Many New York visitors don’t make it out of Manhattan, but there’s a lot more to explore. Wind down in the Hamptons for the ultimate city break with a country escape.
From the Roy family’s beach trips in Succession, to Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton getting real in Something’s Gotta Give, via Dominic West’s shenanigans in The Affair, and indie classics such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: you’ll know all about the Hamptons from the screen, even if you’ve never actually been. However, considering it’s a playground for wealthy New Yorkers, movie stars and other mega-money types, it is unsurprisingly beautiful and surprisingly accessible.
This necklace of beachfront villages runs to the far tip of Long Island, and is a soothingly lovely place to wind down after the hectic pleasures of a Manhattan mini break. Flinging myself into all the city has to offer, knowing that relaxation awaits, I start my trip in Midtown Manhattan. It’s an area that lost its cool credentials to the likes of the Meatpacking District and the Village, but nothing comes in and out of fashion faster than a New York minute, and Midtown is having its moment again.
Convenience is one thing: you’re a stone’s throw from Times Square, which isn’t actually a square, and is also less interesting than its fame suggests. But you can also walk to Broadway where sold-out shows yield last minute returns to the canny online buyer. I get one for Hamilton, and feel I’ve struck gold. MoMA, Central Park and The Met are walkable too, or take the subway. It’s got a gritty city feel, but is still safe, although some New Yorkers will advise you to take an Uber if you’re heading home late at night.
You could go to New York and have a remarkable experience without actually going to anything, and some of the nicest things you can do are absolutely free. Treats that cost nothing include Little Island at Hudson River Park, a new “floating garden” built over the river, funded by the largesse of Diane von Furstenberg’s husband, Barry Diller. From there, it’s a short step to the High Line, leading to Chelsea Market or The Whitney, depending on whether you have shopping or art in view.
Leaving the city, I head for Bridgehampton, halfway up the Sound. From my TV watching, I had worried that it might be mobbed by highly groomed types in loafers, but instead I found an eclectic, friendly bunch, intent on enjoying this beautiful part of the world. Sure, a clutch of Teslas and Jeeps arrive at happy hour, but there are bicycles to borrow, and I take a spin to the beach, and another to Sag Harbor. There, I discover fascinating histories at the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum, and explore little boutiques, almost too picturesque to be true. Less than 100 miles from Manhattan, it is another world.
WHEN TO GO
Though famous as a summer playground, the Hamptons is a year-round spot. The sea is cold in winter, and some places shutter-up, but the crowds are gone, restaurant bookings are easy, and the pristine beauty of the beaches and dunes comes back to the fore.
WHERE TO STAY
Manhattan’s Refinery is the spot for cool, chilled out luxury. One of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it has a great location and a brilliant backstory. Once a hat factory and Prohibition-era tearoom (aka speakeasy), there’s jazz in the lobby of an evening, plus a great rooftop bar with Empire State views, and huge comfortable beds with fabulous sheets. Step into a choice of worlds in Bridgehampton, where SLH’s Topping Rose House gives you colonial-style charm, or a cool contemporary suite with its own garden or roof terrace, all set in a reimagined 19th century estate, a gentle stroll to town. Booking for both at slh.com.
WHERE TO EAT
Where to start with New York restaurants? There’s always a new hot spot in town. On a sunny morning, it’s hard to beat a take-out picnic in Bryant Park, ringed with delis and pastry shops. Take your pick and watch the world go by. Later on, the Refinery’s Parker & Quinn has specialities including razor clams, delicious kale Caesar salad, and unforgettable roasted cauliflower flatbread. Further uptown, Ardesia in Hell’s Kitchen does fabulous small plates, one of the best NYC martinis (no small achievement in this city), plus a vast array of wines by the glass. It is also a perfect after show spot for the Irish Arts Center in its fabulous new(ish) 11th Avenue home.
Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House is a destination for many Hamptons fans, but make sure to get to the bar early for happy hour: it fills up fast. Happy Hour is also an institution down at Sag Harbor’s American Hotel, where seafood is, unsurprisingly, a speciality. Or pick up picnic lunch at Bridgehampton’s Market, and head to your roof terrace or the beach.
HOW TO GET THERE
The ultra-reliable and friendly Jitney is a New York institution. Regular buses pick up at spots across town. Book in advance at hamptonjitney.com: one-way tickets approximately $40, depending on time and route, journey time around two and a half hours. Water and salty snacks are served on board, and it’s highly recommended, if only for the happy holiday atmosphere the minute you take your seat. Heading home, I picked an airport connection drop-off. The driver helped with my bags, then organised a ride sharing group, before selecting us a taxi from the waiting cars. Now that’s service.
This article originally appeared in the Autumn 2024 issue of IMAGE Magazine.
