Between the Forks

East of Riverhead, the quiet waters and sandy beaches of Peconic Bay separate the North and South Forks of eastern Long Island – the small towns of Mattituck, Cutchogue, Southold, Greenport and Orient amid the rural farmlands on the north; to the south, the mansions and estates of the rich in Sag Harbor, Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton and Montauk .

Mattituck town beach, where families can still enjoy a sunny July day, looks south on Great Peconic Bay, with Shelter Island to its east. The small fishing harbor at New Suffolk now shelters mostly pleasure boats.