My day job as a Prevention Specialist/Community Development Specialist doing community substance abuse prevention work brings me all over Long Island, from Sag Harbor to Oceanside. The benefit of this, when I give myself the time anyway, is that I get to explore fun new towns and shops I wouldn’t otherwise visit. It’s sometimes like being a tourist in my own area. That feeling of exhilaration of veering off the work path (outside of work hours of course) and finding something different, something that gives a tangible sensation to that town. I just love it.

On a recent trip out to Riverhead for a meeting I was walking back to the parking lot and spotted a new shop next to the L.I. Aquarium and Exhibition Center complex and Hyatt East End: Taste the East End. The name reminded me of the Taste NY stores you see in rest stops, along highways, and in airports and other locations across the state so I was instantly intrigued. Taste the East End is half locally sourced grocery store and half style boutique. When you enter you are instantly greeted with the vibrant blue pickup truck bed cash register area, an adorable addition in my opinion! Around the cash register you can peruse a variety of clothing, jewelry, accessories, soaps and lotions. Many of these are currently not locally sources, but the company is working on it.

To your left is the good stuff; the grocery and kitchen section In addition to a variety of nautical and natural themed kitchen towels, bowls, and more you’ll find a variety of locally produced goodies from Salt Water Taffy to drinks and everything in between.

The best part? Virtually all the food items are gluten free! Cookie lover? Pick up a bag of Tate’s chocolate chip cookies, or a box of Ms. Michelle’s double chocolate cookies (or other flavors). You could even snag a bag of End of the Line Wine Infused French Macarons. Want something a bit spicier? Snag a locally made salsa or BBQ Sauce. Thirsty? Try a Montauk Lemonade or other bottled beverage. Hell, you can even grab yourself some of my favorite farmer’s market finds: Copia granola and granola bars or Terra Nut cold pressed snack. Jams and sauces are also available, and if the chef in you wants to feel some cooking inspiration you can even pick up a few locally written cookbooks.

According to the cashier there the day I visited they’re working with other companies to build their grocery options. Definitely check it out, if you are seeking some local gluten free finds! With local items sold in hometown stores your purchases help two fold: they keep the stores AND the companies that stock them going.

Location: 469 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901 (the front portion of Jerry and the Mermaid Restaurant)