A string of quaint towns, hamlets and villages, sprawled out across the eastern side of Long Island, the Hamptons is the summer playground for New York City’s elite. Although it may just be a 90 minute drive from the city, it couldn’t be more different, with golden beaches and quaint town squares, but with plenty of New York influences, such as world-class restaurants and a thriving nightlife scene. OROGOLD takes a look at what’s hot this summer in the Hamptons.
Where to Stay
The best way to experience Hamptons life is to stay at one of the many beachfront houses. There are many companies that organize short-term rentals, especially for the summer, and, if your budget won’t stretch to a whole house, there are also many organizations that can arrange for you to rent a single room. If you would prefer to stay at a hotel, Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa, which first opened its doors way back in 1926, is one of the most popular choices, with delicious fresh seafood and the only seawater swimming pool in North America. For accommodation that’s nearer to the best shops and bars of the Hamptons, check out the luxurious Capri Hotel, which offers beach-chic accommodation and a world-class restaurant, as well as free breakfasts and yoga lessons on the weekends. For those of you who aren’t looking to splash as much cash on your room, there are also plenty of quaint B&Bs and motels to choose from.
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Where to Dine
New restaurants and cafes are constantly opening up in the Hamptons, but even the best restaurants retain their casual Hamptons vibe. Located on Main Street, Nick and Toni’s is an Italian restaurant that will make you feel as though you are dining in a Tuscan farmhouse, with fresh, local, organic ingredients cooked in their traditional wood-fired oven and grill. If you are hoping to rub shoulders with your favorite celebrities, head over to the Southampton Social Club, with their fine dining restaurant and signature cocktails, it is easy to see why they host some of the hottest parties every summer. Seafood is extremely popular at many restaurants, and you can expect to enjoy the best of local produce wherever you choose to eat.
What to Do
One of the main attractions in the Hamptons are the gorgeous beaches, but, due to the exclusivity of the Hamptons, many of the beaches are private. However, non-residents can still pay a daily fee to be granted access to miles of golden sand and surf. From Cooper’s Beach to Tiana’s Beach to Gibson Beach, each offers something slightly different and appeal to various crowds, so take the time to explore them all to see where you feel the most comfortable. For those rare rainy days, there are still other sights to see, including the former studio and home of artist Jackson Pollock, the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center, and the Montauk Point Lighthouse. There are also plenty of great spas in the Hamptons, offering a wide range of beauty treatments.
Whether you’re simply in the Hamptons for a summer weekend, or have decided to spend the whole season there, there is plenty to do and much to see. From the many miles of golden beaches to the huge range of dining and nightlife hot spots to the local sights and historic landmarks, there isn’t much that can beat a star-studded summer in the Hamptons.
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