I have been a big Gossip Girl fan since my college days. I loved watching Serena and Blair study, shop, fight and forgive and summer in the Hamptons! I particularly remember one episode where Serena pretends to be dating Nate, just to make Nate’s girlfriend jealous. I have probably watched the series at least 3 times and watching that and then hearing so many good things about Hamptons, I knew I wanted to go there, at least once. Why I only thought of once, because I heard it was expensive! I mean, the celebrities and upper east siders (per GG) go there for their summer! And I am a mere normal person. Just being realistic here!
So, this summer I actually got to go! Now, like I always do, started to research and create an itinerary so we would know what we are going to do when. But as it turned out, there are not a lot of guides or itineraries that really stood out to me. I had to go deep in my research (like page 3 or 4 of my google search 🙂 ) to find some places that I liked. So, I am going to make it easier for you. if you are someone who likes to have fun, but still be chill and not wear yourself out on your vacay, this guide is for you!
Where to eat:
Lulu’s Kitchen and Bar– we had dinner on the day we arrived in Hamptons and they have some amazing choices to choose from. It is located in Sag Harbor, which is like on the opposite side from the Hamptons. But, it’s not that far if you really want to go. Their menu features different options for fish and chicken and pizzas and trust me, their pizza is ah-mazing!! Also, their décor is very cozy with leather chairs and exposed brick and open kitchen area.
Page at 63 Main– This is another restaurant located in the SAG Harbor area where we had brunch on the day we were leaving. We got their French toast, western omelets and fish and chips (I was being very healthy 😀 ) with tartar sauce, which was incredible, along with a side of their home fries. Absolutely loved it!! Again, I don’t think I need to say anything about the interiors because honestly, everything is pretty in the Hamptons!
Gosman’s Dock– This is located in Montauk and you should absolutely plan on going here if you’re going to Montauk. And if you’re not going to Montauk, talk to me- I’ll convince you to go! Gosman’s has a lot of small restaurants in their lot- clam bar, sushi bar and a few different ones. You can decide what you want and have a nice meal by the water and watch the speed boats and birds passing by. You can also just order some fried calamari and lobster rolls and sit by the water while you eat. Now that’s a view you don’t get every day, amiright?!
Where to Stay:
Journey East Hampton– Journey has this warm, cozy feeling as soon you enter and isn’t that what we are all looking for on a vacay?! The décor is very mid-century modern, which is totally my vibe! I got so many inspirations for my own house from here 😀 AND, they have a nice backyard and pool and they light fire in the evening if it’s a little cold so you can just sit around and enjoy the fire, sipping on your wine! I will totally stay here if we ever go to the Hamptons again, which we probably will!
Some of the other hotels that we looked at but did not book are-
Baron’s Cove– located in Sag Harbor
Gurney’s– located in Montauk. If you’re thinking of staying in Montauk, stay here! They have a whole resort and a lot of activities for you and your kids.
Where to Shop:
Reformation Beach House– This has to be on the top of my list. I had never been to a reformation store before I went to the one in Hamptons. Basically, because they don’t have a lot of stores. But, I am OB-SESSED with their clothing and it doesn’t hurt that they are a sustainable brand. I actually went in to buy a pair of shorts for the beach because I forgot to pack any- DUMB! But I also got a top from there, just because! Below are a few of my fav reformation pieces that I own.
BookHampton– I love books! And when I saw this adorable store, I knew I had to take a look. The décor is again absolutely beautiful, in true Hamptons style and they have books on every corner, so you have a lot of options to choose from.
Kendra Scott– I don’t think I even need to say anything. They have amazing jewelry collection and the store is beautiful. They also have some home décor items which is a must if you want to pick something up as a souvenir for yourself or as a gift.
Serena and Lily– this is the brand’s first brick-and-mortar store. It is even amazing when you see it in real than online. As you can imagine, everything is minimal and beautiful, keeping in with their style.
What to do:
East Hamptons Main Beach– Take a sunny day and go to the beach that is not very crowded, but clean. They were still doing some construction when we visited, so I would suggest to check first before you are all ready to hit the beach and see that they are still working on it.
Montauk Lighthouse– I had the best day visiting the lighthouse. They have converted that into a museum and you can also go up to the 137 stairs and look out the top of the lighthouse where they also tell you a little bit about the history and WWII. Right next to the lighthouse is a restaurant area where you can order food and beer and sit on the chairs and take in the Atlantic Ocean.
Wolffer Vineyards- This is on my list for my next trip to the Hamptons since we didn’t get any time to visit here. But I absolutely want to go and taste the wine and enjoy the sunset. Their roses are very popular in the Hamptons and almost all of the restaurants we went to, had their wines and roses listed.
If you are tired and do not want to particularly do anything, I would suggest to just go on a stroll in the cozy downtown area and soak in the nature and quaint city in its glory.
