The Hamptons

Every season brings it's own charm to the Hamptons. And vice versa. Spring is when this sleeping beauty shakes her hair and stretches with lush greenness slowly returning to the East end. While the days can be deceivingly beautiful, wait until late May early June for consistent good weather. June through September is the peak season with the traditional busy period known as MD-LD - Memorial Day to Labor Day; City-dwellers descend on the Hamptons in numbers far to high for the local transportation infrastructure. The beaches are literally award-winning and the cuisine offerings multiply as Summer pop-ups cater to the expanded seasonal crowd. In the Fall, things get a little quiet again with September through November still both beautiful and nicely weathered on most days. For the Holidays, many of the hamlets come alive with local celebrations before the winter hibernation. Few places offer such rustic charm for a creative retreat and reflection than the Hamptons in the Winter.

A typical visit to the Hamptons is spent at the beach, in the pool, at the grill, in the restaurant and under the stars. Mostly in great company and not always in that order. This is true Summer Retreat territory with celebrities and locals sharing the surf and competing for the corner table. Activities should always include a visit to a local vineyard, the cliff-walk around the Montauk lighthouse, a stroll in the Longacre Sculpture garden, walks and ice cream in Sag Harbor and Southampton, shopping in East Hampton and so much more.

When visiting during the Summer, limit your time on the streets to early mornings and late evenings. Traffic does get truly horrific on busy Summer weekends. Visitors are better off planning ahead and ensuring a nice pool is nearby for company and relaxation. Generally the weather is always good in the Hamptons, though the evenings can get chilly. Dress accordingly. If going off-season, most restaurants offer a week-day menu at reduced pricing.