Vogue’s Official Guide to the Hamptons
It’s officially peak season in the Hamptons, the East-end enclave where fashionable New Yorkers flock to escape the sizzling city and have some fun in the sun. And there’s certainly a lot to be had: the Hamptons is known for everything from beaches to art museums to hedges that grow higher than summertime temperatures. Geographically speaking, it spans from Southampton to Long Island's tip, Montauk—aka the end of the world, per Instagram.
Looking for travel tips? Here, Vogue staffers give their favorite recommendations for an official Hamptons guide. Consider this your definitive, must-read while cruising down Highway 27A.
Where to Eat and Drink
Out East, I'll always try to swing a reservation at Moby’s, which serves up Amalfi-esque cuisine out of a restored 1880s home. Order some shrimp pomodoro, their house spritz, and enjoy it all under their massive white tent or on a picnic table with tea lights strung up above. -Elise Taylor, Living Writer
There is nothing quite as pleasant as arriving in Montauk on a beautiful Friday evening and having dinner outside at Duryea's, looking out at the water. It's no secret spot, but it is certainly the most peaceful. -Alexandra Michler, Director, Fashion Development
I don't know which of Tutto il Giorno's locations I like best. Southampton's features a lovely garden and is a neighborhood institution while Sag Harbor's outpost is located within Urban Zen's retail shop which is filling with wobbly wood-carved bowls and calming linen textiles. Beyond the interiors, the food is also incredible. -Lilah Ramzi, Commerce Editor
Round Swamp Farm is the best place to go for prepared foods and fresh produce. Highly recommend the chicken fingers and honey mustard. . . but fair warning, once you try one, you’re sure to develop an addiction. Also, I once saw Hailey and Justin Bieber in the checkout line, so be on the lookout for occasional star sighting. -Alexandra Macon, Contributing Living Editor
From their signature pickled rye bread to Instagram-friendly flower and gold leaf topped meringue pies, Carissa's Bakery is the most delicious stop on the South Fork. There's also an eat-in dining location on Pantigo Road. -Chloe Malle, Contributing Editor
Simply put: you go to Sí Sí for the sunset and the scene. Perched right upon Three Mile Harbor, it has one of the best outdoor ambiances in the Hamptons—helped even more so by their floral-adorned patio. -Elise Taylor
When Southampton beach weekends come to a close and the workweek is just a day away, the only thing that makes my trip back to the city (and real life) bearable is a treat. I always swing by Sant Ambroeus and pick up an assortment of Italian cookies—it's the only thing sweet about the commute home! -Lilah Ramzi
Skip the scene-y and over-exposed Sunset Beach on Shelter Island. Two recommendations instead: take a hike in Mashomack Preserve—over 2,000 acres of unspoiled woodlands and marsh with lovely views of Peconic Bay—and book a waterfront lunch table at SALT, order lobster rolls, and check out the yachts coming in and out. The adjoining no-frills, outdoor Shipwreck Bar is a place to while the rest of the afternoon away. -Taylor Antrim, Executive Editor
Il Buco al Mare is the Amagansett outpost of the beloved New York eatery—and don't worry, it lives up to its sister restaurant’s reputation. Order the octopus and the prawns. -Elise Taylor
If my friends are reading this, they most likely won't be inviting me back to their place in East Hampton as Bostwick Chowder House may or may not be the best-kept secret on Montauk Highway. For insanely good lobster rolls (served hot or cold!), drool-worthy grilled Mahi tacos, and a much needed casual patio vibe, you should not miss stopping by. -Madeline Fass, Associate Market Editor
There's an abundance of farm stands in The Hamptons—and all of them, frankly, are amazing. But I'll always make sure to stop at La Ferme a Mediterranean-inspired market at Bhumi Farms curated by Alimentari Flaneur (the New York City produce stall with quite the fashionable following), DaDa Daily, and Ruby Hibiscus Water. -Elise Taylor
Tucked away in the Watermill shopping center, next to the SoulCycle, is the hidden gem Bistro Ete. Owned by a husband and wife team, it’s Greek-French fusion and a favorite amongst locals. The cocktails are all delicious…margaritas can be made on a scale of one to ten when it comes to hotness (word to the wise: four is when you begin to feel the heat, ten is scorching hot), and the escargot, duck wings confit, and zucchini spaghetti are all favorites. Finish your meal off with the homemade mint ice-cream. You won’t regret it! -Alexandra Macon
Come sunset, Montauk's Crow's Nest is absolutely magical. Arrive early—because there’s going to be a wait—but enjoy a cocktail in the meantime down by the lake. Once you're seated, ideally with a view of the rolling lawn, order the whipped ricotta. And should you really want the full experience, book a room or one of the more tucked-away cottages .-Lilah Ramzi
Sometimes, especially after a long weekend of socializing, you are just in the mood for something casual—and, well, carb-y. Best Pizza and Dive Bar, located between Montauk and Amagansett, hits the spot. It’s got a casual yet chic outdoor space, perfect for families, where you can dine on a delectable white pizza with sweet onion relish or a meatball parm. And, if you're up for it, they have Wölffer Rosé on tap. -Elise Taylor
Where to Shop
I'm always excited to scope out Matriark; the Sag Harbor concept shop stocked with wares from—as its name might suggest—female-run businesses and labels like Maryan Nassir Zadeh, Le Monde Beryl Shoes, Chufy, and Eugenia Kim. -Lilah Ramzi
New to the East Hampton's Main Street is One, the concept shop stocked with wares for the wardrobe (Sensei straw handbags, linen separates from Cala de la Cruz) and home (furniture from Roll & Hill). The gleaming multi-floor space also happens to be the only outpost of Artsy, so there's plenty of nice things to look at. -Lilah Ramzi
Any time I travel out to the Hamptons, I always stop by my friend Ariana Li's clothing store Waves. It's located on the main street in Bridgehampton and she has the best selection of summer swag from brands like Solid & Striped and Marysia. Almost every cover-up and beach bag I own, I found at Waves. -Brooke Bobb, Contributing Writer
Tiina the Store has an amazingly edited selection of fashion, beauty, and home items, all curated by the informed and refined eye of Tiina Laakkonen, who knows the ins-and-outs of the industry, having worked as a model and design assistant to Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, and as a stylist for many years. Located in an 18th-century house in Amagansett, the store's minimal interior is a sleekly modern nod to Laakkonen's Finnish heritage. -Laird Borrelli-Persson, Archive Editor
I don't get out to the Hamptons often, but nothing would inspire me to brave the crowds (and the traffic) like some excellent shopping! Communitie, John Patrick's store in Amagansett, is stocked with his own line of faultless slip dresses, art, and artisanal items from around the world, and a thoughtful edit of sustainably-minded designers like Marine Serre, Wales Bonner, and Rick Owens. -Emily Farra, Senior Fashion News Writer
Mecox is a design and decor store in between Watermill and Southampton that has it all. Think Hamptons beach chic.-Alexandra Macon
Things To Do (Other Than the Beach)
Fans of minimalist art—and pretty colors—would do well to visit the Dan Flavin Art Institute in Bridgehampton, which occupies a sweet little shingle-sided house just off the highway. Beyond its permanent display of Flavin's glorious neons (installed by the artist himself!), the Institute maintains a ground-floor gallery space for temporary exhibitions: Works by the abstract painter and sculptor Jacqueline Humphries are there now. Also, it's free! -Marley Marius, Features Assistant
Thanks to my tendency to sunburn, fast, I always break up my summer days with art excursions. The Pollock-Krasner House is always a must. -Elise Taylor
New to Montauk is The Ranch. Just across the way from storied Deep Hollow Ranch is an equally famous property formerly owned by Andy Warhol. A portion of it is now in the hands of Max Lakin, who has opened up several barns to the public—one as an art gallery and another is an operating horse barn. Visits are by appointment only so be sure to call ahead. -Lilah Ramzi
I would highly recommend a visit to the Sag Harbor Church Museum. The recently opened culture and arts center celebrates creativity on the East End. The windows are decorated with pictures of notable Sag Harbor residents and the current exhibition, titled Road Rage, showcases the works of John Chamberlain, and Cindy Sherman, among others. -Rickie de Sole, Executive Fashion Director, Vogue.com
Where to Stay
With quaint, spacious cottages, an idyllic pool, and a tennis court, EHP Resort in East Hampton Springs checks all the boxes for a leisurely weekend in the Hamptons, and then some: their on-site, waterfront café serves up some seriously strong iced coffee and perfectly flaky croissants. If you're looking for a heartier meal overlooking the harbor, you're in luck—Si Si, a full service (and stunning) restaurant is on site. -Elise Taylor
Topping Rose is a beautiful B&B in Bridgehampton with a lovely restaurant on the ground floor. The perfect place for summer birthday dinners and celebrations. -Alexandra Macon
After many afternoons turned late evenings and Sunday "Fundays" at The Surf Lodge, I recently had the pleasure of staying over at the hotel for the first time. It gave me a newfound love for its buzzy music and bar scene. I enjoyed a peaceful breakfast on the patio, explored Montauk on yellow and white beach cruisers, and took a power nap in the room's hammock just before getting ready for dinner and the musical acts of the night. -Madeline Fass
Set right off of Amagansett's Main Street, The Roundtree is also not your typical see-and-be-seen Hamptons resort. There's no bar, restaurant, cabanas, or even lobby. The main draw? The Roundtree’s set of charming cottages, framed by leafy bushes and flanked by pleasant purple flower pots—and their scrumptious complimentary breakfast, served on their rolling lawn. -Elise Taylor
Done properly, the Hamptons should be restorative. But when you are in need of some extra self-TLC, consider Shou Sugi Ban House, located between Southampton and Watermill. Its name refers to the Japanese art of preserving wood by charring it with fire—a metaphor of sorts to the restorative offerings. The food is by Noma co-founder Mads Refslund and the activities (yoga, meditation, hydrotherapy spa treatments) are all designed to send you back to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond feeling like your best self. Best of all (in my opinion) is the Houses's design—a harmony of nubby oatmeal blankets and cedarwood elements. -Lilah Ramzi
When I stayed at Marram Montauk, owner Atit Jariwala described its vibe as “barefoot luxury." That pretty much sums it up—this impeccably designed boutique hotel, nestled within the dunes, is perched right upon the Atlantic Ocean. Take a yoga class in the courtyard, and then indulge in some fresh seafood from their café, Mostrador Marram. -Elise Taylor
Originally Appeared on Vogue
