“Fall in Love” With the Hamptons in the Fall

There is just something about fall; when the rush of summer parties has ended, the air turns from humid to crisp, and the sky seems somehow more clear blue, which makes us long to put on a cozy sweater and just take some time to breathe. There is no other place to refresh and relish the fall season than in the Hamptons. The offerings at the Hamptons in the fall are vast, but we’ve chosen a few of our favorite places for the perfect weekend getaway. 

Day 1

When starting a weekend escape, it’s best to just leave work by noon. Nothing is so pressing it can’t wait until Monday. Or if it is, pull out that laptop as you ride the train or sit passenger in a car, but whatever you do, shut it down at the first hint of salt air. You have arrived and cares are to be left behind. Now it’s time to kick back and enjoy the Hamptons in the fall. 

The best way to ensure relaxation is to stay at the only full-service luxury hotel in the Hamptons, the historic Topping Rose House, located just on the edge of Bridgehampton’s main street. The lovingly restored 19th century mansion and estate reflects its past in its architecture, but boasts contemporary design and amenities. With 16 guest rooms, and 6 one-bedroom suites, there is a room to fit every need. No matter which room you choose, you will be welcomed with fresh linens by Frette, plush towels from Matouk, and Farmaesthetics bath amenities. Underfoot, uniquely designed rugs by Madeline Weinrib form the foundation of a beautifully appointed space. 

You may be tempted to retreat to the inviting bed after a long journey, but first comes food! The on-site Jean-Georges restaurant, located right within the main house, will assure a memorable meal. The Hamptons does not lack for farms, orchards, and fresh fish, and the menu at Jean-Georges reflects this with seasonal farm-to-table cuisine. To fully embrace your location right by the sea, order local salmon, black bass, or fluke. Ready to indulge? Try the lobster or beef tenderloin. And if you want to share the love, try the 28 day dry aged ribeye plated with Jean-Georges specialty steak sauce, the perfect meal for two. Save room for dessert. Feeling sophisticated? The almond cake with strawberry sorbet is a perfect ending. But if you want to indulge your inner child the salted caramel sundae with popcorn, hot fudge, and candied peanuts is a must. 

After a long day and with full bellies, retire to your well-appointed room for a restful night. 

Day 2

Following a deep night’s sleep, start your day with a stroll around the grounds that are home to an orchard, historic barn, a garden, and plenty of lush greenery. With a caffeine fix you may be ready to get moving in the fitness center that offers classes from yoga to barre to boxing all taught by guest premiere trainers. If you prefer more solo activity, take in a few laps in the heated outdoor pool. Whatever your choice, get reinvigorated, you have a big day ahead. 

What better way to take in the changing leaves and beauty of the Hamptons on a perfect fall day than from the water. A breeze blowing through your hair, the soothing of gently bobbing waves, the sound of seagulls  in the air, and the sun in your face combine for a memorable fall day adventure. Charters in Hamptons are who we choose to whisk us away into the salty air off the East End of Long Island. 

Charters in the Hamptons provide the boat and captain, leaving you to do nothing but sit back and enjoy a 4, 6, or even 8 hour ride. The 32-foot Monterey, twin engine bow rider, is the ideal spot to sink into the plush seating at the bow or lounge on the sun pad at the stern, while sipping on something tasty from the wet bar. Or maybe you’d prefer to anchor out, crank the tunes, and brave the chillier air and sea with a quick dip.

Feeling a bit more wild? A host of towables is at the ready to get your heart pumping aboard the Cobalt R5 that also has a high powered stereo so you can move to the grooves and belt out tunes for only the seagulls to hear. The final boat option might lead you to invite a few friends along. The Netherlands built 48’ Freedom 4 Scorpion is built for a fun day in the sun with its panoramic sundeck with a sun canopy for when the rays get a bit too intense. With any charter, there are options to pre-order food and drink from nearby caterers, or guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverage. The modern design of this beautiful boat will make you feel like you’re king of the world.  

With three boat options a perfect day on the water is possible. However, if your taste runs to a vessel that’s a bit different, maybe a sailboat or trawler are more your speed, the team at Charters in the Hamptons will work to fulfill your request through its partnerships with area brokers. And if a day on the water only leaves you wanting more, ask about membership options that allow you to rent boats anytime you find yourself back in the Hamptons. 

A day on the water can bring out a ravenous appetite. After a stop back at Topping Rose to refresh, the next stop is the Surf Lodge, which not only offers amazing meals, but provides entertainment to keep you in that vacation mode well into the evening. The Surf Lodge leaves no question that you are at the beach with a color scheme reminiscent of blue skies, an azure ocean, puffy clouds, and bursts of sunshine. The decor is decidedly surfer chic, inviting you to pop in after a day of catching the waves to meet up with friends and discuss the latest in wetsuits. 

Meals at the Surf Lodge also remind you, you’re at the coast with a menu featuring whatever the fishing boats of Mountauk Harbor brought in alongside locally grown ingredients. Fresh is the chef’s passion, which means the flavors of each bite will dance on your tongue. When your appetite is satiated, stop by the gift shop to check out the stylish and luxurious collections of beachwear and home decor. 

Before the sun fully sets, head to the outdoor deck with its lakeside fire pit to catch the day’s last rays of the sun before it disappears for the night. And once the sun goes down, the music heats up. Known for its raucous parties, the Surf Lodge hosts live music or world-renowned DJs on the deck. Whether you hit the dance floor, play wallflower with a drink in hand, or soak up the atmosphere as the lights reflect on Fort Pond, after hours at the Surf Lodge is an experience you won’t forget. 

Day 3

Today is meant for relaxation to fully unwind before you head back to your reality. The spa at Topping Rose House should be your first stop, and all you have to do is walk a few steps from your room to this oasis. Using Farmaesthetics skincare products, the professionals will work to ease away sore muscles, reduce inflammation, and re energize, leaving you ready to face the day with renewed body and spirit

A visit to the Hamptons in the fall is not complete without taking in a winery and the Wine Stand at Wolffer Estate is sure to please. Nestled on a hill overlooking the vineyards in Sagaponack, the rustic-modern building with sprawling lawn is the ideal spot to sit back, relax, and sip some of the region’s top wines. There are also ciders, spirits, and non-alcoholic wines to consider, but the multiple award winning wines should be explored.

This vineyard encompasses 55 acres with an additional 28 acres on the North Fork, however some of the grapes are harvested from places across the globe including Argentina, Spain, and France. The Wolffer family is dedicated to sustainable farming, having been certified for the 6th year in a row by Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing. Estate-grown grapes and locally-sourced fruit, including the fall staple, New York state apples, are used in every bottle. 

The Wine Stand does offer small bites, but if post-tasting has left you ready for a larger meal before you have to head home, you can visit the Wölffer Kitchen Amagansett.  Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, the neighborhood restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, including a grass bar and backyard lounge to enjoy a perfect fall day. The menu includes standards of filet mignon, roast chicken, and grilled salmon, but also has its own surprises. Enjoy falafel crusted shrimp with a side of truffle fries or branzino, a mix of spinach gnocchi with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a splash of balsamic. A green goddess salad makes the perfect accompaniment. 

A perfect fall weekend. If only it didn’t have to end. There is so much to explore and experience in the Hamptons in the fall, why not call in sick tomorrow and extend your stay? We won’t tell.