Your Guide to the Best Summer in The Hamptons 2023
The first sign of Memorial Day signals the official start of the high season in the Hamptons. The once abundant mom-and-pop shops that adorned the Hampton streets have become scarce, making way for the influx of global and West Coast brands that are establishing their shiny new boutiques in the area.
The upscale boutiques in East Hampton have unlocked their doors, tempting visitors with their offerings, while Duryea's dock beckons with its delectable lobster Cobb salad. The Hampton Jitneys have resumed their journeys down Highway 27A, albeit with the occasional traffic slowdown.
For those venturing out east, a world of new possibilities awaits. From a renowned chef making waves in Sag Harbor to the grand opening of a prestigious fashion brand at 1 Main Street, and an electrifying concert series at the Surf Lodge in Montauk, there's no shortage of excitement. Below, we've compiled a list of the most noteworthy hotel, restaurant, shopping, and wellness openings in the Hamptons for the summer of 2023.
Check out the best Hampton’s city guide for thrilling summer openings, ranging from Chanel and Louis Vuitton's stylish new digs in East Hampton to Jay-Z's Paper Planes pop-up at Gurney's in Montauk and more!
Shopping
Paper Planes
Prepare for the exciting debut of Paper Planes Surf Shack, the inaugural pop-up from Jay-Z's esteemed fashion and lifestyle brand. Nestled within the idyllic Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, this limited-time experience will be available until the end of the July 4th weekend.
The must-have merchandise at this pop-up is expected to fly off the shelves in no time. Explore a range of items, including Jay-Z's iconic bucket hats and visors, stylish popped-collar shirts, eye-catching graphic tees, quilted sling bags, and oversized beach totes. But the ultimate treasure worth acquiring? An exclusive "Sketch" surfboard paired with matching shorts, ensuring you make waves in impeccable style.
Louis Vuitton (East Hampton)
The esteemed French fashion house unveils its inaugural boutique in East Hampton, located at the prestigious 1 Main Street. This highly anticipated opening adds an extra touch of sophistication to the town's already renowned shopping district. With meticulous attention to detail, Vuitton has thoughtfully curated its collection to embody the effortless yet refined East Coast aesthetic of the Hamptons. Prepare to discover bespoke beach-inspired items that perfectly capture the essence of this coastal paradise.
Marina St. Barth (East Hampton)
Embodying the essence of a leisurely lifestyle, Marina St. Barth presents an impeccable selection tailored for those who frequent exquisite destinations like St. Barths, Lyford Cay, the Hamptons, or St. Tropez. Following the success of their boutique in Southhampton, they have expanded with a new location in East Hampton, conveniently situated just off Main Street. Indulge in the allure of straw hats, beach totes, tunics, and other stylish essentials that are perfect for embracing the sun-drenched days of summer.
Curio at Project Hamptons
Discover a world of luxury and style at Curio, located at the charming and contemporary farmhouse venue on 2183 Montauk Hwy. Here, you will find an exquisite selection of high-end designers including Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana, and trendy lines like Watskin.
Immerse yourself in the curated collection of 25 brands, offering everything from eyewear to home goods. But Curio is more than just a shopping destination. It also offers an array of engaging programming, from invigorating yoga classes to heartwarming puppy adoptions. Curio at Project Hamptons promises an extraordinary experience for those seeking both fashion and culture in one delightful setting.
Arts & Culture
The Surf Lodge’s Summer Concert Series (Montauk)
Under the direction of the perennially white-clad Jayma Cardoso, the Surf Lodge Summer Concert series is back with an impressive lineup of acts across genres. On Memorial Day Weekend, EDM artist Hayden James and Purple Disco Machine take the stage, while July will welcomes electro-pop headliners like Lauv and Anna of the North. But, to tweak an old adage, the buzziest might be for last: On Labor Day, certified-platinum artist Quinn XCII is set to close out the season.
Object & Thing at Longhouse Reserve
At Longhouse Reserve, a cultural center in the former home of textile designer Jack Lenor Larson, Glenn Adamson and Object & Thing’s Abby Bangser have co-curated an art exhibit on the historic estate’s first floor. Titled “A Summer Arrangement,” it features works by Rashid Johnson, Simone Bodmer-Turner, and Frances Palmer among many others. An added bonus? The installation is designed by the critically acclaimed interior stylist Colin King.
“Artists Choose Parrish”: 125th Anniversary Exhibition at the Parrish Art Museum (Water Mill)
For their landmark 125th anniversary, the Parrish Art Museum asked 41 esteemed artists with East End roots—including Cindy Sherman, KAWS, and Robert Longo—to curate a show that includes both their own work and that of others who reflect the East End’s long artistic legacy.
Wellness
The Ness (Bridgehampton)
The trampoline-workout class that’s attracted the likes of Eva Longoria and Drew Barrymore is opening a seasonal summer studio in Bridgehampton’s Topping Rose House. The class is invite-only, but eager East End jumpers can apply on their website.
The House of Pietro Simone (Southampton)
The Italian skincare brand is popping up in Southampton on Scotch Mist Lane. They will offer a number of “summer-friendly” treatments including a relaxer facial with an oxygen dome and skin brushing, as well as body treatments with their signature organic cotton-thread exfoliation. Simone himself will also host one-on-one classes on how to best take care of your face and body.
Restaurants
Enchanté (Southampton)
What was once Southampton’s Red bar is now Enchanté, a French bistro that takes its cues from Left Bank brasseries and Pampelonne beach clubs. The menu includes classics like escargot and salade niçoise, but with a summer twist.
Sant Ambroeus (East Hampton)
Sant Ambroeus quietly opened an East Hampton restaurant in November, making this summer its high-season debut. Just like its Southampton sister location, expect it to be a place where you can see and be seen—while having an excellent bowl of spaghetti pomodoro in the process.
Sag Harbor Kitchen (Sag Harbor)
Michelin Award-winning chef Melissa O’Donnell, best known for Salt in New York City, opens her first restaurant out east with Sag Harbor Kitchen. Located in a historic building on Bay Street, it’ll serve lobster, seafood, and—this is a bold statement—what they say will be the best burger in the Hamptons. Looks like you’ll have to head to Sag Harbor to find out.
Torch & Crown Brewery (Amagansett)
Craft brewery Torch & Crown opens a beer garden at Dive Bar Pizza (formerly known as Best Pizza). They worked on curating a menu that pairs perfectly with a slice, including their Almost Famous IPA with peach and grapefruit notes and Share House, a crisp ale. The spot will also have a live band or DJ every weekend.
The Bird (Montauk)
Leo Daunt, the third-generation owner of Daunt’s Albatross who recently transformed the modest motel into a buzzy boutique offering, continues his brand expansion with nouveau-American restaurant the Bird. With its in-town location, it’s sure to be a casual hotspot for breakfast and lunch. (Fittingly, there’s a gourmet egg sandwich that will surely appeal to those who may have gone a little too hard at the Surf Lodge.)
Bird on the Roof x Prodigal Suns
Get ready for an exciting weekly occurrence this summer as Prodigal Suns makes its captivating pop-up appearance every Monday at the iconic Memory Motel (692 Montauk Hwy.), famously immortalized in a Rolling Stones song.
Curated by Marcos Martinez, the executive chef at Montauk's esteemed Bird on the Roof restaurant, and his companion Michael Torres, Prodigal Suns will be showcasing a remarkable array of collectibles. From trendy sneakers and vintage treasures to captivating pop-culture tees, this shop is set to become a treasure trove for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Previously, Martinez and Torres delighted customers with their offerings within the confines of Bird on the Roof, and now they're ready to captivate the community with their carefully curated selection in this vibrant new space.
Mavericks (Montauk)
Vanessa Price, the wine director of Wildflower Farms, and James Beard-nominated chef Jeremy Blutstein have co-opened Mavericks, a waterfront restaurant on Fort Pond in Montauk. Dine on surf and turf while enjoying the sunset on the deck, or indoors under an original Andy Warhol screen print.
