The Hamptons Winter Guide

TRAVEL

Feb 27

Written By tamara gaudin

The Hamptons Winter Guide

Wintertime in The Hamptons

I love going out to Long Island during the summer months. The beautiful beaches, the best lobster rolls, cocktails poolside….but this time I ventured over in the winter to experience one of my favorite places in the Northeast.

My weekend in The Hampton’s was lovely and the unseasonably warm and sunny weather definitely helped but it was still chilly and cozy. Here are some of my favorite finds during my weekend getaway!

There are wineries all over Long Island and I have tried several of them but I found my favorite this past weekend.

Favorite spots to stop for a drink:

Wölffer Estate Winery ….I have no doubt this place is equally amazing in the summer but it is perfect in winter as well. They have a covered back porch that is great if you want to drink your wine while feeling like you are outside. They also have a great indoor space that is cozy and warm. And the live music was amazing! They had great tasting plates which is great for a snack or it’s the perfect place to start a progressive dinner. And they have a delicious s’ mores platter that is heavenly. It gives you a taste of summer but in the perfect winter way. In addition to wine, they have delicious sparkling ciders that you should definitely try.

Barren’s Cove – This is a cozy spot for cocktails furnished with couches and a fireplace. They also offer live music some nights which is always a plus! They have a restaurant that is supposed to be great but I have never eaten there. I do know that the upstairs restaurant also has a fireplace☺

Gurney’s – This is a fabulous resort at any time of year. But in the wintertime, they have igloos that you can reserve and enjoy really fun cocktails. They are all themed and are decorated differently and right on the boardwalk so you can see the ocean. Just make sure to call and make a reservation because these babies book up quickly!

Where to eat:

Fantastic restaurants….many places in The Hamptons are seasonal and closed during the winter but countless places still have incredible food! So, while I wasn’t dining on lobster rolls and clam strips on this trip I had so much delicious food and incredibly fresh seafood! Here are a few of my favorites:

East Hampton Grill - Possibly the best crab cakes ever, the Dover sole is unreal but of course comes with a hefty price tag, a scrumptious burger, the wedge, and Caesar salads are amazing and truly the best tuna tartar ever! Oh, and they offer a lovely fireplace!

Lulu’s in Sag Harbor – Had the fresh fish of the day that was baked whole with the perfect herbs and seasonings. It was unreal! I also dined on fresh oysters, chicken meatballs that were out of this world and I can’t forget about the gouda mac & cheese!

Topping Rose House – If you want to do some fine dining this Jean George restaurant is the place. We had brunch here twice and, in the summer, I have been for cocktails and desserts but haven’t had dinner here yet. But from everything I have experienced, it will not disappoint!

Estia’s – This Latin restaurant serves breakfast and lunch and is always a great spot. I eat brunch here often as I love a breakfast that includes eggs, black beans, avocado, and other yummy ingredients. Depending on what time you go just be prepared to wait!

Grindstone Coffee & Donuts – You guys I just can’t with these donuts…SO freaking delicious! I had only planned on going once during this trip but somehow needed up here twice. One day I went classic with a chocolate glaze and a traditional glaze but then I got a little fancy the next time with a churro donut, maple sea salt, and a Nutella s’more donut….yes, I said Nutella and s’more combined in one! I almost lost my mind! Oh, and the coffee is super great! Try the honey lavender latte for something a little different.

Where to stay:

The Hampton’s are amazing but not a cheap place to visit (just being honest). And while the restaurant and drink prices will remain the same no matter the season, where you can really score is on the hotel. Places that would normally cost $600 and up a night you can stay at for much less! Three of my favorite places are:

Gurney’s in Montauk – perfect every time of year. Great restaurants, fun igloo cocktails, and the spa is lovely! You don’t have to stay there to use the spa but you do have to book a spa treatment to be able to use their facilities. Not to mention you are right on the beach!

Topping Rose – This is an adorable place to stay but I must say I love it more in the summer because they don’t have as much to offer in the winter and with all the windows and bright and cheery decor it just feels more like a summer spot. But it is a great property with lovely rooms and excellent service.

Barren’s Cove – Another perfect place for summer but I do really enjoy this spot, possibly even more, in the winter. With the dark wood, fireplaces, and couches it is a very cozy place to nestle up in the colder months.

AirB&B and VRBO are also fantastic options in any of the LI towns and highly recommended if you go with a group of people.

Let’s get physical:

The Hamptons are not short of places to workout…they have it all! So, if the weather isn’t great to do an outdoor activity you have your pick of great spots. Soul Cycle, Barry’s Boot Camp, Tracey Anderson Studio, SLT, Elements Fitness….truly take your pick! Let me just warn you now that these classes are all amazing but they come with a big price tag so be prepared to spend more than you ever would on a normal class! Prices for these classes are even more than what I pay in NYC!

Shopping:

Sorry guys but it has to be talked about! I have said so many times that I love to shop when I travel and that is when I do 80% of my shopping. And might I say I walked away with some insane deals because there was SO much on sale! When I travel, I mostly stick to local spots that I can’t find elsewhere and stay away from the chains and other boutiques I can find in the city or other places I visit. Because let me tell you there is a ton of shopping in this neck of the woods! To name a few here are some of my favorites:

Corner Closet – She has a lot of unique brands and gets some great pieces from Paris. She also has great vintage finds that she sells.

Goldie – all the jeans you could ever want and more! I purchased my new, I will live in them, jeans from here and I can’t get enough!

Sunny – Casual, cozy, chic….in two words Hampton’s perfection!

JOGO Living – Great beach attire, bathing suits, and beach accessories.

Tutto Bene – She offers a lot of different brands, great accessories, unique denim, and really great prices!

I hope you enjoyed reading about my Hamptons winter must do’s. The next time you go to the Hamptons, no matter the time of year, this will be a great place to start. I will be back with another blog for all things summer in a few months!

XO!

Tamara