Travel from NYC to Long Island
May 19th, 2004, 01:39 PM
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Travel from NYC to Long Island
My husband and I are going NYC in June. We want to take a little trip to Long Island/Hamptons. Can anyone recommend the best transportation to take? Car rental, bus, train...
May 19th, 2004, 01:45 PM
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Your best options are:
1. Hampton Jitney (a dedicated bus service) www.hamptonjitney.com
2. Long Island Railroad (from Penn Station) www.mta.nyc.ny.us/lirr
3. Rent a car
Depending on your budget and plans, any of the three might be best for you.
How long do you plan to stay? If just for the day or one night, then you probably don't need a car. If longer, then you'd probably want the flexibility that a car allows.
1. Hampton Jitney (a dedicated bus service) www.hamptonjitney.com
2. Long Island Railroad (from Penn Station) www.mta.nyc.ny.us/lirr
3. Rent a car
Depending on your budget and plans, any of the three might be best for you.
How long do you plan to stay? If just for the day or one night, then you probably don't need a car. If longer, then you'd probably want the flexibility that a car allows.
May 19th, 2004, 02:41 PM
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If you already have a room or are staying with friends there you will have a nice time the Hamptons are a laid back summer retreat here in the NYC area. Lots of celebrity siting as well.
If you don't have a reservation yet, you need to do that ASAP. Some of the places to stay out there won't rent for one night or are already full, so finalize you plans asap.
Have a GREAT time.
If you don't have a reservation yet, you need to do that ASAP. Some of the places to stay out there won't rent for one night or are already full, so finalize you plans asap.
Have a GREAT time.
May 20th, 2004, 06:21 AM
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Be forewarned that the US Open Golf tournament will be played in Southampton in June. I think the starting date is June 7 & it runs for a week I think. It will be a zoo. There are few if any rooms left. Post back with the date(s) you want, a budget (moderate can be many things to many people) & also what you want to do-sit on the beach vs tour/shop/dine. I'll see if I can help steer you.
May 20th, 2004, 07:00 AM
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Like other posters have stated, there are no "hotels" in the Hamptons, but you will find a few small bed & breakfast types, but they book up quickly. Also the drive on the LongIslandExpressway is freightful - expect to sit in traffic a long time, espically the weekends, the closer you get to Friday, the worse it is. A lot of people take 3 day weekends in the summer, so you will run into more traffic on Friday. A better way if you are driving is to take the Southern State Parkway, less trucks! You will find more places to stay if you go to Montauk, which is approx 45 min east, and is also very beautiful, and you will be able to drive thru all the towns in the Hamptons, since the Hamptons is made up of quaint little towns.
In season, expect it to be bustling and very crowded and expensive.
I would consider spending more than 1 night, by the time you get out there, it will be time to go back. Also try to go mid week if you can.
In season, expect it to be bustling and very crowded and expensive.
I would consider spending more than 1 night, by the time you get out there, it will be time to go back. Also try to go mid week if you can.
May 20th, 2004, 07:19 AM
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Ang, I honestly cannot think of a bigger nightmare than heading out to the Hamptons for one night in June.
Getting out there via the Jitney will take you around 4 hours with traffic.
It's been a long long time since I've been out there (1989) but if my memory serves me correct, you need a car. Nothing is within walking distance.
Getting out there via the Jitney will take you around 4 hours with traffic.
It's been a long long time since I've been out there (1989) but if my memory serves me correct, you need a car. Nothing is within walking distance.
May 20th, 2004, 07:54 AM
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I'd like to comment on several items posted above.
First, if you go mid-week and there's nothing special going on (like a major golf tournament), traffic shouldn't be too bad once you get outside of NYC. If you take the train, obviously traffic isn't an issue.
Second, there are plenty of "hotels" (some might be considered condo-style, but they're still "hotels") in the Hamptons, particularly along 27 east of East Hampton/Amagansett (many are beachfront). And what a bonus to be across the street from Cyril's! Just do a google search and you'll find numerous options (such as Driftwood, Ocean Dunes, Sun Haven, White Sands, Hermitage, etc.).
It's true that "the Hamptons" defines a large area of Long Island, approximately 50 miles from Westhampton to the tip of L.I. The first thing you need to do is decide which town you'll be visiting. In my opinion, the best Hamptons are the eastern Hamptons (from Wainscott east to Montauk).
Good luck & Enjoy!
May 20th, 2004, 09:15 AM
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ang, i've lived here (long island, by the hamptons) my whole life. your best bet by far is to take the train which ever 'hampton' you want to go. southampton? easthampton? amagansett? there are several little towns you can enjoy. if it's just over night, no need for a car. consider just taking a taxi to/from the train station, and which ever resteraunts/shops you may want to go.
May 20th, 2004, 09:38 AM
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I think that the jist of what everyone is saying is that if you are thinking of a weekend, it will be a trade-off between driving in traffic but having the freedom to get around once you get there against relaxing on the train but being much more limited in where you can go in the hamptons.
There are some hotels, especially up in Montauk. If you're going mid-week, then I would definitely go with the car. Keep in mind that the train still takes about 2- 1/2 hours from Penn Station, so outside of the friday/sunday crush or rush hour, the time difference between driving and the train will not be huge.
However, especially if you are thinking of a weekend, you should get a car rental reservation ASAP.
There are some hotels, especially up in Montauk. If you're going mid-week, then I would definitely go with the car. Keep in mind that the train still takes about 2- 1/2 hours from Penn Station, so outside of the friday/sunday crush or rush hour, the time difference between driving and the train will not be huge.
However, especially if you are thinking of a weekend, you should get a car rental reservation ASAP.
May 20th, 2004, 09:43 AM
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I'm not familiar with the area at all so pardon if I sound inexperienced.
The dates we will be traveling are June 18-23. I do want to avoid the weekends and crowds. I really don't mind if we stay at a B&B or a hotel and we would be willing to spend around $150 to $225 a night. Although, I don't think we would be able to stay more than one night. From what I have read and researched it seems that East Hamptons/Montauk would be key to visit in such a short time. Since it is such a short time we would be interested in just touring and dining. Also, we are passionate about wine. Not sure if there is any wine tasting at the vineyards.
My question would be that if we rented a car how long would it take from Manhattan to East Hamptons on a weekday?
The dates we will be traveling are June 18-23. I do want to avoid the weekends and crowds. I really don't mind if we stay at a B&B or a hotel and we would be willing to spend around $150 to $225 a night. Although, I don't think we would be able to stay more than one night. From what I have read and researched it seems that East Hamptons/Montauk would be key to visit in such a short time. Since it is such a short time we would be interested in just touring and dining. Also, we are passionate about wine. Not sure if there is any wine tasting at the vineyards.
My question would be that if we rented a car how long would it take from Manhattan to East Hamptons on a weekday?
May 20th, 2004, 09:53 AM
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The US Open Golf Tournament is being played at Shinnecock Country Club in Southhampton June 14 - 20. There is no way you will ever find a hotel room during that period, they have been booked for years. In addition, the area will be absolutely packed.
May 20th, 2004, 09:57 AM
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Just an addition to above....
Some of the hotels mentioned above do have a minimum stay ranging from 3-7 nights during the busy season, they will not allow you to spend 1 night. I'm sure it is possible, but it narrows your choices.
If you take the train or the jitney, you will need a mode of transportation to get around and to your final destination. Usually people taking the train or the jitney have someone picking them up at the station or the depot.
I would definatley rent a car, as it is an easy ride, but long. Traffic may be lighter mid week, but lighter is a relative term. I would check on google, as you will find a calendar of events. There is always something going on, (although there is down time). When it is busy season it is busy, with lots of seasonal activities, not just on the weekends. Many people transplant to the Hamptons for the summer, not just weekenders.
Some of the hotels mentioned above do have a minimum stay ranging from 3-7 nights during the busy season, they will not allow you to spend 1 night. I'm sure it is possible, but it narrows your choices.
If you take the train or the jitney, you will need a mode of transportation to get around and to your final destination. Usually people taking the train or the jitney have someone picking them up at the station or the depot.
I would definatley rent a car, as it is an easy ride, but long. Traffic may be lighter mid week, but lighter is a relative term. I would check on google, as you will find a calendar of events. There is always something going on, (although there is down time). When it is busy season it is busy, with lots of seasonal activities, not just on the weekends. Many people transplant to the Hamptons for the summer, not just weekenders.
May 20th, 2004, 10:11 AM
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About Wineries.....
They are on the north fork of long island, the hamptons are on the south fork. You cannot do both in one day. I think there is Duck Walk in the hamptons, but it is not the same as the north fork where there are dozens of vineyards. They are great fun to visit and do the tastings.
The ride out to the vineyards is wonderful, it is an easy drive 1 main road which they are all off of. Also visit Greenport,which is at the end of the road. If you are a Nelson DeMille fan, you will appreciate area too. At the end of the road you find the famous Claudio's. Do a google search on Greenport, Long Island too. From living on LI all my life, I prefer the North Fork to the hamptons, but that is just my preference.
Do a google search, type in North Fork Long Island Vineyards....you will get a lot of info.
Hope this helps!
If you are not interested in travelling all the way out to the east end, one of my favoirte towns, Sayville, it fun too! It has a little bit of everything in one little town. There is Loughlin Vineyards, a great town to do a little shopping, its on the water so there are great places to eat and historic old buildings. It is on the South Shore of Long island...Just a plan B in case the hamptons is not do able for you.
They are on the north fork of long island, the hamptons are on the south fork. You cannot do both in one day. I think there is Duck Walk in the hamptons, but it is not the same as the north fork where there are dozens of vineyards. They are great fun to visit and do the tastings.
The ride out to the vineyards is wonderful, it is an easy drive 1 main road which they are all off of. Also visit Greenport,which is at the end of the road. If you are a Nelson DeMille fan, you will appreciate area too. At the end of the road you find the famous Claudio's. Do a google search on Greenport, Long Island too. From living on LI all my life, I prefer the North Fork to the hamptons, but that is just my preference.
Do a google search, type in North Fork Long Island Vineyards....you will get a lot of info.
Hope this helps!
If you are not interested in travelling all the way out to the east end, one of my favoirte towns, Sayville, it fun too! It has a little bit of everything in one little town. There is Loughlin Vineyards, a great town to do a little shopping, its on the water so there are great places to eat and historic old buildings. It is on the South Shore of Long island...Just a plan B in case the hamptons is not do able for you.
May 20th, 2004, 12:07 PM
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First on the golf, Lori is correct. The golf tournament is June 14-20. That means it will be very difficult if not impossible to get rooms then. It might be possible to do at the end of your trip though (21-22?).
As to wineries, there are 3 on the South Fork-Duck Walk vineyards, already mentioned, located in Water Mill (near Southampton), Channing Daughters in Bridgehampton and Wolffer Estate (aka Sag Pond vineyards) in Sagaponack-just east of Bridgehampton. They all offer tastings daily, I believe & they all should have websites. Of these 3 I think Wolffer is the best.
It's true there are many more vineyards on the North Fork and it's not as crowded. You would definitely need a car on the North Fork to get from place to place. (You would need a car in the Hamptons if you wanted to visit more than 1 town.)
Another option would be to go & stay on Shelter Island which sits in between the 2 forks & is accesssed by 2 car ferries, the south ferry connects Shelter Island to Sag Harbor (in the Hamptons) & the north ferry connects SI to Greenport on the north fork. I'm not that familiar with places to stay on the North Fork but I've seen some Inns & b & bs in Greenport where the ferry is. On Shelter Island you can try Sunset Beach Motel (on a beautiful beach).
If you want to try the Hamptons at the end of your trip, I'd suggest trying the Enclave Inn (www.enclaveinn.com)-They have motels/cottages in 3 locations-in Bridgehampton, Wainscott & Southampton all in good proximity to the 3 vineyards (the one in Brideghampton would be best located although the one in Wainscott may be nicer & is bigger). While you were correct to pick East Hampton or Montauk as having more accomodation choices, they are further from the vineyards. If you have a car, you can easily drive from 1 town to the other. The only place that's a bit further is Montauk. If you'd prefer East Hampton, the Maidstone Inn is lovely but may be above your budget. It's a New England type Inn, in town. East Hampton House & Dutch Motel are 2 motel type places just at the end of East Hampton.
BTW, driving from NYC to the Hamptons on a regular non-holiday week day can be done in 2-2 1/2 hrs.
You might consider driving out along the North Fork to stop at a few of the vineyards along the way & then you could take the 2 ferries to the Hamptons or stay on Shelter Island.
Last option I'll mention is to take the train or jitney to the east End & rent a car on arrival. Enterprise has locations in Southampton & at the East Hampton airport. hamptoncarrental.com is across from the Hampton Bays train station. Pamrent.com is located in East Hampton.
As to wineries, there are 3 on the South Fork-Duck Walk vineyards, already mentioned, located in Water Mill (near Southampton), Channing Daughters in Bridgehampton and Wolffer Estate (aka Sag Pond vineyards) in Sagaponack-just east of Bridgehampton. They all offer tastings daily, I believe & they all should have websites. Of these 3 I think Wolffer is the best.
It's true there are many more vineyards on the North Fork and it's not as crowded. You would definitely need a car on the North Fork to get from place to place. (You would need a car in the Hamptons if you wanted to visit more than 1 town.)
Another option would be to go & stay on Shelter Island which sits in between the 2 forks & is accesssed by 2 car ferries, the south ferry connects Shelter Island to Sag Harbor (in the Hamptons) & the north ferry connects SI to Greenport on the north fork. I'm not that familiar with places to stay on the North Fork but I've seen some Inns & b & bs in Greenport where the ferry is. On Shelter Island you can try Sunset Beach Motel (on a beautiful beach).
If you want to try the Hamptons at the end of your trip, I'd suggest trying the Enclave Inn (www.enclaveinn.com)-They have motels/cottages in 3 locations-in Bridgehampton, Wainscott & Southampton all in good proximity to the 3 vineyards (the one in Brideghampton would be best located although the one in Wainscott may be nicer & is bigger). While you were correct to pick East Hampton or Montauk as having more accomodation choices, they are further from the vineyards. If you have a car, you can easily drive from 1 town to the other. The only place that's a bit further is Montauk. If you'd prefer East Hampton, the Maidstone Inn is lovely but may be above your budget. It's a New England type Inn, in town. East Hampton House & Dutch Motel are 2 motel type places just at the end of East Hampton.
BTW, driving from NYC to the Hamptons on a regular non-holiday week day can be done in 2-2 1/2 hrs.
You might consider driving out along the North Fork to stop at a few of the vineyards along the way & then you could take the 2 ferries to the Hamptons or stay on Shelter Island.
Last option I'll mention is to take the train or jitney to the east End & rent a car on arrival. Enterprise has locations in Southampton & at the East Hampton airport. hamptoncarrental.com is across from the Hampton Bays train station. Pamrent.com is located in East Hampton.
