Vacation Like a Local in the Hamptons

While summer’s ethos is marketed as free-spirited and easygoing, it’s usually not the case as social calendars fill up, deadlines close in ahead of the late summer lull, and there’s a silent pressure to soak it all in before fall’s first crisp in the air. While planning a bucket list trip to Paris might sound enticing in the spring, a long-haul flight (potentially riddled with delays and cancellations) to a European city amidst summer crowds and hot weather might sound less so as the summer gets into full swing. I’m feeling a bit of this summertime angst, too. So when Lincoln emailed me to take a road trip to somewhere outside New York City— where a heat wave has been taunting us for the better half of the summer—I said, let’s go. Their vehicles, which have shuttled our Marie Claire fashion team between crazy New York Fashion Week schedules, are built to feel like sanctuaries—which we often take to heart, piling ourselves, our show tickets, and laptop computers into the car-turned-mobile-office for hours on end. While I was behind the wheel this time instead of in the passenger's seat, and despite my terrible sense of direction— I felt immediately at peace, which was thanks in part to the new Lincoln Nautilus’s curated scent experience that live in the armrest and can omit on-demand fragrances and the massage options built into the seats. Also, I was headed for some relaxation just a few hour's drive from New York City.

The Hamptons can feel just as busy as the city in the later summer months with New Yorkers, major celebs, including a Hamptons-era Jennifer Lopez, and families who flock to the area for vacation, making the South Fork of Long Island a bit hectic. But the location is peak beautiful in the summer months with gorgeous beaches and bright blue and purple hydrangeas everywhere you turn. Lobster rolls and oyster happy hours are abundant. But don’t let the crowds scare you off; there’s a way to do it right—by seeking out the hidden gems in the area that make for a relaxing getaway that feels a world away from the busy concrete jungle. For those who don’t have family or friends in the area to stay with, EHP Resort and Marina offers guests quintessential shingle-sided one- and two-bedroom cottages for short- and long-term stays with all the home comforts, like kitchens and private outdoor seating, a shared gym, and a serene guest-only lounge pool in the middle of the property. Cottages are also just a few steps away from the Long Island sound and have panoramic harbor views.

Sun and surf are big draws for the Hamptons, with a handful of beaches dotting the Atlantic shoreline, from Ditch Plains' iconic surfing beach in Montauk to the calmer waters at Mexoc in Water Mill and Main Beach in East Hampton. If the beach isn’t your thing, a day of shopping in town—with quaint local and luxury shops—is a good way to explore with something for everyone, from one of Ina Garten’s favorite cooking shops and specialty food stores, Loaves and Fishes in Sagaponack to the high-end wares at Chanel in East Hampton. Fashion ladies chasing the jelly sandals trend should pop into The Row in Amagansett. Even if you don’t buy something, the interior decor and flawless edit are fun to ogle over.

An afternoon at Wölffer Estate is also time well spent. The locally owned winery, run by Joey Wölffer, is known along the East Coast for its bread-and-butter summer wines, including their Summer In a Bottle rosé. Make a reservation for a wine tasting at the beautiful vineyard, which has an excellent atmosphere for hanging out and sipping a cold glass of vino on a summer afternoon amongst the vines.

While I did get a mini massage in my Nautilus, it’s also nice to get a professional massage to kick the relaxation up a notch. The Hamptons offer posh offerings at Shou Sogi Ban House Spa and the new Aire Ancient Bath Spa at Gurney's in Montauk— an excellent way to start or end the day.

For arts and culture, visit the studio-turned-museum of abstract artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner or take in some fun live music; Stephen Talkhouse is a legendary watering hole showcasing huge acts like Paul McCartney and Paul Simon. Alternatively, visit the Surf Lodge for a party-like atmosphere and a popular lineup of musicians and DJs every weekend during summer.

I always love making a few farm stand stops on my way into town and recommend checking out the fresh assortment at Round Swamp, Amber Waves, or Balsam Farms to pick up some flowers and fresh produce for a charcuterie board or no-prep needed situation for a picnic on the beach. Cavaniola’s Gourmet is one of my all-time favorite cheese shops with two locations—one in Sag Harbor and the other in Amagansett Square—and has some of the best meat and cheese selections in the Hamptons.

For visitors who don't feel like lifting a finger, the area has many cute off-the-beaten-path places and see-and-be-seen spots. For breakfast, head over to Candy Kitchen, an old-school soda shop-style diner in Bridgehampton that’s as cute as a button, or grab a coffee and an avocado toast at Carissa’s Bakery in Sag Harbor or East Hampton, where an assortment of fresh breads are baked daily.

Head to the Clam Bar or the Lobster Roll on Montauk Highway for lunch. Both have fresh seafood options and a low-key outdoor dining atmosphere. If you’re craving a burger, stop by the new Sag Harbor Tavern with a beautiful view overlooking the yacht club.

Si Si and Sunset Harbor back on the EHP property are also great for having a drink and a bite to eat while watching the sunset, thanks to marina views—reservations are recommended because both get pretty busy. Nick and Toni’s Italian restaurant is also a favorite East Hampton institution, while newcomer Little Charli’s serves impressive wood-fired pizzas, chicken parmesan pasta, and a ton of fresh salads. Or hold the salad and order dessert—you’re on vacation, after all.