As summer vacations begin to wind down, were squeezing in one last trip to Long Islands glorious East End. Packed with pristine beaches, epic sunsets and the cosmopolitan meets country lifestyle, the Hamptons is a major draw especially come Labor Day. Beyond our traditional tips for the Hamptons for the long holiday weekend and September, were also featuring picks for the popular North Fork region in the guides second half.
Restaurant Roundup
Urban foodies are sated in summer courtesy of the rotating chef series at Rosies Amagansett; Brooklyns 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 ODonnells Sag Harbor Kitchen. Have dinner with a view at Mavericks in Montauk, and travel to France via Enchant Bistro. rosiesamagansett.com | sagharbor.kitchen | mavericksmontauk.com | enchantebistro.com
Art Exhibits, Etc.
Among museum shows, dont miss Rene 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 Museums 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 Beachs Curio brings designer labels and fitness classes to Project Hamptons. Finish your look at makeup artist Bobbi Browns 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 Walks Southold outpost and Bedell Cellars to sample East End winemaking pioneer Richard Olsen-Harbichs Lambrusco-style 2021 Frizzante. duckwalk.com | bedellcellars.com
Seafood to Salads
Raw bar towers and lobster rolls can be found from Duryeas 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 Inns 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 Foundations annual Maritime Fundraiser and Festival from September 22-24. cooperageinn.com | eastendseaport.org
Socials