Fathom Favorites: The Hamptons

The best of everything on the East End.

Here’s something you can read while stuck in Long Island traffic: our top picks from Hampton Bays to The End (Montauk). You know how we roll: We’re staying focused and only sharing what’s truly a favorite. Such as:

The best places to load up on local bounty. Little-known ways to spend a rainy day. Delicious hidden lunch spots. Under-the-radar nature excursions.

Let’s dig in.

That’s The End. Photo courtesy of Marram.

A Note About Beach Parking
Resident, non-resident, and daily permits are sold online as well as in-person at lifeguard-protected beaches, Southampton’s Parks & Recreation Office, and East Hampton’s Village Hall. Certain beaches require certain permits. Check ahead (or ride your bike to the beach instead).

Hampton Bays

Beach
Ponquogue — big and wide, with surf, concessions, restrooms, and a pier. Check the live cam.

Farm Stand
Happy Oyster Company — self-serve “vending machine” (a.k.a. cooler) on the highway.

Restaurants
Cowfish — fun, family-friendly, crowd-pleaser on the waterfront.
Canal Cafe — down-home, hidden seafood spot on the Shinnecock canal.
New Moon Cafe — 30-plus years of ribs, chili, and Tex Mex in Quogue.

Hotel
Canoe Place Inn & Cottages — stylish, cozy stay great for groups (full kitchen, laundry).

Southampton + Water Mill

Beaches 
Big Fresh Pond — lush and piney woods surrounding a freshwater lake. Kids adore it.
Coopers Beach — wide stretch with lifeguards, concessions, bathrooms.
Flying Point — space to spread out, an ice cream truck, lifeguards. 
Road D — no permit required; pray to parking gods for a spot.
The Cut — calm and kid-friendly on Mecox Bay; sand on one side, wild ocean on the other.

Farm Stands and Bakeries
Halsey Farm — 12th-generation (!) potato farmers offer veggies and fresh-cut flowers.
Milk Pail Orchard — apple U-pick, heirloom pumpkins, no gimmicks.
Southampton Farmers and Artisans Market — small but cute; produce, flowers, goods.
Tate’s Bake Shop — little house filled with treats, birthplace of the famously crispy cookie.

Restaurants
Sant Ambroeus — fancy Italian coffee, expensive spaghetti, great gelato.
Shinnecock Lobster Factory — roadside kiosk with pricey — but tasty! — lobster rolls. 
Shippy’s — half-century-old German tavern with a facelift.
Sip’n Soda — 1958 family-run diner; use the phone booth, order a Lime Rickey.

Sites
Agawam Park — great lawn and lovely playground with waterfront views.
Children’s Museum East End — mom-powered playspace has a ship, windmill, farmstand.
Madoo Conservancy — horticulturally diverse garden by ‘60s artist-gardener.
Parrish Art Museum — modernist space for salons, screenings, projections.
Rogers Memorial Library — spacious and charming with a rose garden and cozy kids area.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club — baller club has hosted the U.S. Open over three centuries.
Southampton Arts Center —  slate of cultural programming: visual arts, film, live shows.
The Water Mill Museum — historic and hosting all-ages demos and exhibits.

Shops
Collette Consignment — designer resale fashion and furnishings.
Hen of the Woods — precious but interesting ingredients and market staples.
Hildreth’s — oldest department store in the U.S. with delightfully creaky floors.
Topiarie + Candy Shop — crammed flower shop with annex for nostalgic treats.

Hotels
Maison Vivienne — elegant, modern rooms and restaurant in old Dutch Colonial.
Shou Sugi Ban House — tranquil grounds for inclusive stays: pool, demo kitchen, spa.