Occupying merely 0.6 square miles on the water in the North Fork, New Suffolk awaits. Due to its particular location, it should come as no surprise that this area has quite a connection to that water. However, what may be a slight shock is that this small hamlet calls itself the country’s “First Submarine Base,” a claim with some actual clout behind it. The U.S. Navy’s first modern commissioned submarine — the USS Holland (SS-1) — was briefly based in New Suffolk around the turn of the 20th century, along with five other “Plunger class” Holland vessels. Nowadays, boats of a different class set out on the Peconic as residents and visitors sail past the New Suffolk beachfront and Robins Island. Meanwhile, paddleboarders take advantage of calmer settings in the hamlet’s creeks. The cherry on top? Picturesque coastal views from beachfront properties.