Thanksgiving on the NOFO

Most everyone has heard of Long Island, New York. Most people have some feeling for where it but I dare say that unless you are from the Island your impression of Long Island may what you have heard of the Hamptons. I am here to tell you a little bit about the North Fork or the NOFO as natives refer to it sometimes.
For those who don't know Long Island is huge and very populated. Wikipedia tells me that is had a population of 7,448,618 as of the 2000 census which would have made it the 12th largest state in the country back then and I dare say the population has grown since then. If you take 495 (The Long Island Expressway) east out of New York City all the way to the end you come to a fork in the road. You can choose to go to the South Fork with leads to the Hamptons and ends at Montauk. With it's reputation as a haven for the wealthy and privileged and all that comes with that the Hamptons are what they are. I suggest that you take the North Fork as I will be about this time tomorrow and check out one of the hidden gems of this country.
My wife and her family are proud North Fork natives from Southold NY. Most of the way out the island due north of the Hamptons and situated on the scenic Peconic Bay. Southold and the
surrounding towns are a bit more rural and seem more down to earth than other parts of the island. Natives are proud of that fact and the fast paced life many people think of when they think of New York slows down just a littel bit on the NOFO.
As you can see by the map this area is called the North Fork because it's a peninsula which is surrounded on both sides by water. There is a distinct maritime atmosphere on the NOFO and it's also a big industry there.
The North Fork is also home to some of the best wineries in the United States. They have rolling landscapes and beautiful architecture and host huge parties and bring tourism dollars to the area that is heavily supported by agriculture.
More than any of these things is how I have been welcomed there. The people of the North Fork are very down to earth and friendly. Much like where I am from and are not at all like the stereotypical "New Yorker." I have grown to love this area and although I am a North Carolina native and really never think that I will leave. If I were I think that I have found a place that is as close to my own home as I can find. I am glad that I have family there and will give thanks on Thursday that I will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day there.
If you ever find yourself on Long Island I suggest that you check out the North Fork.

-Doc