North Fork Link Launches For Summer

This summer, a new fleet of luxury vans called the North Fork Link will shuttle North Fork visitors around the region’s key attractions — free of charge.

“The Link” will run on Saturdays from July 7 through August 25, between Riverhead and Greenport. Shuttles will pick up guests at Long Island Rail Road stations in Riverhead, Mattituck, and Greenport. Visitors can then hop on and off when they please at villages and other key attractions they want to visit.

The service, which aims to quell the North Fork’s notorious traffic and parking issues, was spearheaded by the North Fork Promotion Council, a cooperative of local associations aiming to promote the area, enhancing its economy while preserving its quality of life.

“Our mission is to promote the North Fork through strategic partnerships while, at the same time, enhancing quality of life in the region,” said Duncan Kennedy, president of the NFPC. “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from New York and the surrounding area who can take advantage of this new complimentary and eco-friendly shuttle service.”

Shuttles will run every 30 to 45 minutes between Riverhead and Greenport from 11 AM to 7 PM. Real time information and location updates will be available via North Fork Now, an app dedicated to connecting guests with the service. Visitors will be taken to North Fork wineries, breweries, restaurants, shops, art galleries, and other points of interest at their own pace.

“Suffolk County is constantly looking for new and innovative transportation options to draw visitors to our region,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “The North Fork Link does just that, by allowing visitors to enjoy the world class attractions on the East End without the hassle of driving or parking.”

The fleet was ready to roll after the NFPC received a New York State Empire State Development grant to provide a transportation solution to North Fork traffic — slow moving, bumper-to-bumper summer traffic and a lack of parking.

But this solution is far more elegant than other options, such as the county bus. The North Fork Link shuttles boast leather seats, WiFi, and power outlets. Drivers are employed by M&V Limousines, which also provides the vehicles. On-board “concierges” will assist passengers with their itineraries, answer questions, and provide information about the North Fork.

“Domestic and international travelers alike are increasingly using public transportation, and this new shuttle service will allow the North Fork to benefit from tourism’s economic impact without adding to vehicle traffic,” said Kristen Jarnagin, president and CEO of tourism promotional agency Discover Long Island.

Users can learn more at NorthForkNow.org/nofolink.

The Link stops at the following locations on its Riverhead to Greenport loop:

1) Hotel Indigo

2) Long Ireland Brewery

3) Riverhead LIRR Station/Moustache Brewing Co./Railroad Museum

4) Downtown Riverhead/Aquarium/ Preston House

5) North Fork Chocolate Company

6) Bay View Farm Market

7) Jamesport Vineyard

8) The Duncan Inn

9) Manor Lane

10) Jason’s Vineyard

11) Laurel Lake Vineyards

12) Mattituck LIRR/Love Lane

13) McCall Wines

14) Bedell Cellars

15) Peconic Lane

16) Downtown Southold

17) Greenport LIRR

18) Downtown Greenport Village

19) Sunset Beach Hotel/Cliffside Resort

20) The Sound View

21) Town Beach

22) Sang Lee Farms

23) 8 Hands Farm

24) Castello di Borghese

25) Cedar House on Sound B&B

26) Harbes Family Farm

27) Martha Clara Vineyards/Jamesport Farm Brewery/Hallockville Museum/Hallock State Park Preserve

28) Palmer Vineyards

29) Riverhead Ciderhouse

30) LIV Vodka

Jade@indyeastend.com
@JadeEckardt