If you have been following me for a while you know that every year this is where I spend some of my summer. I had a home there, got married there, Isabel was baptized there, have spent 27 summers going there, and when I moved to Miami I became a summer renter there. We’ve rented homes for 1-3 months, have stayed in condos and hotels for 1-2 weeks, all dependent on personal and professional obligations. It has always been our special place to gather with family and good friends, and it’s always hard for us to leave, but we never say goodbye. ☺
Much like our lives, the Hamptons have evolved, and into a place we sometimes don’t always recognize, however, the beach, ocean, tree lined streets, picket fences, hedges and gates so tall to keep the who’s who private, farmland, horse trails, and the natural beauty captured by many artists, never change. Many of my pastime favorites have come and gone, but I’d like to share some of my oldies but goodies with you, and yes, I have also evolved, so we do venture to new places as well. Here is my list of what to do to help inspire you for some northeast travel this summer or use it as a bucket list another time of year to escape the populous east end and the 1 lane road!
The Hamptons, as it’s fondly known, inhabits essentially 8 towns:
- Westhampton (closest to NYC)
- Southampton
- Watermill
- Bridgehampton
- Sag Harbor
- East Hampton
- Amagansett
- Montauk (the furthest most eastern point)
- Bonus: Shelter Island
Although they all boast beautiful beaches, tree lined streets, towns with restaurants, art galleries, shopping, farm stands, summer carnivals and festivals, and small and massive homes sitting together, the towns aren’t the same, but all have a charm of their own.
Caveat: I always stay in East Hampton or Amagansett, therefore much of my guide will focus on the furthest “out east” places, but I will give you a flavor of each of these very special towns from my point of view.
If you are traveling this summer, whether it’s to the Hamptons or anywhere else, I can help you pack! Click here for some of my travel packing tips, or click here to schedule a complimentary consultation.
