orient

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK TIMESWhen old man winter hits Orient members of the Orient Ice Boat Club dig deep into their garages and dust off their vintage ice boats, some dating back to the early 1800's. Head to Hallocks Bay, it's a sight to see.

Ice Wine

PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINIce-wine is made from the grapes that are left on the vine through the mild freezes and thaws of winter and harvested usually well into December. Try Marcari Vineyard's 2008 Block E. Melon, honeysuckle, apple, honey and date combined make this one of our favorites. A perfect accompaniment with rich cheeses and foie gras.