Just a thought for a weekend get-away from N.J. - is that crazy? I've always wanted to see the Hamptons, but couldn't handle Summer crowds and 'scene'. Just want to enjoy a weekend there perhaps - enjoy the scenery (albeit from indoors for the most part, it will be chilly). Is it frighteningly quiet then? I'd love to enjoy a good tavern or two, nice restaurants - but I'm not sure if enough places is open year round. Any suggestions? I've never been there before so any input would sure be appreciated.

PS Walking distance from restaurants/tavers/shopping a big plus.

We live on the South Fork and all business & resturants are open year-round. Some resturants close duringt the week but are open on weekends. The wineries on the North Fork is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Going for a drive & a climb up the Montauk Lighthouse would be nice. Depending on your tastes & budget there are many good resturants. When are you planning on your visit?

Outeast - thanks for responding -- looking at the second weekend in November. Is East Hampton the best town to stay? I've read some nice things about it.

My suggestion is the Southampton Inn in Southampton. You can walk into the village of Southampton where there are plenty of restaurants and shops. If you have a car, you can also drive further east to East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk, as well as take a day trip to the North Fork to the wineries. It's a great time to visit the 'Hamptons' as it is quieter and not as crowded. Expect crowds on the North Fork though as this is high time for them.

I agree with the recommendation for the Southampton Inn. It was recently renovated and we made the mistake of staying at the musty B&B next door instead. Ick!

Went to the Hamptons one Valentine's day with the then-DF. Some restaurants and bars will be closed for the season and others just slow. But, the beach is lovely off season and lots of the more popular restaurants operate year-round, but are less crowded. Definitely drive into Sag Harbor and to Montauk. You'll have a great time.

Hi Carole - The suggestion of the Southampton Inn is ok. I would prefer Gurneys Inn. That way you can book a spa treatment if the weather is cold. It's right on the beach in Montauk and has wonderful views. When & if you decide to go to the North Fork, take the ride thru Sag Harbor and take the ferry over to Shelter Island and the north ferry over to Greenport than head a bit west and you'll come across lots of wineries. If you need any resturant suggestions, post what type of food you're looking for...

Carole - before booking at Gurney's, I would do a search on this board - a lot of people had very bad things to say about the place. I would second the recommendation of Southampton Inn - one of my best friends got married in Southampton this summer, and a lot of guests stayed at the Southampton Inn. I think it was well liked - we heard no complaints! If this is a splurge weekend, you might also check out the Maidstone Arms in East Hampton, which is a lovely inn with a terrific restaurant. Rowdy Hall in East Hampton (on Maine St, a bit down from the movie theatre) is a good tavern with fun atmosphere and some great beers. Have lunch at the American Hotel in Sag Harbor - wonderful old-school restaurant, very romantic lunch spot - then wander around town; it's an old whaling village with lots of beautiful, well-preserved homes and cute shops. Go out to Montauk light and climb the lighthouse stairs if it's a clear day. You could luck out and the weather could be pretty warm!

Thinking about spending this weekend in the Hamptons. Heard things about the "Hamptons" but never knew what it was all about. How does the experience compare to something like Newport, RI or Mystic, CT. I really enjoyed Newport - the seaside community, the Ocean Walk (behind the mansions), the excellent seafood, the New England feel. How does the Hamptons compare to the Newport experience?

Appreciate it.

Ed

Ed -- I haven't been to Mystic, but I have been to Newport and have spent some time in the Hamptons.

I would say that the Hamptons aren't really like Newport. Newport has the mansions and the cliff walk. The Hamptons are really a collection of several beach towns -- some have quaint shopping and restaurants (like Bridgehampton, Southampton, East Hampton & Sag Harbor), others are more about the beach (Quogue, Westhampton). Montauk is really a fishing town -- a little more "authentic," is the only way to describe it. I'd say the Hamptons have fewer "attractions" than Newport and much less of a tourist presence since they have fewer hotels than Newport. Many celebrities own fancy homes there and many NYC singles take "shares" in beach houses there.

Give it a try. I think you'll like it. Also, you might enjoy reading "Philistines at the Hedgerow: Passion and Property in the Hamptons." It has an interesting history of different parts of the Hamptons and stories about different notables who've lived there, but isn't a stuffy, chronological history of the area.

Hello Carole
We live in Sydney and will be in NY this coming November for the Marathon. We would love to visit The Hamptons mid-week following the Marathon for 2 nights. How did your visit go and any hints on places to stay? best regards Elizabeth

Elizabeth, these discussions are from 2001! If you read from the beginning, you'll see the weekends are the best time to visit the Hamptons out of season. While you can certainly come mid-week in Nov. many places will be closed. What is it you're looking to do and what kind of accommodation budget do you have? I actually suggest you start a fresh thread with your own details.

The Hamptons off season can be great - as long as you like walking along beaches in cold weather (you will need warm jacket and possibly hat, scarf, gloves etc - depending on how cold the weather is - there is often a very brisk breeze - since this is the nOrth Atlantic).

MANY places are closed during the week, since there are very few tourists. And you must rent a car to get around -otherwise you're limited to the town with the inn you're staying in (there are really no hotels). There are some small museums, the Montauk lighthouse, the North Fork wineries and a large discount shopping mall. Don;t even consider it without a car.