Even when attending my husband’s Orioles games when the team played at Yankee Stadium, I never adjusted to life inside of New York City. Each time I went there with my children, I swore I would never go back. Even though I did, I still managed to promise myself each time that the city wasn’t for me. Although I love shopping and Broadway shows, the constant traffic, noise, people bumping into me and then cursing at me and my double-wide stroller just ruined the appeal. New York just seemed like a place I would check off my bucket list….. until I discovered The Hamptons.
I’ll admit, my knowledge of The Hamptons came from Kelly Rippa, The Kardashians and various photos in US Weekly. I thought of it as just one city somewhere off Long Island. Not until I actually drove there did I understand that it was really a 35 mile stretch of celebrity filled little towns called “hamlets.” I liken the Hamptons to the Florida Keys…it’s really a long series of coastal little towns along one stretch of highway, with only one way in and one way out. The only difference being on the interior, there are beautiful horse farms and wineries! I’ll also admit that I drove by several celebrity homes including Tory Burch, Jennifer Lopez, Martha Stewart and Job Bon Jovi. There are very few places that I can enjoy with my “goat show” of family but if I can enjoy The Hamptons with five children under six years old, then add this one to your travel itinerary! Be sure to read all 6 posts of "A Southerner's Guide to The Hamptons" to get a detailed review of each town to visit!
Southhampton is one of my favorite “hamlets’ because of the variety of things to do once you hit Main Street. You can park and easily spend a few hours shopping, eating, playing at the park and site seeing (which is great if you’re a mom with toddlers who doesn’t want to hop in and out of the car all day long.)
One of my favorite stores in all of The Hamptons is Hildreth’s Home Goods, America’s oldest family owned department store. It's celebrating its 175th anniversary this year and is very much like a high end, “mom and pop” Home Goods. It has everything from house wears and linens to a great little children’s department in the back of the store. I also love Flying Point Surf Boutique for bathing suits, casual clothes and cute summer dresses. Stevenson's Toys and Games offers toys from around the world but also carries some nostalgic favorites. Bella Piccola is another great little boutique where I bought the gold sparkly drawstring shorts that were a hit on my Instagram.
Sip n Soda is an old fashioned soda shop great for families who don’t want to break the bank to enjoy good food! It’s been around since 1958 and continues to serve homemade ice cream made at the restaurant. Don’t leave without trying a milkshake..vacation calories don’t count! The Golden Pear is another great little restaurant that you will find throughout all four Hampton villages. This is an impressive little café with a lot of healthy options including a variety of salads, wraps and excellent breakfast options. Be sure to eat at one of their locations during your stay! If you’re looking for something a bit more hearty, be sure to try La Parmigiana Italian Restaurant for pizza and fine pasta dishes. Finally, don’t miss Tate’s Bake Shop for dessert. A friend recommended this to me before I got there and I highly recommend it! Warm, soft cookies (even gluten free options), pies and fresh breads.
Be sure to take the kids to Agawam Park, just a short walk off Main Street. They have a new innovative playground and a nearby World War 1 Memorial where you can fly kites, play soccer, feed the ducks or sit down for a picnic lunch. Coopers Beach is also a short drive away and is known to be one of the best beaches in The Hamptons.
If you only have short time in The Hamptons, make sure to include Southhampton on your list of places to visit. Whether you're with a group of friends or with your kids, this has something for everyone!
