A South Fork Staycation

You don’t have to travel far from home to travel well. Plans may have changed this holiday season, but consider your own hometown a blank slate when it comes to impending travel. Want to go away for a weekend? Why not book a hotel right here. Settle in to your very own town, but see it from the eyes of a visitor. You might be surprised by what a new set of eyes can offer in terms of perspective. For your South Fork Staycation, here are some tips on where to stay, shop, eat, and play. Go forth! 

Where to Stay 

The Shou Sugi Ban House, in Water Mill, offers more than just a place to lie your weary head at night. The guest studios, which accommodate one to two guests, offer private patios, saltwater pool access, gas fireplaces, custom furniture, organic linens, robes, and slippers, and even a complimentary welcome gift. And then there is the spa. Shou Sugi Ban House’s spa, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except Tuesdays) includes indoor and outdoor relaxation lounges, a solarium deck, a thermal suite with various saunas and steam rooms, a full hydrotherapy circuit, and even an ice fountain. 

Where to Shop

Since you’re sticking around near home, why not treat yourself to a luxury good or two from a local store? At Relax Hampton in Sag Harbor, you can find everything you need to kick back and… you guessed it. Cotton nightgowns, pajama sets, and even cashmere sweaters are all on offer here. It’s a cozy destination for the cozy things you need most in your life right now. 

Where to Snack

Grab a cheese board to go at Sag Harbor’s Cavaniola’s Gourmet, where the most delicious curated delights await. From cheese to olives to cured meats, Cavaniola’s has everything you need (including a wine store next door) for a snacky afternoon in the Hamptons. 

Where to Play 

Depending on the weather, there are plenty of places to find outdoor joy in the Hamptons in the offseason. Take a drive to Montauk and hike along the impressive bluffs, which are far less crowded — but no less beautiful — this time of year. While you’re out at The End, head out toward the lighthouse and hike the Seal Walk, a mile-long hike where you can find sunning seals on rocks jutting out into the peninsula’s frigid waters. 

Where to Dine

For dinner, enjoy the fact that you can finally score a table at the toughest reservation to land in town: Nick & Toni’s. This three-decades-old East Hampton haunt elevates Italian food in an intimate and warm setting. An ever-changing seasonal menu means that there is always something surprising and interesting for regulars to look forward to — though certain items, like the free-range chicken with pancetta and roasted garlic, have been on the menu for as long as anyone can remember.