Wintering in the Hamptons

The Hamptons is the summer hotspot for those looking to get away from the city or for those who love to see and be seen. Stroll through the Hamptons with Rich Beattie, a writer for New York Times Travel, in his article; The Hamptons in Winter: Less Glamour, More Elbow Room.

“Yes, this is the Hamptons, the same collection of towns that from Memorial Day to Labor Day are packed with traffic, celebrities and attitude. But in late winter and early spring, when Manhattanites are still only dreaming about their summer shares, the Hamptons put on a different face. Beaches have a windswept, barren grandeur. Shopping at Saks comes with plenty of breathing room. Dinner at famous restaurants? Just walk in. The Hamptons Film Festival is out; a poetry reading by schoolchildren is in. And forget the famous Diddy White Party — anyone for a barn dance?

Some year-rounders worry that winter may become the new summer. Jeff Cranmer, who works at the BookHampton chain in Southampton and has lived in the Hamptons for 12 years, has seen cold-weather traffic increase in the last couple of years. “Now there’s actually a rush hour to and from Montauk,” he said. “If it gets bad, I’ll have to move to a cornfield in Iowa.”

But for now, the off-season Hamptons arequiet and sleepy. Late at night, snowflakes started to fall, quietly collecting on the barren trees that lined the road. Car treads left an imprint on the dusted streets. And though it wouldn’t last much longer, at that moment in the Hamptons, silence reigned.”