I am spending the Christmas season with my sister and her 3 day old daughter in Brooklyn and I was thinking of renting a car one day and driving to the Hamptons. I'm from Marblehead, MA and have never been to the Hamptons so I thought I'd do it this time. I plan to drive there the morning and drive back in the evening. I love the beach in winter so don't worry about me...my question is...specifically where in the hamptons should I go? I'd like to be able to walk around on a Main Street, window shop, eat, people watch, visit the beach. Any help from anyone would be so appreciated. Thanks!!

Marietta, I love the ocean at anytime of the year so I'm going to suggest a trip to Montauk, which is literally the end of Long Island. Although it will be closed (interior and tower) you can still visit the (exterior) of the Montauk Point Lighthouse. The views from there are spectacular. You'll have to go back into town to find a restaurant but I'm sure you'll find one that suits your tastes. There are also some shops. I like to start my walk where The Royal Atlantic Hotel sits. East Hampton, Bridgehampton, and Westhampton offer the best choices if you want to shop and eat in trendy, pricey places. East Hampton probably is the best choice for this. Stop in at Calypso Christiane Celle on Main Street to browse or buy the bags, shoes, etc. I don't know the winter hours for any of the businesses in these towns.

Thanks Merilee.....Montauk sounds like up my alley. Any idea how long the travel time is from midtown manhattan? Thanks!!!

Marietta, the trip averages 3 hours. It's about 120 miles. If I remember correctly it's the LIE to exit 35 to Route 24 (toward Hampton Bays) to 27 east all the way to the end. I recall an Italian restaurant named Luigi's and there's a place on Main Street named John's Pancake House. A couple of pizzerias and a Chinese restaurant come to mind also.

Wonderful Merilee...thanks so much!!