I used to think that Long Island was just good for the mall and beaches, and that it was just really boring growing up, but slowly and surely I’m uncovering gems here and there as I adult through life. For the past few summers, I’ve been on a mini mission to explore more of Long Island on my days off when I’m not in NYC. I live on the north end of the fishtail now so I’m slowly going out east to see what’s out there. I’ve finally developed an appreciation for Long Island after living here all my life. Don’t get me wrong, I still love NYC, but it takes me about 2 hours to get there so if I don’t have a full itinerary planned, I prefer to not waste the gas out there.

Jedediah Hawkins Inn is one of Long Island’s best kept secrets on the North Fork. One of my good friends attended a wedding here a few years back and recommended me it to me and I finally had a minute to stop by and check it out this summer. Now I’m kicking myself for not stopping by sooner! I’m a huge fan of lobster rolls and I think I may have just found my favorite new spot. We had brunch here after visiting the East Marion’s Lavender By The Bay fields and it was just perfect. Tucked away on a side road, is the cutest boutique hotel you’ll ever find. Driving up to it alone is something magical. The house is so grand and beautiful and yet still intimate, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into somewhere special in time walking through the door.

The staff was so friendly and accommodating and the service for brunch was attentive. We sat inside in a sun room dining area as it was too hot to sit outside on the patio but alas, another visit! The inside dining area did NOT disappoint, however. The plush seating was just as cute and the view of the grounds from the sun room was beautiful. Presentation is everything to me and at Jedediah, they definitely paid attention to every detail. I mean, even the food we had was not overlooked, as each dish was as beautiful as it was delicious and fresh. We had the burger, the french toast, the avocado toast and the lobster roll. My lobster roll came with a side of fries and a salad which was the cherry on top since I always want both and hate paying extra. You can't beat the price for the generous portion size and what it included, as well as to how fresh and amazing it tasted! If you've been following me on Instagram, then you know I've been on a mission to find and eat every lobster roll this summer. So far my least favorite was the dinky one in DUMBO from Luke's Lobster, which was 1/3 of the size of this one, and only included a very small side of soup or bag of chips for the same price as Jedediah's and it wasn't even that good, unfortunately. Money and time wasted. But this! This beautiful thing at Jedediah, it's definitely now one of my highest rated lobster rolls I've ever had.

After brunch, we walked the grounds for a few photos and literally everywhere on the property is photogenic. From the entrance to the entire perimeter surrounding the house at each wall to the beautiful archway path, gazebo sitting area and barn. We even saw cute little bunnies on the property constantly as we walked around. Not only is this a great place to stop by for a bite if you’re out on the North Fork farm hopping or wine hopping, but I can also see this being a great venue for birthdays, bridal or baby showers and other memorable events to celebrate with loved ones. There’s even a speakeasy downstairs in the basement if that’s your sort of thing too. Everything there is so instagrammable and picture perfect for all those occasions, or even if there’s no occasion and you just want that beautiful quintessential North Fork photo or grab a bite or drink. There’s something incredibly charming about this side of Long Island.

I’m so glad I finally got to visit and experience this hidden gem and I can’t wait to return again over the summer for another lobster roll. Especially since NYC is far and sometimes I just want something closer to home. One day I will complete my mission of trying all the lobster rolls on Long Island. So far, Jedediah has shot its way to to the top next to Bellport’s Porters On The Lane as my top favorites! Both are so beautiful to sit and dine for a summer meal as well as reasonably and moderately priced for what you get, portion and presentation wise. I can't wait to find more gems like these hidden on Long Island. 💖

Jededidah Hawkins Inn is located on 400 South Jamesport Avenue in Jamesport, NY 11947.

Photos by: Ismael Ordonez and VBS Portrait