Things to Do in Hamden

From the road, passing cyclists glimpse rows of grapevines stretching across gently sloped hills and converging at the horizon under a beaming midday sun. The scene could easily be mistaken for Northern California or another storied wine-producing region, but it's how a normal day looks around Long Island’s North Fork area, where more than 50 wineries call the rolling vineyards their home.

Guides at Vintage Bicycle Tours bring two-wheeled travelers into the heart of the area’s wineries—as well as its many farm stands, boutiques, and views of Peconic Bay—through their signature bike tours and customizable à la carte tours. Passionate about both wine and cycling, guides supply visitors with thirst-quenching narration and all equipment, including a choice of Kent tandem comfort bikes for two or Diamondback mountain-comfort hybrid cycles. Alternatively, Vintage Bicycle Tours permits riders to bring their own bikes or all-terrain unicycles.

At Village Center for the Arts, director Sharon Kaufman and co-owner Jayson Roberts lead art classes that span the creative spectrum, layering in lessons that detail their respective specializations. Kaufman, a teacher for 19 years, uses the pottery wheel to shape most of her work, and Roberts excels in the art of wood building. To help maintain positive energy, the duo carefully selects teachers and staff members who can communicate artistic concepts in fun, engaging ways that don't require actual engagements or wedding DJ contracts.

The center's art classes, camps, and open studio hours put students in the same space as the painting and sculpting experts. And the studio itself—a large colonial house capped with a classical pediment—provides guests with the comforts of working in a home-like setting without home-like limitations of owning only one Bob Ross DVD or having plenty of face paint but only one grandmother.

North Fork Bike Tours leads wine lovers on foot-powered excursions through the picturesque farms, gardens, and vineyards of local wine country. Tours traipse across the North Fork of Long Island and offer a rare, on-the ground view into local wine culture. Riders progress at a leisurely pace over predominantly flat terrain and well-surfaced roads while stopping to enjoy sips at local vineyards. All riders are provided with bicycles that feature baskets for carrying home souvenirs and bottles freshly plucked from the vineyards' wine trees.

"There is this amazing energy out on the water; you get a chance to ride Mother Nature. It doesn't cost anything, and there is always a freshness to it." When Global Boarding's founder Robb Reid describes his profession, it's hard to believe he has been at it for more than a quarter of a century. Mr. Reid remains as passionate as when he first discovered surfing as a young boy. "It has always brought me happiness," he says.

As a professional wakeboarder and coach, Mr. Reid's dedication took him across the globe. He traveled to the beaches of Central America and learned to do everything upside down in Australia. Despite each country's beauty, it wasn't until Mr. Reid and his wife found the clear waters and nature preserves of Sag Island that they knew they had found what they were looking for: a home. In 2001, Global Boarding was born.

Along with a team of ARC-certified professionals, Mr. Reid keeps his customers from surfing in the bathtub May through September of each year. Their fleet of boats can pull water gear such as tubes, wakeboards, and water skis. In Global Boarding’s kids' surf program, Mr. Reid uses wake surfing as a transitional tool to teach new surfers how to find balance atop the ocean's natural playgrounds.

With more than 10 on-water activities, Hamptons Paddleboard lets its customers accomplish everything from catching fish to conquering crashing waves. Led by Captain Mike, a USCG Certified Master Captain with more than 15 years of experience, the team of CPR-certified instructors and captains help students traverse the Hampton's varied aquatic terrain. The crew can teach fledgling aquanauts to smooth out wobbles atop a paddleboard, ski along the water, or successfully snorkel the water's depths. Tours by paddleboard, kayak, or canoe are also available amid the warm, romantic glow of sunset.

The blue waters lap gently at the fleet of boats docked in the certified clean Three Belles Marina. After the crews arrive, the sailboats and motorboats are ready to set out on the nearby protected cove. When the sailors arrive, they can find a certified mechanic seven days a week and take a dip in a sunny swimming pool because Three Belles Marina strives to offer all-encompassing onsite services and amenities.