Summer In The Hamptons

The Hamptons have long been known as the optimal summer spot, comprised of various fair-weather happenings in its various towns and hamlets. Each offers something a little different, appealing to second homeowners and year-round residents that enjoy what the area holds long after the summer season ends. With Memorial Day kickstarting the local season, Hamptons real estate agents share what it is they find most special about this place and how to enjoy those few short months now through Labor Day.

Among one of the top brokers in the Hamptons is Susan Breitenbach, who between showing some of the most expensive South Fork properties finds time to enjoy her perfect Hamptons day with a walk on the beach, a game of tennis, and time on the boat to watch the sunset or go out to dinner. By boat, she loves to visit Greenport, Sunset Beach on Shelter Island, or head out to Montauk. While this works for her, she knows the Hamptons can mean something else to others.

“Everyone’s Hamptons experience is different,” the licensed associate real estate broker with Corcoran shares. “Some love the golf, horseback riding, the beach and the ocean, fishing/crabbing, boating on the bay, picking apples and even just low-key nature walks, while others love the events, galas, and the ‘scene’ at some of the clubs and restaurants. There is something for everyone!”

Something that often comes with owning a home in the Hamptons is the opportunity to entertain. Breitenbach says customers want luxury homes that offer all of the top amenities to make this happen, like heated pools with hot tubs, sports options from tennis and basketball to bocce, loggias and home theatres, firepits, and of course, outdoor kitchens and bars. As most people who own second homes are coming out from New York City, they look for integrated interior/exterior spaces to spend as much time outdoors as possible.

Making up the perfect summer soirée you need good food, cool drinks, and wonderful friends, according to Michaela Keszler, who began as a summer visitor herself before becoming a full-time Southampton resident to raise her children. Keszler says if you are not entertaining at home, a memorable event can be enjoyed on the beach with a barbecue and bonfire, allowing you to enjoy one of the main attractions of the Hamptons. For the Douglas Elliman licensed associate real estate broker, her perfect summer day includes a run and swimming and relaxing at the beach or by her pool.

It may be hard to believe, but there are still some people who will be experiencing the Hamptons for the first time. “Of course, they will want to go for a walk on the beach and swim the ocean, but there are so many other things to do out here,” Keszler says of must-do activities for new visitors. “The top of my list would start with visiting the many different villages and hamlets of the East End, which are as interesting and diverse as they come.”

Judi Desiderio, licensed real estate broker and the president and CEO of Town & Country Real Estate, agrees that each of the hamlets must be explored. In Montauk, a visit to the lighthouse and a lobster roll from Gosman’s is a must. Take a stroll through Amagansett Square before dinner in East Hampton. Drive through Bridgehampton’s horse country and vineyards, stopping for a wine tasting before heading out to Sag Harbor to enjoy a warm doughnut while checking out the yachts. Other musts on Desiderio’s list include shopping in Southampton, dessert at Sant Ambroeus, a show at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, and for foodies, a trip to the North Fork.

“If fishing is your wishing, then head east,” Desiderio says. “When you hit the ocean come back a wee bit and go to the docks for a guided tour on the water in the fishing capital of the world – Montauk! If you’re on a friend’s boat and want to anchor up, try Sunset Beach on Shelter Island or try getting a dock spot on the North Fork to have lunch at Port.”

Agreeing an outdoor kitchen is a must for any foodie, Desiderio also recommends a grand dining table to accommodate family and friends al fresco. She also loves a covered porch on rainy days. Enjoying a meal at home or at a friend’s house is also a must for Beate Moore, Sotheby’s International Realty associate broker and senior global real estate advisor. She says with all of the farm stands and fresh produce, like corn, tomatoes, peaches, and berries, all you need is fish for a nice healthy and delicious summer dinner. She also finds clambakes to be particularly special.

In addition to the usual sports activities like golf, tennis, and horseback riding, Moore suggests kayaking and paddleboarding around Shelter Island, swimming in the ocean or walking the beach, and yoga, which she herself practices five times per week at Sag Harbor’s Yoga Shanti. Among the many events like polo matches, benefits, and wine tasting, she says the Bridgehampton Chamber of Commerce Music Festival is one of her absolute favorites.

“It’s a wonderful event with world class artists organized by Marya Martin,” Moore explains. “It’s very well supported by the best people, including her husband Ken Davidson. It’s early in the evening so you can go out after for a nice dinner. Alan Alda is also a great supporter. You can sometimes find him on stage talking about the history. He’s very well read on classical music.”

From beaches to polo fields, restaurants to galas, and boats to golf and tennis, there is something for everyone on the South Fork this summer. If you rent, own, or are looking to buy, there is prime real estate available at every price point with varying amenities catering your version of the Hamptons lifestyle.