Eat, Stay, Play: The Hamptons

Prior to pulling into Westhampton in late April for our summer sleepwear photoshoot, the only thing I knew of the Hamptons is what Carrie Bradshaw had taught me. I came expecting exorbitantly priced lobster rolls and left having fallen in love with a place that, honestly, felt quite sleepy. I paused for a family of wild turkeys to cross the road in East Hampton and was nearly swept away by the wind while shooting at Ditch Plains in Montauk. I am still thinking about wildly colored stones on Fowlers Beach (stones > seashells any day) and Ina Garten’s favorite meatloaf at 1770 House. Counting the days until I can return…

EAT

Early in the morning, grab coffee at Left Hand and stroll the beach before starting your day. On your way back to the house, swing by PopUp Bagels and opt for the bagel-only window to skip the line. You’ll be a hero when you walk in the front door. For a casual lunch, Local Provisions in Westhamption has the yummiest, healthiest fare or grab a slice at Fini Pizza in Amagansett. Start the evening with a drink at Talya, where you’ll find no shortage of summery cocktails and Greek-inspired small bites, before popping over to Mavericks, where you can opt for bone-in ribeye or tuna steaks. You know we love an oyster, and there’s no place better to enjoy them than Duryea’s. The whole branzino is also a fan favorite at this Montauk outpost. Looking for something more casual? Our favorite relaxed hangout is at Moby’s in East Hampton.

STAY

Once a surf haven, Montauk still feels like a relatively low-key destination in the Hamptons. For a true beach vibe, stay at the Surf Lodge and enjoy the party vibe in the evenings, or Marram for a more chill retreat vibe. For a family-friendly stay, check into a cottage at Gurney’s and watch all of your cares wash away with the tide.

Topping Rose House is a favorite stay in Bridgehampton with its Greek-revival-style columns and sprawling lawn. Over in Sag Harbor, Baron’s Cove, once a preferred hangout of Truman Capote, Jackson Pollock, and Kurt Vonnegut, is now a preferred hangout of ours. Canoe Place Inn, with its scalloped beach awnings and trellis decor, is at the top of our must-stay list.

PLAY

You might recognize the Montauk Lighthouse from our Hamptons print. Take a sunset stroll along the cliffs and experience it up close. Need to get out of the sun? Grab tickets at Sag Harbor Cinema and enjoy the show in a historic setting. For more of the art scene, take in the collection at the Parrish Art Museum or go on a self-guided tour of the Pollock-Krasner Home. Visiting the Wölffer Wine Stand is a must when in the Hamptons. Check out their event calendar and join them for a yoga class or live music. For an evening in, shop local produce and fresh bread at Amber Waves Farm Stand.