Although the Hamptons started as a group of villages and hamlets dedicated to fishing and agriculture, what was once a simple and rustic community has shifted its industry to accommodate worldwide jetsetters during the summer, offering lavish restaurants, hotels and experiences.
Every town you visit in this charming part of the world is more adorable than the one before, and since it can be overwhelming to plan a trip with so many adorable towns, here is a quick guide of what not to miss.
Thursday
3:00pm- Check into the cutest hotel in the area, The Topping Rose House. Most luxury boutique hotels in the area are adorable. However, once you see the rooms you will want to move hotels pretty quickly. The Topping Rose House offers fresh adorable rooms with great amenities.
5:00pm- Afternoon drink at the hotels restaurant, Jean-Georges. Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House is a casually elegant restaurant that celebrates the seasons, presenting farm-to-table cuisine using ingredients grown on the property’s one acre farm and sourced from the area’s reputable fishermen and farmers.
7:00pm- Dinner at Lulu’s Kitchen and Bar. The leather chairs, exposed brick, and large wood burning oven make this a cozy spot to grab lunch or dinner. The menu focuses on local ingredients woven into new and classic European dishes like wood fired pizza, grilled fish, and organic roast chicken, all showcasing Chef Philippe Corbet’s love for wood-burning cuisine.
Friday:
9:00am- Breakfast at the Maidstone Restaurant. You will love the delicious whole grain avocado toast, lobster salad, egg in a hole, and a selection of smoothies. The smoked salmon dish with Greek yogurt, and an orange blossom pain perdue that’s stewed in blackberries is decadent.
11:00am- Drive to Montauk for lunch and stop to see the unique phenomenon, Walking Dunes. The mounds of sand (which reach heights of 80 feet) are in constant movement and slowly “walking” in a southeasterly direction, devouring vegetation as they go. The result is a beautiful landscape of flora and fauna, and stunning views. A little meditation or picnic spot to relax from the hustle and bustle of the week.
1:00pm- Drinks and lunch at the famous Surf Lodge. The lodge has a coastal theme running through the property. The Surf Lodge Restaurant was inspired by the beauty and culture of Montauk. All ingredients are sustainable and local.
7:00pm- Dinner at EMP. Chef Daniel Humm is opening a pop-up at East Hampton this summer. Expect fresh, local American fare that speaks to the season, including a traditional lobster boil, fried chicken feast, and a la carte options. Housed in a massive farmhouse, the space has a large indoor dining room, along with tented area, picnic tables, and games across the backyard. No doubt with all the early buzz this winter, this reservation will be a tricky one to snag this summer.
Saturday:
10:00am- Grab a quick bite to eat at the delicious Hamptons Aristocrat food truck. Hamptons Aristocrat’s whitewashed trailer is a site to be seen with vases overflowing with flowers. The services that business partners Lexi and Louisa provide catering to food delivery: You can call them a few days ahead for an easy Friday night meal (a godsend after the long drive from the city), or months in advance for an elaborate a morning spread made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients for you and your friends.
1:00pm- Lunch at Wölffer Kitchen. With the family that brought Wölffer Vineyard, this restaurant is the safest most delicious bet in town. The Sag Harbor location features a mix of American cuisine and Mediterranean influences with an obvious extensive wine list.
8:00pm- Dinner at Le Bilboquet. The popular French bistro brings its delicious classics to Sag Wharf. Go for the cajun chicken which is their most popular dish.
Sunday:
1:00pm- Lunch at Page on 63 Main. Devoted to local and organic, this Sag Harbor hotspot now has a market and café in the back, perfect for a quick breakfast or to stock up for beach picnic.
If you are looking for something more relaxing before you hit the road, try la Fondita. This is a great snack stop for casual Mexican meal. The best part is that the tortillas are freshly made.