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When I was growing up, my family had ventured out to “The Hamptons” quite a few times for the weekend during the summer. I always loved the beaches and quaint little towns (with chic boutiques and delicious Americana restaurants), but I never really understood the beauty of the area until returning as an adult. Kyle and I just got back from bringing Marlowe to East Hampton for a little weekend away with friends, and our trip was what good old fashioned American dreams are made of! (or maybe we’ve been spending a little too much time on the West coast…) Today I’m sharing my Travel Guide for East Hampton, NY!
eat.
Babette’s: Our little breakfast pictured above. This place is a classic local joint, and is so charming and friendly. Marlowe hung out for a while behind the bar kissing herself in the mirror before sitting down and enjoying a delicious breakfast. I even saw a few gorgeous mimosas (with tiny bottles of champagne!) brought around to tables and wished they were for me.
Jack’s: Best Coffee. And that’s important!
Bostwick’s: This is the place to get your East Coast lobster roll done right. I am a lobster roll afficionado after going to Maine every summer as a kid, and Bostwick’s makes the list!
Red Horse Market: Go here for delicious mozzarella that has been written up in the New York Times!
Citta Nuova: Excellent Italian food. Marlowe ate an entire bowl of spaghetti and meatballs, and her Mom and Dad enjoyed cocktails and the yummiest pizzas.
The Tavern at 1770 House: Best burger in town! Go here for a cozy date night– order burgers and a great bottle of Red. Our friends in town swear by this place!
East Hampton Grill: The classic and reliable dinner spot in town. Don’t miss it!
Scoop Du Jour: Everybody’s favorite local ice cream shop. In the summer, there’s a line out the door.
Best Markets For Groceries: Citarella, Stuart’s (for fish), and Round Swamp Farm!
shop.
Clic: (Pictured above) is the one-stop great boutique of East Hampton– in my humble opinion. It has everything from beautifully curated kids’ clothes and toys to sunglasses, home decor, clothes, jewelry, and gifts!
John Varvatos: This is the most beautiful store for Men’s shopping! Lowie loved playing all of the electric guitars while Daddy shopped.
Sneakerology: Exactly what it sounds like– leave the Hamptons with some fly kicks!
The Monogram Shop: The most perfectly WASPy gifting store! I love putting Marlowe’s name or initials on everything, so this was especially fun for me.
explore.
Herrick Park: Right in the center of East Hampton town, this park is adorable and has tons of space to run around– plus swings and a play area!
Soul Cycle: Need help burning off those burgers? Check out this outpost of the popular spinning class and sweat it out to start the day
Georgica Pond: Rent paddleboards or kayaks and explore! This is especially fun in the summer.
Wolfer Estate Vineyard: Go for an afternoon to lounge and taste wine– I’m a huge fan of the Rosé (what else is new). During the winter months they have live music every Friday evening!
Beach Walks: Who doesn’t love a long walk on the beach? Georgica Beach, Main Beach, and Egypt Beach are all local and beautiful.
Guild Hall: This local playhouse and museum has shows and exhibitions year round, including programs for kids! Check for current listings to see what’s new.
I’m not sure how to phrase this question. I’ve always wanted to go to The Hamptons because it does seem charming, but I have to ask …. Are there “average” people there? Maybe I’ve seen too much Real Housewives of New York but there seems to be a hoity-toityness about it.
Hi Kendra!
Good question. Like with any location with a real “persona” (to say the least) there will always be those kind of people wandering around. That said, there are plenty of people who actually LIVE in the Hamptons year round, and the ones I’ve met are lovely! I feel similarly about LA– which can be insufferable and really wonderful in equal measure.
I suggest visiting the Hamptons in the “off-season” aka NOW
xoxo
EAM
Hi Eva! Love your blog and you have a beautiful family. I wanted to ask if you have any suggestions for headphones for toddlers? Our family is very scattered in the U.S. and Europe – so would love a safe and comfy headphones so they can enjoy watching a movie on the airplane. Thank you!
Hello Eva! I am a 31 years old Italian woman but I have lived in LA and I am in the US very often. Last April, together with my fiancé, I visited the Hamptons and we absolutely loved even single town! we were staying in Southampton but we visited the whole area by car. I love Long Island and I think it really is a great escape from the city life of NYC! Besides, we could fully enjoy the sun and the tranquility of the “off season”. In Italy there are many lovely seaside towns (I come from Genova, in the Italian Riviera Ligure) but I think the Hamptons really do have something special. I will come back for sure! ps. you have a lovely family! CIAO! ^_^