Sag Harbor is different from the rest of Long Island’s highbrow East End. It’s surrounded by water so you’ll find plenty of aquatic diversions. You won’t find the crashing waves of the Atlantic, but bayside Haven’s Beach, with its soft sand, gentle surf and photogenic sunsets, is a treat. The bay water stays warm well into the fall, making Sag Harbor an ideal late summer or fall weekend getaway.
Its inviting Main Street is packed with locally owned galleries, shops and eateries that remain open year-round. There’s even an art house movie theater for a rainy day diversion. This former whaling village and deep-water harbor keeps things low key and down-to-earth, relatively speaking.
Get Outdoors:
The calm waters are prefect for a carefree jaunt on an SUP or kayak. Global Boarding is located right in town and will provide all equipment and top-notch lessons. They run an alluring eco tour where a guide will help you discover local wildlife as you travel to peaceful areas accessible only by boat.
Eats + Drinks:
Vineyards on the East End are producing polished pours that are making waves in the wine industry. Leading the pack of artisanal Long Island producers is Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack. The estate’s vivacious whites and balanced rosés are the sun-kissed essence of summer. Their latest venture is Wölffer Kitchen in Sag Harbor, the first winery-owned restaurant in the Hamptons. They feature wines from their estate as well as other top Long Island producers, served alongside a wine-centric menu of savory eats. Montauk tuna, ocean-to-plate stripped bass and briny nibbles from the raw bar are sure things. The house-made pasta and creamy risotto are irresistible. No reservations accepted for parties of less than six.
Stay Here:
Baron’s Cove is a nautically inspired hotel with a breezy front porch, classic veranda and sweeping harbor views. Casually sophisticated, the 67 rooms offer private garden terraces, clean décor and loads of amenities. A heated saltwater pool, tennis court, fitness studio, bicycles, summer BBQs and lobster bakes and complimentary beach transportation make it the perfect in-town escape.
Insider Tip:
The Hampton Hopper is a new app that makes exploring the Hamptons without a car a whole lot easier. Shared rides between towns cost $12, or purchase a pass for unlimited rides all weekend for $35.
How to Get There: Ride the Hampton Jitney From Manhattan and you’ll be in the heart of Sag Harbor in two and one-half hours.
Photo credits: Global Boarding, Wolffer Kitchen and Baron’s Cove
Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributes travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She is fluent in Italian and Spanish and laughably adequate in French. Her background as an Early Childhood Educator gives her an added understanding of what it takes to travel with kids in tow. She firmly believes that the most important part of education takes place outside of the classroom, on the road, around the world. She never misses a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. Follow Allison at @gourmetrav.
