There are so many ways to get away on the East End it’s often hard to decide where to go first. Even the “off-season” almost seems like “on”—only minus the crowds—because there’s that much to do. As you ease into the final stages of summer vacation, checking wallets to see how to can save money while still getting away, we offer you a variety of lodging, dining and entertainment options that are affordable family pleasers.
Where to Stay
You may think it’s too late to get a room out East, but availability as the season wanes increases, especially during the week.
The Enclave Inns’ $99-a-night rooms for Monday through Thursday are the wallet-friendly alternative for families and this rate lasts all year. All five Enclave Inns are located right outside each of their respective towns and close to area beaches. Owner Michael Wudyka reports that even during August there are available rooms and the Enclave will work with neighboring hotels to accommodate guests at other locales if need be. Weekend prices start at $159 to $299, with rates remaining the same through September. There are pools at the Southampton, Bridgehampton and Wainscott locations, and the Shinnecock and Southampton College locations are pet-friendly. Ask for a Frisbee at the Wainscott and Bridgehampton locations so you can enjoy the expansive yards.
The Enclave Inns, P.O. Box 623, Bridgehampton, NY, 11932; 631-537-2900; 877-998-0800; hello@enclaveinn.com; www.enclaveinn.com.
For a real American vacation, look up Hamptons Resorts and Hotels. The company, based in Southampton, maintains three upscale motels saved from the wrecking ball by the addition of chic interiors and swanky amenities along the main drag into town, County Road 109. The Bentley, The Capri and The Atlantic tie in terms of their look and feel such is their streamlined aesthetic and ease of accommodation. The Atlantic is right off the County Road and has tennis courts and a swimming pool as well as poolside queen-size daybeds. At the Bentley, there are tennis courts and a swimming pool, as well as a kid friendly sandbox. And the Capri is a sandbox: the entire courtyard became one at the whim of owner David Waksman. He advertises his hotels as “Fido and Family Friendly;” his late dog Bob stars in the company’s posters. See Bob on Facebook, and friend him and David there, or go right to the 800#. You’ll be rebooking for many a summer to come. In August, prices start at $139 for Sunday through Thursday, and weekends--Friday and Saturday nights at $339; in September rates drop significantly. Call for information.
Hamptons Resorts & Hotels, 1655 County Rd., 39, Southampton, NY, 11968; 631-287-0908/631-283-6100 ; info@hamptonsresorthotels.com, www.hrhresorts.com.
In Southampton town, charming accommodations are all the rage, as this is one place that prides itself on its history (and likes it that way). Where better to stay than The Southampton Inn, a very approachable newly renovated bed and breakfast? There’s a pool for family splash time and toys for children to play with on the lawn, a tennis court and a game room. Cooper's Beach is close by and the Inn makes it easy to get there with a shuttle that leaves every hour gratis for guests. The hotel charges $5 a day to rent umbrellas and beach chairs. In August, prices start at $279 from Sunday through Thursday per night, and there’s also a check in Sunday/check-out Friday special for $220 per night. On weekends prices rise to $489 per night with a two-night minimum. But those rates go down in September to $209 per night for Sunday through Thursday, and $349 during the weekend, with a three-night minimum stay on Labor Day weekend, but no minimum stays after that.
The Southampton Inn, 91 Hill St., Southampton, NY, 11968; 631-283-6500; Reservations: 800-832-6500, reservations@southamptoninn.com.
Where to Eat
Good beach grub is a must in the summertime and one of the best places to get it is The Clamman. It’s on the drive into Southampton, but slightly hidden if you don’t know right where it is. Just ask a local if you can’t find it. The Clamman is a staple for family get-togethers like beach clambakes. Their poached shrimp and salmon is perfect beach food, and their clams, of course, are a dream. For more spice, try blackened fish tacos or crab cakes. A variety of seafood and vegetable salads are available as sides, as well as bisques and chowders to take home. The price is $15 per person for a bucket of steamers, clams or mussels and assorted side dishes.
The Clamman, 235A North Sea Rd., Southampton, NY, 11968; market phone, 631-283-6669; catering phone, 631-283-3354; www.clamman.com.
For a casual sit-down meal, but one that’s not too heavy on the wallet, Dockside Bar and Grill in Sag Harbor is a great choice. Situated right on the water, with outdoor seating that affords a fabulous view of the yachts and luxe marine craft situated there too, this is one restaurant you’ll return to. Dockside is best for kids who can sit quietly at the table, perhaps ages seven and up. The restaurant prides itself on creating dishes everyone can eat, like fish tacos, shrimp cocktail and ribs, instead of a having children’s menu. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day during the summer, with a brunch menu available Saturday and Sunday; they’re closed Tuesday and Wednesday after Labor Day. The starting price for a family meal is about $70.
Dockside Bar and Grill, 26 Bay St., Sag Harbor, NY, 11963; 631-725-7100, www.docksidesagharbor.com.
One of the best-kept secrets on the East End is the Sagg Store, the charming century-and-a-half old house that has been in the Thayer family for most of that time. Situated on Sagg Main Road in Sagaponack, it adjoins the post office and is the stop for most families in the surrounding area before hitting nearby Sagg Main or Gibson Beaches. The Sagg Store is so all-American, you can taste it: Buy a T-shirt or tote bag with “Sagaponack” emblazoned on the front, or a Frisbee or other plastic beach game while waiting for your soda, sandwiches, brownies (homemade) and chips. There’s a slew of old-fashioned candy to choose from, a refrigerator filled with an array of beverages and a full counter from which you can order everything from homemade meatloaf to spanakopita. An average price for a lunch for a family of four at Sagg Store would be about $30.
Sagg Store, 542 Main St., Sagaponack, NY, 11962, 631-537-0233, www.saggstore.com
What to Do
Getting your art fix couldn’t be easier on the East End. There are many cultural institutions that continue their activities throughout the year. For example The Parrish Art Museum holds Kidsummer Art Workshops for toddlers, ages 5 to 7 and ages 8 and up. Qualified instructors teach the intricacies of painting, sculpture, printmaking and collage. Classes fill up fast so call ahead. If you miss your chance, art workshops are offered throughout the school year on Saturdays. There are after-school art workshops that involve children in viewing and discussing the current exhibitions, followed by creating their own mini-masterpieces.
The Parrish Art Museum, 25 Jobs Ln., Southampton, NY, 11968; 631-283-2128, info@parrishart.org; www.parrishart.org.
Guild Hall, that multi-cultural institution in East Hampton, holds KidFest once again this summer, putting on eight shows total. On Aug. 4 they present Bambouk Clowne Theater, a pair of clowns, with one who sings and another who plays instruments like the accordion while riding a six-foot unicycle. Ralph’s World in Concert is Aug. 11. It’s a mega-fun musical planet created by indie rocker Ralph Covert for kids to rock out and dance to their heart’s delight. The National Marionette Theater performs Hansel and Gretel on Aug. 18, the Grim Brother’s tale of the two youngsters who get lost in the woods. Performances, more slated for parents, and exhibits of all kinds, continue into the fall. KidFest prices are $15 for adults and $12 for children.
Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton, NY, 11937; 631-324-0806; box office, 631-324-4050; info@guildhall.org; www.guildhall.org.
If you and yours love the great outdoors, take refuge at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, a fabulous place to learn about Mother Nature. Hiking trails and the Distressed Wildlife Complex are open every day, sunrise to sunset. The Nature Center Building is open Tuesday, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. There are nature-related programs for all ages, such as Easter Egg Hunts, Halloween Trails, Earth Day Celebrations and Summer Ecology Programs. Check out movie night on Wednesday, Aug. 25 for a 7:45 showing of Pim’s Island for $4. Popcorn and refreshments are served.
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge, 3 Old Country Rd./P.O. Box 492, Quogue, NY, 11959; 631-653-4771, info@quoguewildliferefuge.org, www.quoguewildliferefuge.com.
This is just a selection of what’s offered on the East End. For even more family-friendly events, check out our Events section. And visit eastendgetaway.com for more vacation ideas.
Cindi Cook is the founder of cccreative, a communications and editorial production company. She weekends in Bridgehampton. |
