new york hamptons
 

was thinking of going to NY for my vacation.
Maybe a few days in New York (been many times)
shop, see some musicals etc.

then driving to the Hamptons. I have never been.
We like to shop and we like nice hotels. maybe spas? Does this sound like the Hamptons?
What can you do in the hamptons?
Where can you stay?

any suggestions... we might go in july or august...

Just know that most of the nicer places to stay in the Hamptons are either B&B's or Country Inns. If you planning to go in July/August, book now and be prepared to pay a small fortune for modest accomodations or a large fortune for nicer digs. Budget accomodations, which consist mainly of circa 1950 motels, will be merely expensive. Shopping & spas are in ample supply, but again, are geared towards the well healed.

As for what there is to do, with deep pockets and and all of the above are at your disposal, as are great restaurants and nightlife. Obviously the beaches are a big attraction and are among the nicest on the eastern seaboard.

There are a bunch of different towns in the Hamptons - from Montauk - with a fishing port, lots of family friendly hotels and restaurants - some of the former on the beach - to Southanpton - with multimillion $ estates, tons of trendy/upscale restaurants and clubs and very exclusive shopping.

Rates anyplace during the summer are big$ - and there are few resorts - mostly inns or B&B - or family motels or condos. (Most of the people who go to the Hamptons rent "cottages" of all sizes.)

For a resort you can look at Gurney's.

As to what to do:

incredible beaches (you need to get a town srticker to park from wherever you stay - unless it's on the beach - rare

Lots of wineries to tour on north or south fork

Pretty colonial towns

Tennis/golf if your resort has it

Lots of small museums and galleries

Plenty to see do and enjoy as long as you have big $$. And get reservations for everything (hotels, restaurants etc) as soon as you can.

If you can go during the week rather than the weekend the roads will be slightly less mobbed.

As ripit and nytraveler have said, there really aren't any big hotels in the Hamptons. Gurney's Inn in Montauk comes closest in terms of size and facilities, but it's really not nearly as nice as the room rates would suggest. Their spa is supposed to be good though but there are day spas in the Hamptons.

One "inn" that has an inhouse spa is in East Hampton, Baker House (previously known as J Harper Poor Cottage)
http://www.bakerhouse1650.com/

One of the b & b's that gets the best reviews on tripadvisor is a Butler's Manor in Southampton.

Southampton and East Hampton are the 2 major villages with both good accomodation and shops and restaurants (and each has a movie theater).

Since you are driving out to the Hamptons, you might enjoy a stop at the restoration out there called Old Beth Page. It is a well done recreation of life in earlier days, and has a working farm, bakery, shops, restaurant, and visitors center. Well worth a few hours.

Sorry - Old Bethpage Restoration is not a bad idea - but it's nowhere near the Hamptons. In fact - it's only about 20 minutes from the NYC city line.

The Hamptons are at least an hour and a half further out (or up - way up - depending on traffic)

And - if you;ree looking for other activities there are:

Teddy Roosevelt's house at Sagamore Hill

Old Westebury Mansion and Gardens

History of flight museum

And tons of others all over LI.

REVISION:

I thought I would be going with someone else but it looks like it has turned into a girls get away.So...
where is a fun place for us to stay? Not so much luxury now because we are all on a budget, but we dont really want cheap-o places.
There are 4 of us 28 years old...any ideas where to stay? what area? what to do at night? or durin the day?
also are the beaches lay out jump in the ocean beach or is it walk on the beach but water is too cold beach?

thanks

We stayed at Gurney's Inn in Montauk a few years back - we were a bit disapointed in the rooms (a bit dated and tired for the price) but they have a beautiful piece of beach front property, the area seemed quieter that the rest of the Hamptons and there was an area with cute shops and good eateries nearby.

NOt sure what ind of water yo're used ot. It's the North Atlantic - and never gets warm like FL beaches - but I would call it brisk and refeshing - not cold. Also- be aware that at times the surf is very rough and thre can be a srong undertow - so unless you're a very strong swimmer you shouldn;t go out past the breakers unless there's a lifeguard (limited places and lmited hours).

For someplace more budgety right on the beach there are several condo colonies in Amagansett. You can save money by having breakfast in and keeping drinks and snacks. But - then you're about 30 miutes or so from the areas with the trendiest restaurants and nightlife (which will be big $$). Nearby and in Montauk -the next town out - there are some more modeately priced eateries.

There is no such thing as "budget" in the Hamptons in July and August. Rethink your plans and focus on the Jersey Shore if you want the beach.

The water is certainly swimmable in late July early August unless you're expecting Caribbean type temps. If you can go during the week, prices will be better and there is less likely to be minimum stays. For a weekend, many places have 3 night minimums.

enclaveinn.com has 3 locations. None are on the ocean. The one in Wainscott I think is the nicest but it's right next to a nightclub so I guess can get noisy. Anyone can get onto the beach but you'd need a beach sticker for parking. (Perhaps the inn gives you one).

What can you do? Besides beach and shopping and wineries and day spas, there are all sorts of sports from kayaking to horse back riding to sailing. There are antique shows on certain weekends. The big Hampton Classic Horse Show is at the end of August. There are various theaters and concerts. Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor and Guild Hall in East Hampton. There's also a performing arts theater in Westhampton Beach http://www.whbpac.org/pages/about/history.htm
another option for a destination. It's closer to Manhattan by about 30-40 mins. You might have a look at hamptons.com