As we wind down summer vacations, we’re squeezing in one last trip to Long Island’s glorious East End. Packed with pristine beaches, epic sunsets and the cosmopolitan meets country lifestyle with every imaginable good and service, it’s a major draw especially come Labor Day. Beyond our traditional tips for the Hamptons for the long holiday weekend and September, we’re also featuring picks for the popular North Fork region in the guide’s second half. Have a wonderful time.
Restaurant Roundup
Urban foodies are sated in summer courtesy of the rotating chef series at Rosie’s Amagansett; Brooklyn’s Leland Eating & Drinking House prepares fluke crudo, duck frites and other tasty dishes from August 31-September 3, and September 7-10. Over in Sag Harbor, visit Melissa O’Donnell’s Sag Harbor Kitchen. Have dinner with a view at Mavericks in Montauk, and travel to France via Enchanté Bistro.
rosiesamagansett.com | sagharbor.kitchen | mavericksmontauk.com | enchantebistro.com
Art Exhibits, Etc.
Among museum shows, don’t miss “Renée Cox: A Proof of Being” and “Leo Villareal: Celestial Garden” at the renovated Guild Hall; and “James Brooks: A Painting Is A Real Thing” and “Artists Choose Parrish,” a three-part series commemorating Parrish Art Museum’s 125th anniversary. Find a gem during the Westhampton Beach Festival of the Arts on the Great Lawn from September 2-3.
guildhall.org | parrishart.org | paragonfestivals.com
Chic Shops
From Louis Vuitton to Loewe, luxury fashion houses are putting down roots with permanent stores. Cali-chic lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne expanded regionally beyond Amagansett to Southampton. Marni popped up in Sag Harbor, Cult Gaia debuted on tony Newtown Lane, and Miami Beach’s Curio brings designer labels and fitness classes to Project Hamptons. Finish your look at makeup artist Bobbi Brown’s Jones Road.
louisvuitton.com | loewe.com
Hot Hotels
Longtime boutique properties have been reimagined for 21st-century travel. Some include Hotel Moraine with a saltwater pool from the folks at Croteaux Vineyards; Silver Sands Motel and Beach Bungalows, and The Shoals “boatel” with suites and slips. Cruise to Shelter and Ram islands for The Pridwin with a private beach, and The Rams Head Inn, which underwent upgrades for its 103rd season.
hotelmoraine.com | silversandsmotel.com | theshoalsnorthfork.com | caperesorts.com | theramsheadinn.com
Wine Trail
In the wine business for half a century, the North Fork is an established oenophile destination. Wine Enthusiast recently touted the pours of family-owned vineyards and wineries such as Lieb Cellars, Macari, Paumanok and sister property Palmer, among others. More gems are Duck Walk’s Southold outpost and Bedell Cellars to sample East End winemaking pioneer Richard Olsen-Harbich’s Lambrusco-style 2021 Frizzante.
duckwalk.com | bedellcellars.com
Seafood to Salads
Raw bar towers and lobster rolls can be found from Duryea’s Orient Point to Little Creek, but locals also suggest Little Fish for lunch and dinner along the sand. Though specializing in blackened fish tacos and mermaid “makeout” oysters with charred pineapple relish, the seafood shack offers plenty of landlubber options. Love Lane Kitchen is another casual go-to for three square meals a day.
littlefishnofo.com | lovelanekitchen.com
September Celebrations
Cooperage Inn’s Fall Festival with family-friendly activities, music and seasonal fare like roasted corn and cider donuts runs during weekends from September 9 to October 29. The Merry Merfolk Parade, kayak races and Land & Sea Gala are part of the packed agenda for East End Seaport Museum & Marine Foundation’s annual Maritime Fundraiser and Festival from September 22-24.
cooperageinn.com | eastendseaport.org
