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AUTUMN IN NEW YORK, may spell the thrill of First Nighting for we New Yorkers. But Autumn in New York is an outdoor person's dream. Especially in the Hamptons, where the mixture of sea, sand, dunes, grass, fields and forests show a glorious display of Fall colors.
It also means that if you're driving out, the roads will be almost free and clear of those annoying summer folks. Increasingly, the homeowners out there are turning traditional summer homes into year round places. The fields are awash with Fall flowers and veggies, you can get into any restaurant which during the summer has long lines and impossible reservations. Fall harvests, picking pumpkins and autumn apples which taste so different, it's all the pleasure of being out in the countryside.
A stroll along the beach at any one of the Hamptons towns is to see wide stretches of white sand, with families building fires for a late autumn picnic on the beach. The Atlantic can get a little wild at this time of year, but the sound of the waves lashing against the shore is pure pleasure. All of the towns are open because they are home to many farmers and fishermen, the people who used to own this part of Paradise in years gone by. With people off the road, take the trip out to the Montauk Lighthouse, one of the most eastern tips of the U.S. Wending roads, spectacular views, lobster roll "inns," all take care of the mind and the spirit. Between Amagansett and Montauk lie the homes of some of the world's richest and most famous folk - try Sir Paul McCartney, who stands in line at the veggie stand! And the whole Ralph Lauren family who have a compound out there. Jimmy Buffett, when he's not in Margaritaville loves being there. As does Billy Joel who is a local L.I. boy... And Jerry Seinfeld and family are in Easthampton, along with Howard and Beth Stern.
Hollywood by the Eastern Shore - it's pretty glittery. And in winter, you're more likely to run into a famous face, going to the movies in South or Easthampton. Eating at Nick and Toni's now the long lines are gone is a pleasure. And browsing the local stores and art galleries. After all, some of America's most famous artists called that part of Heaven home for many years. There was Jackson Pollack, Rauschenberg, Lichtenstein, and whole new waves of painters and artists plying their wares in local galleries.
The stores are fabulous with labels from all the most famous designers. These are right beside local craft stores carrying local artisan's work. And, some fabulous flea markets on weekends, so check your local newspapers for locations. After all, an estate sale from some of these old mansions can be quite rewarding for the Antiques Roadshow fans amongst us.
Stay at the Maidstone Inn in Easthampton. Or, the Southampton Inn in yes, Southampton, snuggle around their fireplace and toast marshmallows.
It's a wonderful way to spend a weekend, close enough to New York to be restful. Far enough away to be a pleasant respite from a demanding travel schedule.
December 13, 2022
