TRAVEL TIME 2 hours 30 minutes by Jitney
WHY? The oldest English settlement in New York, Southampton has some of the nicest beaches on the East End and a sophisticated small-town atmosphere.
MUST DO Eager to hit the dunes? Pick up a bike at Rotations and ride to the resident-only beaches along swanky Gin Lane, where you can sneak a peek at mansions tucked behind hedges and long driveways (call [631] 283-2890). Ready to surf? Head to Sunrise to Sunset for boards, and insider tips on the best waves ( [631] 283-2929). Make sure to stop at the town’s Parrish Art Museum, for an impressive collection of American art, from Jackson Pollock to Willem de Kooning and current artists, Elizabeth Peyton and Chuck Close. Parish also hosts film nights, and has its Midsummer Party on July 11. Main Street and Jobs Lane are the province of pricey boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, but not everything’s expensive — browse the shelves at the excellent BookHampton, then choose from 13 flavors of fudge, 20 kinds of ice cream and more than 400 types of candy at the Fudge Company. Chocolate, coffee, caramel pecan, and chocolate cheesecake are favorites. To get a sense of the local crowd, head over to Fellingham’s Restaurant & Sports Bar for tasty ribs (17 Cameron St.; [631] 283-9417).
STAY HERE The Southampton Inn is an easy walk to art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques, plus it has a free shuttle to the beach in summer so you don’t need to sweat about parking the car (from $199; [631] 283-6500 ext.779). Or, book an entire house, for a weekend, week or the season. Most have swimming pools and all have air-con.
HAPPENINGS The 17th Annual Decorators-Designers-Dealers Sales Auction and Gala on June 6 will have a gallery of treasures including art, linen and furniture. Dress is (confusingly) “Country Cocktail Chic”. The Hampton Classic, from August 23-30 attracts the horsey, chic set. Art Hamptons, from July 10-12 is the biggest art event with nearly 70 renowned galleries selling museum quality paintings, sculpture, drawings and photography.
HOT TIP The Southampton Publick House & Microbrewery serves their own “Hamptons Ale” among 40 kinds of beers including German, British, American and Belgian style ales (40 Bowden Sq.; [631] 283-2800).
LEARN MORE www.southamptonchamber.com