Who better to curate the hit list of the best things to do in The Hamptons than Hamptonites themselves? We asked stylish locals from the worlds of travel, fashion, food, design, beauty, and events to divulge their favorite hot spots, hidden gems, and must-do experiences out East.
Cynthia Rowley, Fashion Designer
@Cynthiarowley
“Other than floating on my board all day in my Cynthia Rowley wetsuit, I love The Surf Lodge for its gorgeous sunsets, cool vibes, and yummy dinners, especially after our Surf Camps where we take women who have never surfed in their life out for a wave. The Montauk Beach House is also cool and it’s hard to beat a lobster salad on the deck at Duryea’s.”
Zach Weiss, Brand Consultant & Writer
@zachweiss
“The best lobster roll can be found at Stuart’s Seafood Market, though I love the lobster cobb salad at Duryea’s. Enjoy both with a beer from the Montauk Brewing Company. Crow’s Nest is the place for sunset happy hour, The Surf Lodge for their Sunday concerts, and Pierre’s for dinner that turns into a party. For a culture hit, I love the juxtaposition of the modern works in the big lush field at Parrish Art Museum, and The Bridge annual car and art show is the best day out.”
Kelli Delaney Kot, Travel Curator Lifestyle Contributor
@KDHamptons
“Le Bilboquet Sag Harbor brings St. Tropez and a touch of their upper east side restaurant to the Hamptons. The sunsets over the marina are the best on the East End. Don’t miss their famous Cajun Chicken and assuming you can score a table.”
Malcolm Carfrae, Luxury Brand Consultant
@mcarfrae
“Harvest in Montauk is a local classic that always delivers. Head here for great food, their pasta is infused with freshly caught seafood and homegrown produce, and to chill over cocktails and amazing sunsets.”
Kit Keenan, Fashion, Food, Fitness
@kitkeenan
“I won’t give away my favorite surf break but other fun things I do out east are; go to the driving range at Montauk Downs, play tennis with Gotham Tennis, and do workout classes hosted by my girl Nina Agdal at The Reform Club in Amagansett. Take some snaps for Insta it’s so cute. Make sure you fuel up first with a Naturally Good smoothie and then go to Mobys for pizza and the yummiest kale salad.”
Tom Samet, Interior Designer
@Tomsamet
“My favorite restaurant is Bell and Anchor in Sag Harbor, it’s old-school Hamptons. Their Lobster Garganelli with corn, basil, and saffron cream is the best dish ever.”
Melanie Brandman, Founder, Travel Curator
@travelcurator
“I love the scene that is emerging on the North Fork, you can’t beat taking the boat over to Orient for cocktails and lobster rolls on the beachfront at Duryea’s, very Club 55 vibes. La Fin is also the hot new restaurant in Montauk and I love the Bungalows by the Sea concept at Gurney’s.”
Tim Godbold, Interior Designer
@timothy_godbold
“MONCXIII in Sag Harbor has the best-curated collection of new and vintage furniture. Laurin Copen Antiques in Bridgehampton has great lamps and vintage pieces and Beale and Bell on the North Fork are well worth the trip for antique lovers. For delicious food, I love The Vine on Shelter Island, any excuse to take my car on the ferry.”
Sarah Meikle, Fashion Director
@sarahmeiklestyles
“Yummy food and great antiques are what I love most about The Hamptons. Cove Hollow, Fresno, 1770 and Highway, all have delicious bites and an amazing atmosphere. For antiques, I love popping into stores like Laurin Copen, Nellie’s, and my fave, Good Ground Antique Center in Hamptons Bays. My kids and I also can never get enough of The Candy Kitchen for their ice cream, milkshakes, grilled cheese, and candy. “
Natasha Silva-Jelly, Travel Curator Editorial Director
@travelcurator
“Beyond the gorgeous beaches, food, and vibe, I love the cute boutiques and seasonal pop-ups. On the fashion radar are new stores Gucci, Veronica Beard, Fivestory, and Lingua Franca, and popping up is CrazyShack by Black Tap, Kissaki x Fish Cheeks. As an Aussie, you’ll find me at the Zimmerman store in East Hampton stocking up on their amazing swimwear and breezy summer pieces.”
Yannis Papagianni, Left Hand Coffee
@lefthandcoffee
“Left Hand Coffee obviously for the finest coffee out east. I also love sushi and a glass of rose at Gosman’s Topside and lunch and dinner at The Crow’s Nest and Harvest.”
Danielle Elder, Wedding & Event Specialist
@classiceventsnyc
“Flying Point Beach in Water Mill is one of the world’s most beautiful places out east. In Sag Harbor, Beacon, I love sitting on the outdoor deck at Beacon at sunset and watching the boats sail by, Hamptons Coffee Company, Provisions the best natural foods market for supplies and great juices, and Big Olaf’s for ice cream, it’s worth battling the long line.”
