The Hamptons travel guide: Hotels, restaurants and things to do

From Cosmopolitan

Where to stay...

Oheka Castle

For your first stop - and arguably the most interesting - go to Oheka Castle. While it’s not technically in ‘the Hamptons’, Oheka Castle is a great stop off between the bustle of New York and the legendary traffic of the North and South ‘forks’ of the Hamptons.

This amazing restored building was originally commissioned by a wealthy financier and served as the setting for lots of extravagant parties in America’s ‘Roaring Twenties’. Writer F. Scott Fitzgerald even used it as inspiration for his book The Great Gatsby. Spend the day touring the grounds to hear all about the castle’s rich and spotted history and you might spot some very familiar scenes. The castle, as well as being Kevin Jonas and Danielle Deleasa’s wedding venue, was also the set for Taylor Swift’s music video for Blank Space.

When it’s not a celebrity wedding venue or film set, it’s a chic hotel with an on-site bar and restaurant, fitness centre and library, read: relaxing. Quirky details like the Chaplin room - a private dining space dedicated to (and adorned with tons of photos of) actor Charlie Chaplin - made us think twice before leaving.

For more information check out oheka.com

The Menhaden

If you’re ready to venture into the Hamptons ‘proper’, but want to try something more laid back first, go to The Menhaden at Greenport in the North Fork.

This boutique hotel in the centre of the village has a rooftop bar with views onto the harbour, a café and a small plates restaurant. The rooms, which feature huge spa-like bathrooms are bright, airy and sophisticated. There is a galley kitchen on each floor featuring local snacks, ice cream and - on the weekend - freshly baked goods.

Take one of the hotels complimentary bikes and explore the village and harbor then catch a ferry to take in the views of the Peconic River. For dinner, try the North Fork Table & Inn where you’ll definitely over eat and you’ll definitely have no regrets.

For more information check out TheMenhaden.com

White Fences Bed & Breakfast

Down the road from Sag Harbor you’ll find the charming White Fences B&B and it’s adorable host golden doodle, Bailey. We stan.

The B&B’s 5 rooms feature all the stylish essentials you’ll need, from a Nespresso machine to a giant comfortable bed piled high with pillows. After a multiple course hot breakfast in the main dining room, take a dip in the pool if the weather is nice or take one of the free beach parking permits and go to Flying Point Beach (a five minute drive). While you’re driving, check out Meadow Lane a.k.a. Billionaire Lane and keep your eyes peeled for celebs coming and going. Head to Sag Harbour in the afternoon and walk down its American flag lined main street and try to point out all the quintessentially American things e.g. drive in bank tellers, rusty pick-up trucks. For dinner, get a table on the patio at Wölffer Kitchen where the entire menu was inspired by rosé - basically the dream.

For more information check out The White Fences Inn whitefenceswatermill.com

Hither Hills State Park

For those who like the idea of waking up on the beach, Hither Hills State Park has nearly 200 camp sites and offers visitors picnic areas, lockers, a general store and hot showers - basically everything you need for £25 per night.

The on-site recreation centre organises daily activities, hikes and screens films every evening in the summer. It’s also a quick drive in either direction to Montauk and East Hampton for bars, shopping and restaurants if you’re not ready to totally rough it.

For more information check out Hither Hills State Park

Things to do...

Kontokosta Winery & Vineyard

Wine lovers will love Long Island for the selection of local wines of offer at every turn but Kontokosta wine is a cut above. The sleek decor of the bright, double height tasting room paired with dramatic views of the coastline will make this stand out from the rest of the holiday snaps.

Go midweek to avoid the crowds don’t forget to reserve a place on the cellar tours where you can learn how the wine is made plus sample wine directly from the barrel (~£28, 45 minutes).

Because we all need a bit of balance, check out the cutest McDonald’s location in existence. It’s in Mattituck in the North Fork, reservations are strongly encouraged obvs.

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bougie east NY #McDonalds with the fresh landscaping. pinkies up? 🍔🍟😵

A post shared by @ the_maehr on Aug 29, 2014 at 12:09pm PDT

The Beach

There’s miles and miles of beach along the South Fork - the trick is parking near it. If you’re traveling in, Coopers Beach near Southampton is a good bet. It has rental chairs and umbrellas, plus there are showers and a concession stand. A parking spot for the day is around £35. To avoid parking, you can take the Long Island Railroad to Southampton and hope in a 10-minute cab to the beach.

Southampton Village

Come here for the vibes keep New York’s elite returning over and over. It’s the perfect place to take out your nicest knit and pretend you work on Wall Street and have a driver. Get some culture in at the Southampton Art Centre where depending on the time of year you’ll find films on the manicured lawns, silent discos or food trucks.

For more information and calendar of events check out Southamptonartscenter.org

What to eat...

Halyard

For a delicious locally sourced meal with spectacular views, look no further than the Halyard. The menu has dishes like grilled swordfish tacos and lobster rolls with french fries plus a wine list that features a very drinkable ‘breakfast rosé’. Sign us up. The restaurant and adjoining hotel are so on-theme that you’ll need to remind yourself you’re not actually aboard a ship.

Widow’s Hole Oysters

If you want to go off the beaten path a bit, book yourself in for a tour at the Widow’s Hole Oyster Company in Greenport. For around £28 per person you can learn how oysters are cultivated, how they get ‘the spa’ treatment at Widow’s Hole and sample New York’s favourite oysters straight from the cages.

For more information check out Widowsholeoysters.com

Cowfish

When there is a restaurant that is so popular that it delivers ‘dockside’ to boats right outside, you have to try it. Cowfish in Hampton Bays has a menu with American favourites like seared Danish baby back ribs and blacked fish sandwich that makes it perfect for anything from midday ‘hangry’ to ‘we’re going out out.’ Get there in time for happy hour and live music in the bar or arrive early and get a table on the deck. If you want a little change of scenery, get the shuttle boat to Rumba, Cowfish’s sister restaurant and bar for their Rum Bar and Island-inspired menu.

More information check out Cowfishrestaurant.com

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