TRAVEL TIME 3 hours by car
WHY? Less of a mob scene than East Hampton but conveniently located just up the road, Sag Harbor pairs South Fork glamour with North Fork gentility.
MUST DOS Just off Bay Street, Havens Beach is one of the best public beaches on the South Fork, with white, soft sand and gentle bay waters. Nearby, the Farmers Market is an East End must, offering a great selection of local produce, good cheeses and honeys (Saturday mornings throughout the summer). Even in peak season, Main Street is quiet compared to other town centers nearby, and yet, there’s still plenty to look at. Here, Canio’s Books is a gem of a bookstore, offering a large selection of poetry, plus comfy overstuffed chairs perfect for settling into when the weather turns grey. Hungry? Go to Estia’s Little Kitchen for tasty, fresh, organic sandwiches, soups and salads. Its famous tacos are not to be missed: roasted duck, local fish, shrimp and chicken (1615 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Tpke.; [631]725-1045). If you don’t have time for a visit to the North Fork, the nearby Channing Daughters winery opens for tastings and bottle purchases. Winemaker Christopher Terry makes Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and a variety of reds including Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon (1927 Scuttlehole Rd., Bridgehampton; [631] 537-7224). Need a workout? At the foot of Bay Street, the Sag Harbor Gym is one of the best in the Hamptons — spacious, clean and right on the water.
STAY HERE A rental is always the best solution when on the South Fork, but we also love The American Hotel on Main Street for its classic feeling. It’s a landmark building, with just eight guest rooms and an award winning restaurant. The hotel was built in 1846 at the height of the Whaling era. Even if you don’t stay over, be sure to go for a cocktail and a game of backgammon on the porch. It’s an ideal spot for a nightcap, as well (from $250 a night, 49 Main St., [631] 725-3535).
HAPPENINGS Think green — Ecofabulous in the East End is a swank cocktail party and auction on June 20, held at Wolffer Estate Vineyard. Dig in — the annual Fork Spring Pig Roast Picnic on June 6, at the Pindar Vineyards.
HOT TIP Trains once served Sag Harbor. Today, the Old Railways Spur trail is an excellent place to stretch your legs, surrounded by great scenery and filled with wildlife.
LEARN MORE www.sagharborchamber.com