My Guide to Summer in the Hamptons

This summer we rented a house in the Hamptons with friends.

Well, at least one friend, who up until a few months ago wasn’t.

Brooke and I grew up in the same hometown and went to neighboring high schools. She dated friends of mine and ending up marrying an upperclassman I had a crush on. We knew of each other but that was the extent.

Years ago we ran into each other, ironically, in the Hamptons, became Facebook friends, trolled each other’s profiles for pics and that was that.

Then we had babies.

And she reached out to me for a play date. I’m so glad she did.

It turns out we share a love for game-playing, photo-taking, Pinterest-making and wine-tasting (or guzzling, depending on the day). We’ve become fast friends, making up for lost time, in wine time.

Praying the winter away, we met for lunch (and wine!) one cold March day. Brooke asked if I was interested in doing a summer share. I thought those were only for drunk twenty-somethings looking to hook up. But what she proposed sounded genius. Or disasterous. There was only one way to tell!

So I convinced begged my husband to give it a go with me and our little Lilly. She’d have a pool, yard and built-in daily play mates. (Each couple- there were five total- had one child within two or three months of our daughter’s age.) We’d have an adventure, change of scenery, break from the city heat (that never really came!) and the potential to make new, lifelong friends. He, as usual, was skeptical.

I’m the dreamer. He’s the realist.

Well, this time, the dreamer won.

And in what a big way. We had the best time exploring our new surroundings, taking advantage of all the Hamptons have to offer and creating lasting memories with our family and newfound, fun friends.

Below, my list of the must hits and some snapshots of our crazy crew.

Mary’s Marvelous. Amagansett and East Hampton. The Golden Pear is OVERRATED. Mary is not only marvelous, she’s affordable and delicious. Stop in for coffee, a smoothie or an Alec Baldwin sighting. And don’t forget to pick up a life-changing (whole wheat maple) scone.

Sylvester & Co. Sag Harbor. One of the coolest home stores I’ve been to that houses (See what I did there?) Dreamy– the best iced coffee (on tap!!) on the island.

Dreesen’s. East Hampton. Homemade donuts. Enough said.

Estia’s Little Kitchen. Sag Harbor. The quintessential little breakfast spot. My husband literally stumbled upon it while wandering into town from a broken down car. It doesn’t get more cinematic than that.

Seafood Shop. Wainscott. Stop in for fantastic fresh lobster salad and DIY some lobster rolls.

Wolffer Estate Vineyard. Sagaponack. The folks at Wolffer know what they’re doing. Beyond tastings, there are classes, yoga in the vines (Which I was dying to try but never made it!) and…

The Wine Stand which offers live music Friday and Saturday from 5pm- sundown. Spread out a blanket, pour out some rosé and call it one, fine day. That is, until your toddler has a tantrum and you have to pack up and leave mid-Manchego.

Beacon. Sag Harbor. The view picturesque, the food impeccable. But space is limited so go early, put your name in and sip some Sav while you watch the sunset.

Tutto il Giorno. Sag Harbor. Donna Karan’s daughter’s new spot. With that lineage, you know it’s chic. But the food is also on point. While there, stop by the stunning space next door.

Harlow East. Sag Harbor. The back is where it’s at. Charming white lights, gorgeous view of the harbor, the perfect “beach” bar vibe. The lobster roll sliders aren’t bad either!

Navy Beach. Montauk. The outdoor space is reminiscent of Nikki Beach in Cannes, France. Sexy, chic with unbeatable cocktails.

Moby’s. East Hampton. An update from the perennial fav Moby Dick’s, this hotspot is the perfect place for a coastal-inspired cocktail. (The food’s really good too if you don’t mind the very long wait.)

If it’s old school you’re after, The Talkhouse in Amagansett is the place for you. A live music, bottled-beer, photo-boothed, dancing dive. The cover will cost you though. Despite the cheesy posters, at $30 a pop, it’s no cheap date.

LT Burger. Sag Harbor. If you’re looking for pure indulgence, LT can not be beat. Fried pickles, bacon burgers, “Dirty” chicken, “Rated R” shakes… It’s worth the splurge.

Lilly’s first fry ever was at LT! Something tells me it won’t be her last.

Levain Bakery. The legendary NY cookie (a.k.a. brick) has made it’s way to Wainscott. And I couldn’t be happier. A serious indulgence, the chocolate peanut butter is still the best I’ve ever had.

Buddha Berry. Montauk and Sag Harbor. Every topping imaginable that you add. Dangerous for the kids in all of us. Just ask my friend Grady; His wife had to cut him off!

Cavaniola’s. Sag Harbor. Stop in for some wine and cheese, leave with a handful of other gourmet goodies like Rice Krispie balls. Need I say more?

Juicy Naam. Sag Harbor. If after all the excess, you’re finding the need to get your health on, Juicy Naam is the place to go. The Jupiter restores the liver. Just sayin’…

While you’re at it, take your Jupiter and jump on a board. Paddle Diva in East Hampton does beginner stand up paddling for us novices or advanced work out classes for the savvy SUPers.

Soul Cycle barn. For spin devotees, you have to check out the Bridgehampton outpost of this cult classic. It’s housed in an old barn. Very cool.

Serena & Lily Beach Market. Wainscott. If you’re a fan of the brand, this is a must. If you simply have good taste and style, still stop by. A breathtaking beach oasis, you’ll want everything in the store. Or to redesign your entire home. Not sure which would be cheaper!

Book Hampton. East Hampton. A charming little independent book store (Support small businesses and real books!). The staff is helpful, knowledgable and friendly.

Children’s Museum East End. Bridgehampton. An adorable, inventive, interactive space for the little ones in our lives.

Longhouse Reserve. East Hampton. An exquisite sculpture garden. Great place for the kids to roam. Perfect photo op (or private event space) for the parents.

Ladder Ball, Tucker, the Labradoodle and Montauk Ale… unofficial sponsors of the summer.

And what a summer it was!

Until next time…