The Perfect 72-Hour Hamptons Weekend
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Ah, the Hamptons. The Hamptons are as much a state of mind as a place. If you’re headed east for the end of summer, I’m here to share my picks for the perfect summer weekend. Some stops are a little fancy, others not so much. But I can assure you a relaxed and unpretentious 72 hours full of great food (and ice cream, do not forget the ice cream), a sprinkling of design stops, and plenty of time for the beach and pool.
WHAT TO DO
Thursday
Congratulations, you just survived the trip! No 2 ways about it, summer traffic is a real B. But you're here now, and dinner at Bobby Van's in Bridgehampton is just the thing to help you forget about any traffic trauma you might have just endured and kick the weekend off right. Of course there's the steak, but do make sure to save room for the lobster mac and cheese. You're going to have to trust me on this one.
For a more family friendly option (or if you're simply feeling less carnivorous), World Pie also in Bridgehampton is just the ticket with it's extensive menu featuring plenty of salads, pasta dishes - and of course, pizza.
Image via Newsday
After dinner, if you somehow still have room, waddle yourself down the block to the 1920's stalwart Candy Kitchen for some homemade ice cream or a shake and enjoy the authentic old-world charm (as in, I don't think they even have a website!).
Image via Claudia Ward
Friday
Start the day off with a visit to the East Hampton farmers market for fresh flowers and local produce. Open Minded Organics is known for their mushrooms but in high summer they also have the most delicious cherry tomatoes in countless varieties. Dave is so genuinely friendly and is often pushing a sample in your direction. Don’t forget to pamper your four-legged friend with a visit to the Talk Treats to Me tent as well!
After that, swing on over to Round Swamp Farm's original location in East Hampton for an assortment of prepared foods and baked goods that will stock you up for the weekend. The kale and quinoa salads are two of my go-to’s. Not only are they yummy, they also help me at least feel like I’m balancing out the decadence. The lies we tell ourselves.
Image via Round Swamp Farm
Take a break from sunbathing for lunch by picking up sandwiches from Breadzilla in Wainscott. The hand written menu changes daily and is full of gourmet sandwiches and a selection of yummy soups. Nancy and Brad make everything from scratch and it shows. I really enjoy the gazpacho, which manages to be fresh and vibrant without tasting at all like salsa - how does she do it? While there, hop on around the corner to Levain Bakery for a few of their enormously lethal cookies.
Before dinner, visit Wyeth in Wainscott to peruse the impeccably curated mid-century modern furnishings or stop by Serena & Lily Beach Market and Rumrunner Home, both also in Wainscott. If that's all leaving your wallet feeling a little light, there's always Home Goods a little bit down the street for some cheap and chic retail therapy.
Enjoy a casual dinner at Bay Burger, and make sure to save room for some of the richest, most amazing ice cream - I kid you not. End the night with a bring-your-own-beach-chair outdoor movie at Marders projected onto the haywall.
Saturday
Get your game face on, it's time to hit up some sales! Tag sale, yard sale, estate sale - whatever you want to call it, estate sale shopping in the Hamptons is a unique experience. Choose your itinerary wisely, and you can expect anything from upscale furnishings, artwork, designer handbags, or even cars. Yes, cars. As in, automobiles. It can be hit or miss but even if you don’t pick anything up, it’s a fun way to peek inside some amazing properties and an excuse to cruise the backroads. I've even run into some pretty big name celebrities shopping at sales before. We're not in Kansas anymore, this is serious business, folks!
Refuel at The Grindstone in Sag Harbor with delicious gourmet donuts in inventive flavors (brought to you by Michael Symon’s son Kyle). The "Everything Bagel" (top left in the pic below) was definitely interesting. Grab a bench on the docks to enjoy your snack, and pause to admire the yachts. Enjoy a walk thru town and make sure to pop into the beautifully curated Sylvester’s and the Variety Store.
Image via Dan's Papers
Come late afternoon, head to Wolffer Estate Winestand for live music and sunset drinks. Have dinner at the incomparable Eleven Madison Park’s Summer House popup via reservations with Amex or chance it as a walk-in. As a backup, Bostwick's is a perennial favorite for all things seafood and the clam chowder and lobster bisque are both excellent. Oh, and don't forget to get some soft serve! You didn't think I was going to skip the ice cream, did you?
Image via Eleven Madison Park
Sunday
Attend a garden lecture at Marders to hone that green thumb (or lack thereof). Stop for brunch at Wolffer Kitchen in Amagansett. While there, stroll the shops in Amagansett Square - check out Henry Lehr and pick up some cheese and charcuterie from Cavaniola's.
Spend the rest of the day at the beach or poolside, wishing for the weekend to never end, and ignoring the weekend’s total calorie count. Have a little kale, it helps.
WHAT TO PACK
Given the laid back itinerary, my packing list is casual and full of easy mix-and-match pieces.
1. I'm basically obsessed with stripes. It's pretty much a neutral in my closet. This one-shoulder piece fits right in!
2. Summer needs a denim short and these are just perfect. They're a little high waisted and just the right length!
3. I'm a sucker for distressed jeans and what's summer without white jeans? Win-win! My inseam is so short I might as well be an oompa loompa so I love that these come in Length: Short so they can actually hit above the ankle on me (a novel concept for us shorties out there). Plus they have just the right amount of stretch and slouchiness.
4. I wasn't joking when I said I love stripes! But the one's on this top are vertical, which makes it totally different! It's also linen so it's got that textured quality and the simple little front tie is effortless.
5. I love that Birks are back! I remember rocking them as a tween - I think they might have been navy and suede - but those are the OG and these are so much more fresh in a matte white.
6. As of a few years ago, I've transitioned all my beauty products to cruelty free and all the products from this brand have been really great with my sensitive skin. This latest tinted mineral SPF gives just a bit of coverage and glow.
7. I love the convenience of a spray, and appreciate that this one is both non-aerosol and cruelty-free.
8. A hat is critical for sunbathing and this one is too cute to pass up. Rosé and the Hamptons do go together after all!
9. I discovered a vintage pair of these one day rummaging through my hubs' childhood room. Score! And since what's old is new again, I've claimed them as my own. You can't have mine, but they still make a version of them.
10. These totes are made from recycled boat sails, making them super durable and waterproof, and perfect for the beach. I favor this one because it helps me flaunt my doxie love!
11. The wide mouth on this bottle easily handles ice cubes and keeps my H to the izzo nice and cold for hours upon hours (40, to be exact). Gotta stay hydrated!
Need a Pinterest-friendly recap? Here you go.
WHAT TO BRING
And of course if you're staying as a guest, remember to bring your gracious hosts something! Check out my picks for stylish hostess gifts (procrastinators rejoice, many are available Prime).
Until next time!