This past weekend, we had the most incredible Fall family day on the North Fork (NOFO), packed with all the autumn essentials. Here’s a rundown of our fun-filled adventure:

1st Stop: Lewin Farms Stand 812 Sound Ave Calverton, NY 11933

Our day started at Lewin Farms, where we stumbled upon the most amazing treat—fried rainbow cookies from the food truck! Hands down, these were best rainbow cookies we’ve ever tasted, doughy on the outside and warm, & rich on the inside.  Forget the fried Oreos, the rainbow cookie is amazing! Although we were saving our appetite for all the fall treats ahead, they also offered fried uncrusables, fried Twinkies, fried Oreos, and much more!

2nd Stop: Andrews Family Farm 1038 Sound Ave Calverton, NY 11933

Next up was Andrews Family Farm, which felt like a true autumn wonderland. The pumpkin displays were stunning, and we couldn’t resist snapping a photo at their famous pumpkin rainbow, a yearly tradition. We left with an armful of fresh veggies, sunflowers, and, of course, some perfect pumpkins.

Andrews Family Farm Pumpkins are the gorgeous

3rd Stop: Schmitt’s Farm 3355 Sound Ave Riverhead, NY 11901

Schmitt’s Farm is always a highlight for us—mainly for their roasted corn! They slather it in butter, and you can choose from a variety of toppings to customize it. We also couldn’t pass up on a loaded baked potato after seeing the person in front of us order one—it was as good as it looked! After eating, we wandered around, admired the pumpkins, took more photos, and picked up some local honey and flowers.

 

Roasted corn at Schmitt Farms

Pumpkins at Schmitts Farm

4th Stop: Waterdrinker North Fork 4560 Sound Ave Riverhead, NY 11901

This was our first time at Waterdrinker NOFO, our tradition is usually the Manorville location, though this location was so convenient for us, and it didn’t disappoint! The kids had a blast with all the activities—jump pads, a corn maze, ax throwing, slides, games, sunflowers, pumpkins, goats, lots of photo ops etc…

Waterdrinker NOFO
Bounce pads

5th Stop: Woodside Orchards 729 Main Rd Aquebogue, NY 11931

This was the stop we were most excited for—apple picking at Woodside Orchards! Before we headed to the orchard, we treated ourselves to hot apple cider donuts and apple cider slushies. A sampling of their hard cider flavors. We picked about 20 pounds of apples—perfect for pies, snacks, and maybe some homemade applesauce.

Waiting for our order of hot apple cider donuts.Woodside Orchard Flight of 4 different hard ciders, 2 Apple Cider Slushes, 1/2 dozen hot apple cider donuts. Beautiful Apples in the orchard Apple Picking is so fun at Woodside Orchard

6th Stop: The Taco 105 – 10560 Main Rd Mattituck, NY 11952

By this time, we were ready for something savory, so we stopped at 105 Tacos for dinner. It was the perfect way to refuel after a long day.

Final Stop: Love Lane Mattituck, NY 11952

We wrapped up the night at Love Lane for their last First Friday of the year—check out my previous post to read more about that fun event!

It was an unforgettable day in NOFO, packed with great food, gorgeous scenery, and family fun. If you’re looking for the perfect fall day trip, I can’t recommend this enough!

 

An absolutely amazing NOFO fall day!

 

 

 

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We did all the fall things today, this was the perfect ending.

Tonight was the last First Friday of the year, and it was the perfect way to start the first weekend of October. Jay Shepard’s music brought the crowd to life, making the atmosphere feel vibrant and festive. The crisp weather was ideal for celebrating the season, with everyone in high spirits.

There were so many vendors! We indulged in some fun treats— creamy fondue from the cheese shop,  delicious shrimp cocktail and crispy clam strips from Braun’s seafood food truck. And, of course, we couldn’t resist the fresh donuts from NoFo DoCo. Donuts were Maple Bacon and Cannoli flavored, so good!  To keep warm, I enjoyed Harvest Moon (pumpkin coffee) from Sunset Blends.

We walked around, enjoyed the music, spoke with the vendors, really enjoyed the community event to the fullest. As the night came to a close, we made our way to the Mattituck Florist, a truly stunning property. The Mattituck Leo’s Club hosted a pumpkin painting activity right outside, adding a festive touch to the evening. The kids painted pumpkins, as the sky turned a breathtaking mix of pink, orange and blue; the sun set behind the florist shop—a perfect close to the night.

As a licensed real estate salesperson myself with Engel & Völkers North Fork, I couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of the Mattituck Florist property, which is currently for sale. My esteemed colleague, is the listing agent, this property is a jewel right at the start of Love Lane. It’s prime commercial location in the heart of Mattituck, and with tonight’s sunset, it truly shone as the perfect setting to end the evening.

Thank you Mattituck for this wonderful event! I cannot wait until next year!

Written by Jennifer Disbrow, licensed real estate salesperson with Engel & Völkers North Fork, and professional photographer at Jennifer Christy Photography.

 



 

 

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When it comes to finding the perfect backdrop for photography in Brooklyn, DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) never disappoints. This neighborhood is a blend of classic New York charm and modern urban beauty, making it an ideal location for capturing timeless family moments.

Why DUMBO?

DUMBO offers a unique combination of stunning architecture, waterfront views, and iconic landmarks. The cobblestone streets, industrial-style warehouses, and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge provide a beautiful contrast that makes every shot feel dynamic and special.

For family photography, it’s about creating lasting memories in a setting that feels both grand and personal. DUMBO offers that balance perfectly. Families can feel the energy of the city, yet the open spaces and greenery of Brooklyn Bridge Park create a calm and inviting atmosphere.

Top Spots for Family Photos in DUMBO

1. Pebble Beach
The small stretch of beach right on the East River provides breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. The soft, natural light here, especially at golden hour, creates a magical ambiance for family portraits. Kids love exploring the rocks and pebbles, making it a great spot for candid moments.

fall photographer

 

2. Brooklyn Bridge Park
This sprawling park offers a mix of green space and urban views. With the bridges as a backdrop and the beautiful lawns, it’s easy to create a variety of looks all in one location. Whether it’s families playing on the grass or posed shots with the bridges in the background, Brooklyn Bridge Park is full of possibilities.

3. Jane’s Carousel
For a touch of whimsy and nostalgia, Jane’s Carousel is a must-visit. The carousel, encased in a glass pavilion with the city skyline in the background, makes for a dreamy location, especially for families with young children. The reflection of the city in the glass adds a creative element to any shot.

4. Washington Street (Iconic View of Manhattan Bridge)
Washington Street offers one of the most iconic views in all of New York City. The Manhattan Bridge frames the Empire State Building perfectly in the distance, providing a classic shot that’s both dramatic and recognizable. Families love posing here, and it’s a great spot to capture a mix of architecture and city life.

5. Main Street Park and the Lawn by the Carousel
For a more serene vibe, the lawns along the waterfront provide open, green spaces with the stunning city and bridge views in the background. This is perfect for more relaxed, intimate family moments, away from the hustle of the streets.

The Best Time for Family Photography in DUMBO

Timing is everything when planning a family shoot in DUMBO. Early mornings are perfect for avoiding crowds and capturing the soft morning light that brings a calm glow to the neighborhood. Late afternoon or golden hour, just before sunset, is ideal for getting that warm, flattering light that makes family photos even more magical.

Tips for a Successful DUMBO Shoot

*Plan around the crowds: DUMBO is one of the most popular photo locations in New York City. For more intimate family sessions, try weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds.
*Pack light: You’ll likely be walking between several locations, so keep your equipment minimal for easy mobility.
*Embrace spontaneity: DUMBO has a lot of personality, from street art to unexpected street scenes. Be open to capturing candid moments as families explore the area.

Scouting DUMBO for family photography has been an inspiring experience. Its combination of iconic landmarks, waterfront beauty, and hidden gems makes it a versatile and unforgettable location. Whether you’re looking for sweeping skyline views or intimate family moments in nature, DUMBO has it all.

If you’re looking to capture your family’s special moments in Brooklyn, DUMBO is the perfect place. I’m excited to offer sessions in this picturesque neighborhood that truly embodies the essence of New York.

Also Pop the question photography in Dumbo, engagement photos in Dumbo, Couples Photography in Dumbo, and children photography in Dumbo.

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