Melissa Biggs Bradley’s Guide to the Hamptons

I have been lucky to have spent most of my summers as a resident of Southampton. While I can join the chorus of mourners who miss Long Island as it used to be, when 27 was a quiet country road and Shep Miller with its tables of cashmere sweaters on Job’s Lane was the fanciest store for miles, there is still nowhere I would rather be in the summer and fall. Yes, the traffic is awful; the crowds in town make me avoid Main Street on the weekends—but the food everywhere from takeout options to restaurants has improved and the beaches remain almost empty after 5 p.m. on weekdays. Below are some of my favorite—old and new—spots on the South Fork (and I admit, especially in July and August, I rarely venture further east than Water Mill or west of the Shinnecock Canal, but the rest of the year, when traffic eases, I love exploring further afield).

There are welcome new additions—or revivals—that I will take advantage of this summer.

For dining:

Having eaten often at the original Swifty’s—and even at its spiritual predecessor, Mortimer’s—I will have to make it to East Hampton to try the new reprise at the The Hedges Inn. Also on my list to check out: Gigi's at Gurney's, Camp Rubirosa in East Hampton, Sea Salt (the new on-property restaurant at Solé East Resort in Montauk, serving market fresh cuisine from Chef Melissa O’Donnellby, the former chef of Duryea's) and La Brasserie by Bagatelle.

For a quick break:

Red Horse Market, which is an East Hampton institution, is bringing an outpost to Southampton, and the Mexican restaurant El Verano has already opened El Farm for takeout items, including its delicious "Three Cs" (cheese, chicken and carrot) salad. Plus, I will always be a Goldberg's loyalist, but I am excited to check out the Pop-Up Bagels installation open this summer in Amagansett.

For shopping:

ABC Carpet & Home has opened in the former garage at the corner of Hill Street and Windmill Lane, and it has a fun selection of décor and gifts.

A few Jobs Lane additions of note this summer are Flabelus Bonaparte, selling velvet flats from Spain; Julia Amory fashion and home from Palm Beach; and Moutonière, which sells limited edition silk scarves commissioned by artists.

For arts & culture:

The old movie theater on Hill Street in Southampton, which opened in 1932 but had been shuttered since the pandemic, has been refurbished and reopened as the Southampton Playhouse. It now has four movie theaters, including an IMAX, as well as lounges and performance spaces to serve as a true cultural center.

Another transformed cultural space is the former town library, which Peter Marino converted into his foundation. For the past few summers, it has hosted great exhibitions and talks, and this summer I am particularly excited about the "Vienna 1900 Art & Decoration" and "Andy Warhol—15 Minutes of Collecting" shows; both are on view through September 27.

Favorite bakery and lunch spot:

Carissa’s Bakery has locations in East Hampton and Sag Harbor, and I hope one day they will open an outpost in Southampton. The pickle bread is my favorite, and I buy marinated goat cheese to put on it—and then sprinkle everything bagel mix on top. I also love their bowls and sandwiches.

Favorite bagels:

Goldberg’s. The original is in Southampton but there are outlets in East Hampton, Montauk, Quogue, Sag Harbor and Wainscott, and the Village Cheese Shop in Southampton and other stores stock them. I love their flagels.

Favorite lunch restaurants:

Tutto Il Giorno and Sant Ambroeus in Southampton—and they've now opened in East Hampton also; Le Bilboquet in Sag Harbor and Sunset Beach on Shelter Island. Friends rave about Bostwick’s in East Hampton for its classic lobster roll and its hot lobster roll and fries, and the opening of Fini Pizza on Main Street in Amagansett from Sean Feeney (of Lilia and Misi in Brooklyn).

Favorite spot for pastries and cakes:

Tate’s, which was formerly called Kathleen’s. I love their lemon squares, blueberry cinnamon buckle and chocolate cupcakes. And Levain in Wainscott for to-die-for cookies. I also adore the pies from Briermere Farms in Riverhead, where everything is made from scratch and fruits are grown on site. The Fresh Fruit Blueberry Cream and Fresh Fruit Peach Cream are my favorites.

Favorite spots for fresh cheeses and prepared foods:

Mecox Bay Dairy is a family-run dairy in Bridgehampton that sells delicious meats and cheeses. (Favorites are Atlantic Mist and Mecox Sunrise.) Cavaniola’s Gourmet in Sag Harbor also sells delicious truffle honey that is divine with goat cheese. Loaves & Fishes in Sagaponack is one of my favorites for prepared foods.

Favorite boating trip:

Taking a boat over to the North Fork for dinner at Minnow at The Galley Ho in New Suffolk after a cruise on the bay is a great summer evening that I shared with friends last year and hope to repeat this year.

Favorite spot for gifts:

Aerin in Southampton, which is a great source for beautiful fragrance and beauty products but also elegant housewares and beach accessories, and the Monogram Shop in East Hampton.

Favorite antiques and housewares shops:

Laurin Copen Antiques in Bridgehampton; Mecox Gardens, which has moved to Water Mill; and Katie Leede & Company in Sag Harbor.

Favorite clothing boutiques:

Michelle Farmer, Poupette St. Barth’s and Carleen Ligozio, all on Jobs Lane in Southampton, are all independent boutiques where the owners’ curation and creations provide a sense of discovery and uniqueness. Kirna Zabête in East Hampton also has an amazing selection.

Favorite spa:

Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill, which has great therapists and a surprisingly Zen atmosphere, and Spa 27 in East Hampton for manicures, pedicures and massages.

Favorite bookstores:

Bookhampton in East Hampton; Sag Harbor Books, which has branches in Sag and Southampton; and Canio’s in Sag, all of which have frequent author talks and signings, as well as sellers who read widely and recommend well.

Favorite spots for a dose of art or inspiration:

Peter Marino Art Foundation in Southampton, which has an amazing collection and exhibitions; the Parrish Art Museum; Madoo Gardens in Sagaponack; the Dan Flavin Art Institute in Bridgehampton. This summer I want to finally make it to the Jackson Pollock-Lee Krasner House in Springs.

Favorite day trips:

Exploring the North Fork and Shelter Island or heading to Montauk with a stop in Amagansett. Both are even better when done by boat instead of car.