East Hampton in the summer is defined by its bustling Main Street, lined with some of the fanciest stores found on the East End, as well as some of the most expensive cars you can find anywhere -usually lined up in bumper to bumper traffic.
But in the off season, the things that make the most-developed of the Hamptons' hamlets so chaotic and cramped in the warmer months suddenly become priceless perks. Unlike Montauk, say, where there isn't much to do when it's bitter cold out but stay indoors, East Hampton offers a movie theater, a bowling alley, and yes, even a Starbucks, should you need a triple-half-caf-grand-latte and a WiFi connection.
Not only that, but East Hampton has a strong sense of local community, meaning most of its restaurants, cafes and markets are open year round. One place that isn't? Our favorite thrift shop on LI - The Ladies' Village Improvement Society - which luckily reopened today!
Finally, East Hampton is home to a few accommodation choices that are exceedingly expensive and packed during the summer. Right now, however, there affordable and blissfully quiet... Keep reading for our top picks of where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your trip!
xo,
your jauntsetter team
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Trip Details
Where to Stay
Our #1 (And Splurge) Pick: The Mill House Inn (pictured)[image via The Mill House]
This luxurious in in East Hampton proper has it all: top notch reviews, spacious rooms with gas fireplaces, lovely innkeepers, and a delicious breakfast included every day of your stay. Should you want to leave the hotel, it's worth noting that many of East Hampton's best restaurants are within walking distance from inn - no rental car or cabs needed.
Voted one of the Top 10 Inns in the Hamptons by New York Magazine, and the #1 place to stay in East Hampton by Tripadvisor reviewers, rooms at this inn start at $625 in the summer. Luckily for you, in the low-season, room rates are start at $275/night on the weekends (when there's a 2-night minimum stay).
Bonus: during the winter you can add on a Sunday or Thursday stay for just $150/night.
Our Midrange (and Budget) Pick: The Hermitage at Napeague
Technically located in neighboring Amagansett, The Hermitage lies less than a 10 minutes' drive from downtown East Hampton and directly on the beach. With "dune view" rooms starting at just $89/night and oceanfront rooms at $115, this accommodation choice is super budget friendly. Not only that, but all rooms actually come with two bedrooms and a full kitchen, meaning The Hermitage is the perfect choice for a small group of friends who want to get away for the weekend.
On that note, don't rush out to The Hermitage just yet - they open their doors for 2010 business on March 19th. If you're itching to get out East however, check out their sister property, The Windward Shores, which is open for business and is right next door. While not quite as spiffy as The Hermitage, it is affordable - studios start at $90/night.
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Getting There + Getting Around
Train/Car Combo: Take a very-easy train ride to Shirley, which sits right at the beginning of the Hamptons, and rent a car there at the local Enterprise (which closes at 6pm on weekdays). Besides the convenience factor of skipping city traffic, rental prices are also cheaper in Shirley (we found a car for three days at $16/day over the weekend) and you'll save big time on gas. Call the branch at (631) 395-7700 to reserve your vehicle and make arrangements for them to pick you up at the station - for free!
Carfree: To go sans car and rely on local cabs (which are easy to call) simply take the Jitney or the LIRR directly there.
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What to Do
We'll have plenty of tips on how to make the most of your stay out in East Hampton, including our favorite bars, restaurants and activities on our blog this week. Make sure to check back often!
