Table of Contents
Welcome 12
The Hamptons Primer 15
Map: Beachy Weekend Getaways from New York City 18
Top 10 Experiences 20
Chapter 1 Getting Here and Where to Stay 23
Getting Here 24
Where to Stay 33
Chapter 2 Escapes for Beach Bums 37
Montauk and the Hamptons 38
Montauk: Laidback Surfer Vibes 38
Amagansett, Sag Harbor, and the Hamptons: Classic and Preppy 41
Shelter Island and the North Fork 47
Shelter Island: Watersports and Beachcombing 47
The North Fork: Rocky Bays and the Long Island Sound 48
Fire Island: Quintessential Summer Seashore 49
Greater Long Island 51
Long Island: Rocky Inlets along the Long Island Sound 51
The Jersey Shore 55
Jersey Shore (from North to South): Colorful Beaches Full of Characters 55
New York City 59
Beachy Day Tripping from New York City (from West to East): A Snapshot of New York City's Subway-Accessible Beaches 59
Chapter 3 Escapes for Art Lovers 63
Montauk And The Hamptons 64
Montauk: Hipster Pop-Ups 64
Amagansett, Sag Harbor, and the Hamptons: The Land of Famous Artists, Curators, and Collectors 66
Shelter Island and the North Fork 79
Shelter Island: Hidden Studios and Quaint Galleries 79
The North Fork: Funky, Cutting-Edge Art 79
Fire Island: Creative Performances and Seasonal Galleries 81
Greater Long Island 82
Greater Long Island: Gold Coast Mansions Full of Antiques 82
The Jersey Shore 88
Jersey Shore: Street Art and Urban Decay 88
Chapter 4 Escapes for Foodies 91
Montauk and the Hamptons 92
Montauk: Hook-to-Table Local Seafood 92
Amagansett, Sag Harbor, and the Hamptons: Organic Farms and Fancy Feasts 94
Shelter Island and the North Fork 108
Shelter Island: Seafood Shacks and Five-Star Dining 108
The North Fork: Farm-Fresh Produce and World-Class Chefs 109
Fire Island: Fried Fish And Dockside Dining 114
Long Island (North): Classic Steakhouses and Roadside Diners 118
Long Island (South Shore) 123
The Jersey Shore 125
Jersey Shore: Hip New Restaurants and Classic Boardwalk Eats 125
Chapter 5 Escapes for Party Animals 130
Montauk and the Hamptons 131
Montauk; Dive Bars and Exclusive Parties 131
Amagansett, Sag Harbor, and the Hamptons: Country Club Vibes and Private Parties 135
Shelter Island and the North Fork 137
Shelter Island: Quiet Local Bars and a Rocking Beach Party 137
The North Fork: Cozy Pubs and Waterfront Bars 138
Fire Island: Raucous All-Night Beach Parties 140
The Jersey Shore 143
Jersey Shore: Legendary Music Clubs and Boardwalk Bars 143
Chapter 6 Escapes for Nature Freaks And Health Nuts 146
Long Island and the Hamptons 147
Montauk: Dramatic Coastlines and Surfer Vibes 147
Amagansett, Sag Harbor, and the Hamptons: Sailboats and Surfboards 153
Shelter Island and the North Fork 158
Shelter Island: Birding and Kayaking on Calm Waters 158
The North Fork: Rocky Beaches and Calm Inlets 159
Fire Island: Incredible Coastal Wilderness 161
Greater Long Island 164
Greater Long Island: Parks and Beaches on the Long Island Sound 164
The Jersey Shore 168
New Jersey: Beyond the Gym 168
Chapter 7 Escapes for Fashionistas 169
Montauk and the Hamptons 170
Montauk: Designer Pop-Ups and Hipster Finds 171
Amagansett, Sag Harbor, and the Hamptons: Vintage, Decor, and Designer Duds 174
Shelter Island and the North Fork 180
Shelter Island: Laid-Back Style 180
The North Fork: Furniture, Decor, and Eclectic Style 180
The Jersey Shore 183
The Jersey Shore: Instagram-Worthy Decor and Chic Designer Finds 183
Chapter 8 Escapes for Love Birds 187
Montauk and the Hamptons 188
Montauk: Low-Key and Cozy Vibes 188
Amagansett, Sag Harbor, and the Hamptons: Luxury Hotels and Candlelit Dinners 189
Shelter Island and the North Fork 194
Shelter Island and the North Fork: Old-School Charm and Off-Beat Menus 194
Greater Long Island 195
Greater Long Island: Palace Hotels and Vintage Steakhouses 196
Chapter 9 Escapes on a Budget 197
Montauk and the Hamptons 198
Montauk: Local Seafood Favorites 198
Amagansett, Sag Harbor, and The Hamptons: Low-Key and Local 199
Shelter Island and the North Fork 201
Shelter Island and the North Fork: Old-School Prices 201
Fire Island: Counter-Service Cult Favorites 201
Greater Long Island 203
Greater Long Island: Seafood Shacks and Roadside Stands 203
The Jersey Shore 204
Jersey Shore: Drool-Worth Delis 204
Chapter 10 Escapes for Thrill Seekers 205
Montauk and the Hamptons: Abandoned Buildings and Storied Shipwrecks 206
Shelter Island and the North Fork: Historic Homes and Mysterious Islands 207
Greater Long Island: Houses With History 208
Chapter 11 Perfect Weekend Itineraries by Destination 213
How to Spend a Weekend in Montauk 213
How to Spend a Weekend in Amagansett, Sag Harbor, and East Hampton 216
How to Spend a Weekend in Bridgehampton and Southampton 219
How to Spend a Weekend on Shelter Island 220
How to Spend a Weekend on the North Fork 224
How to Spend a Weekend on Fire Island 226
How to Spend a Weekend on Greater Long Island 229
How to Spend a Weekend in Asbury Park 231
How to See It All in One Weekend 234
Acknowledgments 237
Index 239
