Escape to the Hamptons

Are you tired of doing the same thing on the weekends? If you are looking to get out of your routine and want to getaway, you may want to take a trip to the Hamptons. About two hours outside of New York City, the Hamptons is located in the Southfork of Long Island. Driving down Highway 27 you go through the popular towns of South Hampton, Wainscott, East Hampton, and finally at the tip Montauk.

Places to Stay

Depending on how long you wish to stay, you can rent out a number of places. You may stay at a hotel, cottage, or even a house. If you wish to stay at a resort, Gurneys Inn Resort and Spa in South Hampton is known to pamper you. In East Hampton the Maidstone Inn is a house with Scandinavian design that offers unique rooms. Or you may want to be at Sole Resort in Montauk relaxing by the pool. No matter where you choose to stay, there are many restaurants, beaches, clubs, and other events that you don't want to miss.

Restaurants

Topping Rose House

Located in Bridgehampton, the Topping Rose House is a contemporary and traditionally styled hotel and restaurant open to the public year round. The restaurant serves renowned Chef Tom Colicchios American style cooking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends. When the weather is nice, you may sit in the Bar Room that wraps around their outdoor porch and have one of their refreshing Bloody Marys.

Nick & Toni's

On Main Street in East Hampton, this Tuscan Farmhouse styled restaurant is known for serving delicious organic food they get from local farms and waters around Long Island. This simple and regal stylized place serves different foods influenced by Italian and Mediterranean culture. From their Zucchini chips to fresh Red Snapper, this restaurant will give you a calm yet elegant atmosphere.

Navy Beach

If you are in Montauk, you can't leave without checking out one of Montauk's popular beachfront restaurants. This restaurant is located on a private beach, offering amazing beachfront seating right on the sand. This family friendly restaurant is very laid back and serves traditional coastal cuisine. Inside is very traditional with nautical designs. Have one of their signature crab cakes and enjoy a beautiful view of the sunset at this restaurant on the beach.

The Crows Nest Inn and Restaurant

Also in Montauk, is the lively Crows Nest. This rustic styled Inn offers rooms and cottages right by the water. The restaurant is open seasonally and opened on May 16. Here you can enjoy some local Long Island fish while you lounge by the water. Have a drink and relax in one of their chairs directly in front of the ocean.

Tutto Giorno

Located in Sag Harbor, this Italian restaurant by the water offers a relaxed atmosphere. This is one of the few restaurants to offer a great prix fix for dinner.

c/o The Maidstone

This hotel that resembles a Scandinavian stylized house, has a popular restaurant inside known as "The Living Room." The restaurant serves delectable Swedish foods cooked with local ingredients and herbs that they grow in their aesthetic garden out back. If your going through East Hampton, be sure to stop by the living room for a drink and some Swedish meatballs.

Vineyards

Not only can you taste some of the finest wines, the Hampton vineyards have parties, events, and live music for you to enjoy. Enjoy a glass of rose at the Wolffer Estate while listening to live music on their Twilight Thursday, or Sunset Friday's and Saturday's. If you love horses and homes, go to Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard and listen to live bands on the weekends from 2-6pm. If you want more than traditional wine flavors, check out Channing Daughters Winery for their eclectic flavored wines. A more modern and young crowd will be seen at Vineyard 48, which has a DJ, cigar shop, and "Sunday Funday" free BBQs.

Shopping

For those of you that love shopping, don't fret. Each town in the Hamptons contains many boutiques and stores for your leisure. Stores in East Hampton range from Calypso, Ralph Lauren, BCBG Max Azria, Tory Burch, J.Crew, Scoop, and more. In Bridgehampton, the Bridgehampton Commons contains TJ Maxx, Victoria Secret, Kmart, Sunglass Hut, and Banana Republic. Montauk is more of a surfer's town containing "beachy" stores and boutiques.

Beaches

One thing that never gets old is going to the beach. Main Beach in East Hampton is known for a lively crowd, a Snack Bar, and sometimes live music. For surfers, the best waves are usually in Montauk at the Ditch Plains beach. Sagaponack beach, Indian Wells Beach, and Wainscott beach are other popular beaches. If you like quiet, Wainscott Beach is private and usually quieter. Coopers Beach in Southampton is one of the few beaches where you can pay for parking and rent umbrellas. No matter what beach you choose, all these beaches are known for their beautiful views, cleanliness, and blissful atmospheres.

Outdoor Activities

Going biking, golfing, horseback riding, and hiking throughout the Hamptons are all at your disposal. For you water lovers, there is also an abundant of activities to choose from. Whether you like boating, kayaking, sailing, surfing, jet skiing, or fishing, all of this is offered in the Hamptons.

Nightlife

At the end of the night you have the option of going to some of the best entertainment venues in the Hamptons. Boardy Barn, located in Hampton Bays, is a huge barn that turns into an outdoor party. The barn has been there since 1970, and serves two dollar beers. The barn is usually packed with a young crowd. If your not afraid of some beer spilling on you, Boardy Barn is a one of a kind experience. If you are looking for something upscale, Georgica Restaurant in East Hampton turns into a lounge at night. Finale is another club which just replaced the old SL club this summer in East Hampton. This 7,000 square foot chic club will be open on Saturdays with Djs, bottle service, and dancing. If you love dancing by cabanas and popping bottles, Pink Elephant may be for you. Pink Elephant is a dance club located in east Hampton that has a lively crowd, bottle service, and outdoor cabanas. However the new talk of the town is 1 Oak, a well-known club, which just opened this past Memorial Day weekend in South Hampton.

Whether your eating by the water, riding bikes, relaxing by the beach, or living it up in a club, the Hamptons will surely be a pleasurable escape.