What to pack for a weekend in the North Fork

Packing for spring travel is tough. Will it be warm? Will it be raining? Is a cold front coming? While I don’t have the answers to those questions, here’s what I’m packing for my spring weekend in the North Fork in Long Island. Let’s hope I plan correctly!

The Hamptons are a popular, pinkies-up spot for a sandy weekend trip, but did you know that Long Island’s “Wine Country” is just a grape’s throw away?

The North Fork, dubbed “Wine Country” for its more than 40 wineries and vineyards, is located along the Long Island Sound. While local wine is what I’m most excited about (can you tell?), the North Fork also has beaches, kayaking, parks, shopping and plenty of delicious-looking food options.

I say “delicious-looking” because I haven’t actually been to the North Fork yet. My boyfriend and I leave this afternoon (!!), so this morning, it’s all about figuring out what I need to pack for a spring weekend getaway to the North Fork. Or, more elegantly put, a weekend in “Wine Country.”

Here’s what I have on my list, and when I return, I’ll add to the “What I wish I brought” section below. Because I always have at least three could’ve-been-clutch items I kick myself for not bringing.

Clothes

• Two pairs of jeans
• One pair of leggings
• Three long-sleeve shirts
• Two short-sleeve shirts
• Converse sneakers (always!)
• Flats
• Swimsuit (you never know with spring)
• One warm coat, one jacket
• Two pairs of running pants
• Two running shirts and a jacket
• Running shoes
• Sweatpants and sweatshirt (for late-night beach explorations)
• Sleep clothes
• Underwear, socks and all that boring stuff

Gear

• 4-in-1 Olloclip 
• Canon EOS Rebel T1i
• Fujifilm FinePix XP80 
• Gorillapod
• Macbook Air
• iPhone 6

Odds & Ends

• Beach towels for catching the sunrise
• Advil (because wine country…)
• Tylenol (in case Advil doesn’t work…)
• Snacks
• Sunglasses
• Moleskine Notebook
• Book of choice: “Cosmos” by Carl Sagan

Should’ve Brought

Update upon return: While in the North Fork, I had to buy myself a hat, scarf and gloves, so … yeah. Spring in out in Long Island’s wine country requires some warmer, winter gear. Other than that, packing worked out pretty well!

Of course, the memories you make are much more important than the things you take, but hopefully this quick guide helps you feel ready and prepared for your next North Fork weekend getaway.