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The Ultimate Hamptons Guide – How to do The Hamptons Like a Local

By Mollysims.com

Unless you have been living under a rock, you’ve definitely seen all of your favorite New Yorkers take their annual migrations east for their infamous Hamptons getaways. And if you’re anything like us, you are currently trying to dig up any last minute PTO you can get your hands on, so you too, can live your chic Hamptons girl summer before it’s too late.

While we may not be able to help you find that PTO, we can most definitely help you put together the perfect itinerary, filled with all of Molly’s personal must-stop spots. We’ll spill on all the low-key spots only a true local would know, and let you know if those trendy spots are really worth the buzz (and the two hour wait). After all, who better to help than the self proclaimed queen of the Hamptons herself!

Where to Eat:

Most Low-key Spot:

After a week of hitting all the trendiest spots, you may be tired of the crowds, (or start to feel to an individuality complex coming on), our full-proof solution: breakfast at Estia’s Little Kitchen in Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor. This spot offers the classic breakfast items such as buttermilk pancakes and veggie omelettes, as well as some killer breakfast tacos and bowls, our personal fav- the Pavo Western Taco.

Best Italian:

Listen, Tutto il Giorno has two locations in the Hamptons, and there’s a reason why — it’s truly one of the BEST Italian spots you’ll find out there. The vibe is chic, yet intimate and the food taste like it was home cooked by a Nonna. (P.S. The  sauce is to die for!)

Kid-Proof Spots:

Calling all the moms! In case the babysitter flaked, or you are in need of some quality family time, Molly’s tried and true kid proof restaurants are Moby’s and Serafina East Hampton. Not only is the food drool worthy at Moby’s, the outdoor seating area feels like you’re in your backyard and there is plenty of grass for the kids to run havoc  far away from the adults table. While Serafina is a classic, your kids are sure to LOVE a good pizza night.

Quintessential Hamptons:

If you are looking for a classic, Hamptons dinner, look no further than Duryea’s Montauk. From the waterside view of Fort Pond Bay, to the bleached wood table and chairs, this delicious seafood joint has been Hamptons staple for decades. Their recent makeover has helped put the spot back on the map for the new generation of Hampton goers as well, making it the perfect dinner spot for all ages.

Best Sandwich:

There’s nothing like a sandwich at the beach — Molly’s go-to spot is Hampton Chutney Co. The Curry Chutney Chicken sando is unreal, and you won’t find anything like it anywhere else, and just in case you aren’t in the mood for a sandwich, the Coconut Chicken and rice is out of this world. Molly says “people literally get a second order just take back to the city its THAT good.”

Favorite Lunch Spot:

If you’re looking for a chic lunch spot, Sant Ambroeus is the spot! They have two Hampton locations, one in East Hampton, and one in Southhampton. Its a gorgeous ambiance and the perfect place for a light bite and daytime drink with the girls after shopping.

Where to Live out your French Vacay Dreams:

Couldn’t make it to France this summer, not to fret, Molly let us in on the chicest, waterfront French bistro, Le Bilboquet in Sag Harbor. From the outstanding seafood to the Harbor side view, you might actually start to believe you’re sitting by ocean in Nice. “It’ll instantly make you feel fabulous!” as Molly would say.

Best Dessert:

“Buddhaberry, Buddhaberry, Buddhaberry, hands down!” Molly and her kids seriously can’t get enough of Buddhaberry Frozen Yogurt in Sag Harbor. They even have a food truck so you can cater dessert at your next party. According to Molly, it’s a MUST try.

Where to Shop:

One thing the Hamptons definitely doesn’t fall short in is the shopping from luxury design stores, to home decor boutiques, there is truly somewhere for everyone, and everything you might be looking for. Molly broke down her fav shopping spots for us by location:

East Hampton:

Known to Molly as the “chicest of all chic,” East Hampton has all the dream worthy, luxury brands like Prada, Chanel, and Gucci, as well as high-end clothing boutique such as Henry Lehr and Loro Piana. And just in case we are balling on a budget this summer, there’s also plenty of more affordable options like J.Crew, and Reformation. East Hampton is also home to Molly’s absolute fav home decor store Clic, (it’s also where she buys all her favorite Hampton dresses).

Designer Spots: Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Chanel, Zimmerman, Tenet, Eres

Affordable Shopping: Aviator Nation, Reformation, J. crew

Clothing Boutiques: Henry Lehr, Loro Piana, Clic, Blue & Cream

Home Decor: Clic

 

Amagansett

Whether you’re in search of a new Terry set from Suzie Kondi, or looking for the most chic children’s clothing selection at Pink Chicken, Amagansett has INCREDIBLE shopping, as per Molly. Amagansett is also home to Warm, which is one of Molly’s all time favorite stores for everything from clothing, to accessories, to home decor.

Designer Spots: Suzie Kondi, Jenni Kayne, Jacques, Ulla Johnson

Clothing/Jewlery Boutiques:  Love Adorned, Warm

Home Decor: E-E Home

Kids: Pink Chicken

Sag Harbor

Sag Harbor is a great shopping spot if you are looking for boutiques, home decor and kid friendly spots. Molly says “Stella & Ruby in Sag Harbor is a must for children’s clothing, and The Wharf Shop is a fun toy store/catch all that the kids absolutely love roaming around.”

Home Decor Boutiques: The 1818 Collective,

Kids: Stella & Ruby, The Wharf Shop,

Southampton

Southampton is another spot that truly has it all, from designer stores like Theory, and Alice + Olivia, locally run and owned boutiques like Shari’s Place and Ruby & Jenna,  there is a ton of amazing shopping spots to hit. Molly

Designer Spots: Alice + Olivia, Theory, Tenet, Ralph Lauren, Eres,

Affordable Shopping: J. Crew, Intermix, Club Monaco

Clothing Boutiques: Shari’s Place, Ruby & Jenna, Roller Rabbit,

Home Decor: AERIN, Aloof Icon,

Where to Beach:

If you are in need of beach recommendations then look no further, Molly gave us the scoop on the best beaches that won’t be swarmed with crowds. Peters Pond in Sag Harbor and Montauk beaches are the best spot for a classic, full beach day with the kids. If you’re looking for a fun on water activity, take the fam on a ferry ride from Duryea’s Orient Point. In all, the hampton beaches know what they’re doing and you really can’t go wrong no matter where you choose. Molly’s advice is to choose the one that is closest and walking distance to where you’re staying and camp out for the day. Doesn’t get much better than that!

Where to Relax:

After all the beach days, shopping and dinner dates, you’ll probably be in need of some serious R&R. Lucky for you, Molly let us in on where to go for her favorite facial, nails and massages!

Run don’t walk to the Georgia Louise Hamptons pop-up! The pop-up is only on for the month of August so our advice is to book your appointment ASAP. Molly just went in for a refreshing summer facial and couldn’t stop raving about the glow she left with.

If you want a full body massage to go with your facial Molly can’t recommend Onda Beauty in Sag Harbor enough. Molly says a facial Catherine Esposito is a MUST and the perfect addition to all their other spa treatments as well.

The Shou Sugi Ban House is another one stop shop for all. They have treatments including facials, water therapies, full body massages and more. Molly notes it as truly being one of the most beautiful spas you will find in the Hamptons.

Last but certainly not least you can’t go wrong with a manicure at Spa 27 in East Hampton. Molly’s tip: “Ask for Maria and you will get the best manicure of your life, I promise.”