Peter’s Hamptons Guide
The Hamptons aren’t just a summer escape—they’re a full-blown state of mind. Equal parts farmstand fantasy and beachy bliss, this stretch of the East End serves up more than just rosé and reentry anxiety. But with every charming village, gravel driveway and shingled porch promising the best lobster roll or sunset view, it can all get a little overwhelming. Enter: my Hamptons hit list—a totally personal and slightly obsessive guide to the places I keep going back to. From low-key markets to must-stop shops, these are the spots that make a weekend feel like a proper getaway (whether you're in it for the beach, the butter or just the vibes).
EAT
1. Carissa’s
2. Round Swamp
Bell & Anchor in Sag Harbor is a local favorite that quietly delivers some of the best seafood on the East End, no fuss required. With its nautical-chic interior and laid-back vibe, it’s the kind of place where tuna poke, rosé and surf & turf feel like the only reasonable answer to a summer evening. The crowd is mostly in-the-know regulars, and the menu is full of low-key hits that make it easy to see why. Bonus points if you sit at the bar for a martini and a burger.
Photo Courtesy of Bell & Anchor
4. Amber Waves
5. Wayan
9. L&W
L&W Market in Bridgehampton is part gourmet deli, part local secret weapon. Run by the team behind Almond, it’s the go-to for stacked sandwiches, fresh pastries and the kind of prepared foods that make your beach picnic look suspiciously curated. Plus, a slew of the best pantry finds around. The vibe is casual, the ingredients are top-notch and the Korean Fried Chicken Wrap has its own loyal fan base—for good reason.
Photo Courtesy of L&W
10. Sant Ambreous
11. Beacon
The Sagaponack General Store is as charming as it gets—think creaky wood floors, shelves of locally made goods and a front porch that practically begs for a lemonade break. It’s the kind of spot where you might pop in for a cold drink and walk out with homemade jam, vintage candy and a new favorite beach read. Equal parts nostalgia and neighborhood hang, it’s a tiny treasure trove in the heart of farm country.
Photo Courtesy of Sagaponack General Store
14. Serene Green
SHOP
Henry Lehr in East Hampton is a kaleidoscope of color, texture and that effortlessly cool energy the Hamptons are known for. Tucked right off Main Street, the boutique feels more like stepping into a wildly stylish friend’s closet than a traditional store. Vintage denim, chunky knits, chic collabs and curated accessories are all artfully stacked and draped like they just happened to land there—except every piece feels deliberate, covetable and a little unexpected.
Photo Courtesy of Henry Lehr
Cafe Sabarsky in NYC offers a refined Viennese brunch experience, where flaky croissants, savory strudels, and perfectly brewed coffee transport you straight to an old-world café in Vienna. Its elegant setting, complete with dark wood paneling and plush banquettes, makes lingering over smoked salmon and eggs feel like an art form.
Photo courtesy of 1818 Collective
Stay
The Pridwin is old-school Hamptons in the best possible way. Perched on the water in Shelter Island, this iconic hotel has been welcoming guests since the 1920s—and still manages to strike that rare balance between nostalgic charm and modern polish. Think Adirondack chairs on the lawn, clambakes by the water and interiors that nod to tradition without feeling stuffy. Whether you’re pulling up by car or boat, The Pridwin always feels like summer done right.
Photo Courtesy of The Pridwin
The Hedges in East Hampton is a quietly stylish hideaway that feels more like a friend’s impossibly chic beach house than a hotel. Set in a centuries-old colonial estate, it’s all wide-plank floors, crisp linens and that golden late-afternoon light that makes you want to linger just a little longer. Mornings here start with strong coffee on the porch and end with wine under the stars—and in between, there’s the perfect amount of nothing to do.
Photo Courtesy of The Hedges
Culture
LongHouse Reserve is where art and nature meet—and then casually throw a garden party. Tucked away in East Hampton, this 16-acre oasis is part sculpture park, part botanical wonderland and fully magical. Wander through paths lined with towering grasses, stumble upon a Maren Hassinger or Oscar Molina, and suddenly the afternoon feels like a dream. It’s peaceful, playful and proof that culture and quiet can go hand in hand.
Photo Courtesy of LongHouse Reserve
2. Madoo
The Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill is a minimalist marvel that lets the art—and the light—do all the talking. With its barn-like silhouette and sprawling concrete galleries, it’s both stark and serene, a perfect backdrop for the museum’s impressive collection of American art with a Hamptons soul. With contemporary rotating exhibitions, the Parrish quietly reminds you that creativity and coastal living have always gone hand in hand out East.
Photo Courtesy of Parrish Art Museum
AND MORE
Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill is less a wellness retreat and more a full-body exhale. Rooted in Japanese principles and designed with serene precision, it’s a space where every detail—from the wabi-sabi interiors to the steam rising off your teacup—feels intentional. Daily rituals include plant-based meals, meditative walks through sand gardens, and spa treatments that go way beyond the usual fare. It’s quiet luxury with a deeply grounding pulse—and a reminder to, quite literally, breathe.
Photo Courtesy of Shou Sugi Ban House
I have to, of course, mention Barry’s Bootcamp. The Hamptons version brings big-city sweat to beachside living—with all the signature red lights, loud beats and "no excuses" energy. Whether you’re dodging brunch calories, doubling down before a dip in the ocean, or simply getting facetime with your crew, this pop-up outpost draws a devoted crowd looking to lift, sprint, and lunge their way through summer.
Photo Courtesy of Barry’s Bootcamp
