We have officially entered the season that is filled with joy and cheer.  We have also entered a period of the year where the stress levels are up, and the pressure is on. Whether its spending time with family, shopping for gifts or traveling, the holiday season can be tough! Why not take a time out and breakaway for a quick trip out east?!  We know. We know. The East End of Long Island is typically reserved for the summer and fall. Technically, its still fall but that’s not the point. Its beautiful out there all year round and we have the perfect excuse for you to spend a weekend on the North Fork!

For the 8th time, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Marine Program- the Back to the Bays Initiative and the Suffolk Project in Aquaculture Training (SPAT) are producing an incredible event where everyone benefits, Shellabration! The weekend festivities are all held in Greenport where you’ll be able to access everything on foot! It all goes down this weekend, December 7th and 8th from 12PM to 4PM.

Greenport Shellabration is a restaurant walk which features the best in local shellfish, wine, and beer! For two days, wristbands will grant participants access to enjoy the very best culinary creations of Greenport’s leading chefs. $5 small plates featuring local shellfish will be paired with $3 pours of local wine or beer.  We said that the holidays could be stressful with shopping and maxing out credit cards; here is a chance to do something fun in the midst of it all on a budget!

The best part of the event is that while you’re out and about enjoying all the deliciousness that Greenport and the local vineyards and breweries have to offer, you are supporting the efforts of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Marine Program- the Back to the Bays Initiative and the Suffolk Project in Aquaculture Training (SPAT).  That means you are aiding in the goal to increase stakeholder engagement in Water Quality Protection Initiatives; Habitat Improvement Projects; Shellfish and Finfish Research and Restoration; and Youth and Community Education Experiences.  You are also helping the organization produce shellfish to seed the bay.  Good deeds for all including your stomach!

Happy Shellabrating! We’ll see you out there.  For more information and tickets, visit http://shellabration.li