DORÉ

The Hamptons are so close to NY I often forget how beautiful and vacation-worthy it is there. The first time I went, a friend warned: “You’ll be surprised how hooked you are and you will start jonesin’ , and willing to come out for one day, or even a few hours.” I didn’t take this lightly and thought I’d forgo all those urges and spend a week there instead. 

Eat: Southampton is small, and I heard so many jokes about there being only one place to eat. BUT, there are plenty of tasty restaurants. My favorite must have been dinner at Tutto Il Giorno, located just off Main Street and so charming in the summer evening with its outdoor garden, it would be hard not to enjoy. 

Shop: I was lucky enough to stay with a friend who also happened to open a summer shop called Cabana in the main stretch of little shops in Southampton… The center of town is rather quaint and makes you want to buy something for your mom. Plus I discovered these amazing peanuts at the local Cheese Shop, and a little further down is a Tate’s cookie house? Or store? Or dream come true, really? Who could say no to an ice cream sandwich on a summers day?

Do: Nothing! No, seriously – I tried my hardest to do as little as possible. Run on the beach, take a dip in the water when the temperatures rise, and mostly sit poolside with a book and an iced tea. If you’re feeling up for it – I would also suggest renting a bike because it’s fun to feel like a local and ride into town!

See: The Parrish Art Museum recently moved from Southampton to Watermill (a 10 minute drive) and is pretty cool. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron Architects – it houses a permanent collection worthy of any major museum and has been around since 1897, focusing on artists from Long Island. Its interiors are reminiscent of a beautiful empty barn, modernized of course. And if you can’t make it in, you can at least drive past and view the massive Roy Lichtenstein sculptures on the lawn…. still counts I think!