The ultimate trendy spot during the summer months for many New Yorkers – we had to take a quick weekend trip to get away from western NY.

Located on the eastern end of Long Island, New York, the Hamptons is a top-notch summer destination. Known for its picturesque beaches, charming villages, and vibrant cultural scene. Beyond its scenic beauty, the Hamptons also offers a plethora of exceptional dining experiences and exclusive shopping opportunities.

It is definitely a hike to the Hamptons, so we dropped our bags at my friend Kelly & Casey’s fantastic house and rewarded ourselves with the best lunch to kick off the weekend:

Clam Bar
2025 Montauk Highway Amagansett, NY

This is on the way from East Hampton to Montauk. The all-outdoor setting is the perfect place to eat before or after you hit the beach, and they even have a solid wine and beer list. To start we grabbed a drink and fresh local oysters. Our mains were fantastic as we split the tuna steak sammy and the incredible hot lobster roll! The Clam Bar is the perfect place to enjoy the ocean breeze with a drink and food so fresh in flavor!

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Checking out Montauk:

Montauk is about beaches, shopping local and grabbing a drink or two! First, I took my friend Kara to Whalebone, where you will find the softest surf shop apparel ever! We parked in the area and walked around to many local shops. If visiting on a summer weekend it’s best to arrive by 10 am to ensure a good spot. A beach day is one of the most popular things to do in Montauk so expect crowds.  After we hit several shops, it was just too nice out to not soak up the sun. The beach in Montauk is an excellent place to relax on the sandy shore and watch the surfers for about an hour or two.  After, we ventured to Bounce Beach, where we grabbed a drink and hung out.  This unique spot has DJs at night, photo opps, views of the beach and more.

We left Bounce Beach and headed to “The End of the World” otherwise known as the lighthouse at the farthest eastern point of NY. This was a quick stop, then headed to have a pint at Montauk Brewery, which I found out is one of the top 100 breweries on the US. The brewery is a small craft brewery in Montauk, NY, offering a variety of beers, a tasting room, patio and delivery options. In fact Buffalo carries some of their beers at local stores like Wegmans. We both ordered the Jalapeño Pineapple, relaxed on the patio and people watched. It was the perfect day in Montauk- great eats, drinks, the beach and shopping!

Dinner at Highway Restaurant

With no reservation, and being pretty busy, the staff couldn't have been nicer to get our group a spot on the patio. It is like a neighborhood restaurant with an interior atmosphere that suits a "Hamptons" vibe. Little rustic and bay inspired. The food was more of Asian fusion and my favorite dish was the chicken stir fry.

Day 2: A Walk Around Bridgehampton, NY, Main Beach and dinner in Sag Harbor

Bridgehampton is a charming village located in the town of Southampton. We wanted to do a little more shopping and grab some lunch. We took a stroll in town and found many shops and a delicious sandwich at The L&W Market.

After we headed to meet our friends at Main Beach located at 104 Ocean Ave, East Hampton, NY 11937. They warned us that cars either need a parking sticker (or membership) or it is $50 a day to park on the weekends. It is suggested to park about a mile away at the library and take a free shuttle cart.

Dinner: The Restaurant at Barron’s Cove

The Restaurant at Baron's Cove in Sag Harbor has wonderful views of the marina and live music by fire pits. The menu offers a variety of seafood dishes, as well as burgers, salads, and other classic American fare.

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But One Last Stop: Mama Too’s in NYC

Mama Too’s has gained so much popularity in the upper West Side we had to try it for ourselves. NYC is just under 2 hours from the Hamptons, and we wanted to try some of the best new pizza out there! On the outside (and inside), it’s a small Manhattan slice shop: outside seating, tiled floors, photo of a young Robert De Niro eating pizza hung on the wall. But once you check out the display case and see the pizza- Wow! Most of the pies are square, with a deeply caramelized crust and charred pepperoni cups. It was around lunch time when we got in line for a short 15 minute wait.  I ordered The House Slice, Angry Nona, and Pepperoni Square. Each slice was very good, but my favorite was the Angry Nona. Chefs Kiss!

The Hamptons, with breathtaking beaches and atmosphere, is not only a summer retreat but also a culinary and shopping paradise! From the upscale dining experiences to the high-end boutiques and local shops, there is something for everyone in this charming region. Whether you're a food lover or beach go-er, the Hamptons will leave you with delightful memories and a desire to return for more.

We cannot wait to go back to the Hamptons

Other Recommendations for Dining in the Hamptons:

1. The 1770 House: This historic inn and restaurant in East Hampton offers an elegant dining experience with a menu that focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. From their signature dishes like the Parmesan-crusted chicken breast to the delectable seafood options, The 1770 House is a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

2. Nick & Toni's: Located in East Hampton, Nick & Toni's is a beloved Italian-Mediterranean restaurant known for its warm ambiance and farm-to-table cuisine. With dishes like wood-roasted chicken, homemade pasta, and an extensive wine list, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience.

3. Duryea's Lobster Deck: Situated in Montauk, Duryea's Lobster Deck offers a laid-back waterfront dining experience. This seafood hotspot is renowned for its fresh lobster rolls, clambakes, and breathtaking views of Fort Pond Bay. Don't forget to indulge in their famous lobster bisque!

4. Taylas: One of the Hamptons hottest new restaurants is Tayla, which is a Mediterranean vibe-dining concept that pays homage to the diverse culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. That’s to say their menu is absolutely to die for, and you’ll find dishes such as Stuffed Clams, Beef Tartare Dolmades, Fluke Tartare & Sea Urchin, Taverna Style Lamb Chops, and more.

Coffee in the Hamptons:
1. Hampton’s Coffee- multiple locations

2. Jacks Stir Brew- Amagansett

3.Tutto Cafe- East Hampton

Club Vibes in the Hamptons

1. Surf Lodge

2. Dream

3. Bounce Beach

4. Southhampton Social

5.Swordfish Beach Club

Other Shopping Areas in the Hamptons:

1. Main Street, East Hampton: The heart of East Hampton village, Main Street is lined with an array of upscale boutiques and designer stores. From high-end fashion to home decor and accessories, you'll find an eclectic mix of shops catering to a discerning clientele.

2. Southampton Main Street: Southampton's Main Street is another shopping haven, offering a mix of luxury brands and unique local shops. Explore the charming boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores that make up this vibrant shopping district.

3. Sag Harbor: The quaint village of Sag Harbor is home to a variety of boutique shops and specialty stores. Stroll along Main Street and discover unique clothing stores, artisanal shops, and antique dealers.

4. Tanger Outlets: If you're looking for designer bargains, head to the Tanger Outlets in Riverhead. This large outdoor shopping complex features a wide range of popular brands, offering significant discounts on clothing, accessories, and home goods.