Explore LI's 'Peconic Triangle' This Summer By Boat

Miami has South Beach. Jersey has its shore. Bermuda may have its paranormal waters but Long Island offers its own unique maritime triangle with the waters of Peconic Bay stretching from to Riverhead and onto the classic harbor towns of and Sag Harbor.

Riverhead Town provides free dock space along the Peconic River, and the nearby is a wonderful attraction for any children you might have as crew. Their shark tanks, penguins, seals and other sea life will put smiles on everyone's faces. 

A short walk west through Main Street brings you to Tweed's. Residing on the ground floor of the J.J. Sullivan  Hotel, which dates back to the 1870s, this restaurant offers fresh buffalo, one of the most delicious, lean and nutritious meats available. The owners have a small ranch just north of Riverhead, complete with the largest herd of buffalo east of the Mississippi River. 

The next leg of the Peconic Triangle is Greenport, a 20-mile voyage east. The scenery is amazing, as you pass through Little and Great Peconic Bay. A cruise along the southern coast brings you by the Shinnecock Canal and Meschutt Beach County Park. A bit further east, Jessop's Point provides good striped bass fishing.

From there, head north with a smooth trip up the western coast of Shelter Island. The mansions and their huge, manicured lawns make for a breathtaking cruise. Just prior to entering "the Little Race," (a narrow channel that leads you from Great Peconic Bay into Greenport), sharp eyes can spot a sculpture of a giant white crane on the beach of Southold. Once you reach Greenport Harbor another mega-beast awaits, the giant metal sculpture osprey titled Morning Glory. This three-story artwork is dedicated to those touched by the 911 tragedy.

provides transient dockage right in the heart of Greenport. A stroll down Main Street offers art galleries, fine clothing spots, two ice cream parlors, several antique shops and nearly a dozen restaurants. From the elegance ofto the hot, southern, Cajun tastes of Greenport is a port of good eating.

Sag Harbor is the final leg of your trip through the Peconic Triangle. Upon entering Sag Harbor's breakwaters, gigantic yachts line the shoreline and a flotilla of ocean-going sailing ships bob on their moorings. From the water, Sag Harbor provides scenes straight from the French Rivera, with 100 foot plus mega-yachts, some with helicopters or cars perched on their upper decks. 

From the land, the atmosphere changes again, to that of a New English whaling village. The town maintains a wonderful dock on their Long Wharf, which marks the northern tip of Main Street of the town.  Storefronts, museums and townhouses have retained their early 1800s look, with the restored American Hotel being the centerpiece. 

Here are links to the restaurants, marinas, stores and places of interest that make the Peconic Triangle a voyage to remember. _Town of Riverhead Parks Department and marinas_; _Atlantis Marine World; Tweed's  Restaurant and Bar; __Meschutt Beach County Park_, _Greenport Village and Mitchell Park Marina; __Sag Harbor_

Bon Voyage!