While sitting here planning and booking our summer escapes, the kids summer camps and activities, and seeking out all the potential available during the summer months, it’s easy to ignore that 1) I am in desperate need of a vacation and 2) there are some really great options now.
For example, the Hamptons is a fabulous escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The warm beaches, the bars and eateries, the activities hosted all throughout this seaside community and its neighboring towns. Things tend to pick up mid-June and continue on well into September.
However, if what you are needing is something more of a quieter escape without the traffic or the crowds, the area delivers that and more during the off-season as well. It’s true that most businesses are seasonal and not open during these months, but that isn’t to say you will have nothing to do.
Off-season to the Hamptons means no traffic.
My husband and I took a weekend to ourselves and with the help of Liz and her husband Eric, owners of White Fences Inn, a luxury bed & breakfast in Water Mill, NY, we enjoyed a wonderful escape that was only a couple of hours from our house in New Jersey and felt like a world away from the our busy lives.
Where we stayed
We stayed in the Benedict Suite at White Fences Inn. It is the largest of the 5 suites available at the inn, with a contemporary yet comfortable feel. We loved cozying up on the plush king size bed, the gas fireplace adding an extra warmth to the room. The volcanic stone soaking tub is a delight for long, warm baths, and the separate sitting area has a Nespresso coffee maker with complimentary tea and coffee, as well as a small fridge, to make getting the day started just that much easier.
The luxurious experience continued into our breakfast, where Liz and Eric wowed us with a generous serving of brunch favorites, from homemade cranberry scones to smoked salmon with poached eggs. It was a great opportunity to eat, connect with fellow guests and get to know our wonderful hosts a bit better…and to greet sweet Bailey, who is always at the ready for any attention and affection you might want to offer.
Sweet Bailey will steal your heart.
What we did
We were looking to relax, not fill our schedule with too much to do, but you can’t help but want to explore the area especially since you pretty much have it all to yourself this time of year.
After breakfast at White Fences, we headed into town for some shopping. There are plenty of high-end boutiques and shops opened year round. Make sure to stop into Silver’s for lunch. Family owned since 1923, the ambiance reminds me of a charming French bistro with an equally charming staff at your service. The food is delicious and worth every penny.
Spend your afternoon walking in and out of galleries in the Parrish Art Museum, right next door to the White Fences Inn.
Even though there’s still a chill in the air, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, which has recently gone through a renovation, opened its doors for the season. We sat overlooking the vineyards which had not yet bloomed but were lovely nonetheless, while enjoying a cheese and wine tasting option as the sun slowly started to set.
Our bellies full of all the good eats, with a little shopping complete, and after having enjoyed a bit of art, we ventured off to Flying Point Beach to watch night fall. The sand was cold to the touch, but I buried my feet in it anyway. I held my husband’s hand and I let out a deep sigh.
I miss this side of us, the free-spirit, crazy-kids-in-love side of us, the moments when it’s just him and I and, in this case, no one else. Really, the beach was completely deserted. The wind was cold, he kissed me, and I felt like we had found a piece of heaven on earth, even if just for the weekend.
The next morning we started our day with a walk in the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge, taking some time to relax by the beach and enjoy the warm rays of sun before heading home.
Thank you to Liz and Eric for their warm hospitality.
We look forward to visiting again soon.
White Fences Inn is a luxury, adults-only, 5 suite bed & breakfast in Water Mill, NY. It is conveniently located and close to all the above mentioned eateries, museum, and attractions, as well as many others we didn’t have a chance to explore this time around.
All opinions expressed are my own. No photos may be used without consent of the publisher. Read more for ideas on travel to the Hamptons with kids.
Alex
Hey Carol,
Thanks for this trip idea. I’ve never done much of the east coast but had friends that would shoot over to the Hamptons. I can only imagine how busy it would be during the high season. That breakfast you put looks on point and the seems like a great place to retreat and relax. How was the water in the off-season? Cold? Thanks again.
Cheers,
caincarol
AlexHi Alex – yeah the water is pretty cold, for the East Coast, I would say it\’s the way year round!