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 (opens in new tab) and stroll the beach before starting your day. On your way back to the house, swing by PopUp Bagels (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) in Westhamption has the yummiest, healthiest fare or grab a slice at Fini Pizza (opens in new tab) in Amagansett. Start the evening with a drink at Talya (opens in new tab), where you’ll find no shortage of summery cocktails and Greek-inspired small bites, before popping over to Mavericks (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab). 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) and enjoy the party vibe in the evenings, or Marram (opens in new tab) for a more chill retreat vibe. For a family-friendly stay, check into a cottage at Gurney’s (opens in new tab) and watch all of your cares wash away with the tide.
Topping Rose House (opens in new tab) is a favorite stay in Bridgehampton with its Greek-revival-style columns and sprawling lawn. Over in Sag Harbor, Baron’s Cove (opens in new tab), once a preferred hangout of Truman Capote, Jackson Pollock, and Kurt Vonnegut, is now a preferred hangout of ours. Canoe Place Inn (opens in new tab), with its scalloped beach awnings and trellis decor, is at the top of our must-stay list.
PLAY
You might recognize the Montauk Lighthouse (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) and enjoy the show in a historic setting. For more of the art scene, take in the collection at the Parrish Art Museum (opens in new tab) or go on a self-guided tour of the Pollock-Krasner Home (opens in new tab). Visiting the Wölffer Wine Stand (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab).
