DESTINATIONS

The Hamptons is a favorite getaway spot for urbanites of New York and it’s a mere 90 minutes by car. Here, you can spend time just relaxing, breathing in the fresh, salty air of the ocean and exploring all this little corner of paradise has to offer. The Hamptons are small towns on Long Island – namely Southampton, Westhampton, East Hampton, Sag Harbor, Amagansett, Water Mill, Montauk, North Fork and Bridgehampton.

Many elite travelers make this their go-to getaway during the summer, but there is much to say about visiting the Hamptons in the fall as well – and it is the picture-perfect destination for celebrating Thanksgiving. These seaside communities quiet down during this time of year and hitting the beach on a lovely fall day is a joy. These near-empty coastlines are ideal for serene, contemplative walks with loved ones.

If you have been thinking about spending your Thanksgiving hiatus in the Hamptons, here are some things you and your family can do during a brisk fall day:

See the Lighting of the Iconic Montauk Lighthouse

With Thanksgiving being on November 24 this year, Christmas and Hanukkah are not far behind and it’s the time of year for the annual lighting ceremony for holiday decorations on the famous Montauk Lighthouse. Locally known as “the light,” this national treasure was commissioned by Congress when George Washington was president with construction completed in 1796. This year, the lighting ceremony will take place on November 30 at sunset.

Wine and Music at Wölffer Estate

Wölffer Estate in Sagaponack hosts candlelight Fridays from October through December. From 5-8 p.m. you can enjoy live music in the estate’s tasting room with a glass or bottle of wine along with cheese and charcuterie. It’s a delightful way to spend an early Friday night. You can also visit the vineyard during the day with your family since there are many activities to enjoy.

Pick a Pumpkin

Head over to Hank’s Pumpkintown to pick a pumpkin right out of the field, get lost in the corn maze or pick your own apples. This place is so popular, it has been known to clog traffic on Montauk Highway. Children will love the wagon, tractor and train rides, giant slides, gem mining and playgrounds. Make sure to grab some fresh apple cider and cider donuts which are beyond delicious. They’re cooked right in front of you and served warm. Hank’s is located at 240 Montauk Highway in Water Mill.

Go for a Hike

If you have the family pooch with you, all of you can set off to Shadmoor State Park for a short 1.2-mile hike. You’ll pass by a river and World War II bunkers. There are also elevated platforms for birdwatching and enjoying the breathtaking shoreline views. Snap some wonderful photos because this place is for making priceless memories. To get there, take Route 27 to South Emery Street in Montauk and continue to Surfside Avenue. The park is at 900 Montauk Highway.

Holiday Shopping

If you are thinking about doing some Christmas shopping while on your Thanksgiving stay in the Hamptons, there are many choices. When you’re looking for high fashion from designers like Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Balenciaga, John Varvatos and others – head to East Hampton; Southampton also offers a number of boutiques carrying items from Michael Kors, Akris, Intermix and Christian Louboutin. In Westhampton you can find a number of small, independent fashion boutiques, art galleries, gourmet gift shops and book shops. Here are some other places you might want to visit:

• Nellie’s of Amagansett, 230 Main Street, Amagansett;
• il Buco Vita Shop, 225 Main Street, Amagansett;
• Loaves and Fishes Cookshop, 2266 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton;
• Torch’d Shoppe by Isaac Boots, 352 Montauk Highway, Wainscott;
• Hampton Motorsports/Vespa Southampton, 938 Montauk Highway, Water Mill;
• Little Q Quogue Shop, 114 Jessup Avenue, Quogue;
• Fandango, 46 A Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays.

Where to Enjoy a Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner

There are a number of lovely places offering luxe Thanksgiving dining on November 24. Here are a few choices:

The 1770 House

Get your seats at The 1770 House for a traditional Thanksgiving feast in a gorgeous old inn. You will be dining on a four course meal prepared by Chef Rozzi which includes various choices like a first course of seared Hudson Valley foie gras with cider-braised lentils, apple compote, candied pecans and apple-caramel; second course of butternut squash bisque with country ham, mulled spices and granola. For your main dish, you can choose from traditional organic Amish turkey with sage gravy, sausage stuffing with golden raisins, cranberry relish, sweet potatoes, green beans, and garlic Yukon gold mash. You can also opt for sea scallops, braised lamb shank or roasted striploin. There are four choices for dessert including pumpkin crème brulee with mincemeat and maple cookie or sticky date cake with toffee sauce and salted caramel gelato. 143 Main Street E., East Hampton.

Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa

Gurney’s Montauk will host a delectable Thanksgiving buffet at Scarpetta Beach and Tillie’s and will be served on November 24. Menu highlights include venison meatballs with a sage, cherry and vermouth glaze; a crab bisque with fresh Maryland crab and brandy cream; and a traditional roast turkey brined in maple syrup, rosemary and black pepper with a classic gravy and cranberry apple sauce. 290 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk.

The Restaurant at Baron’s Cove

This popular dining venue is offering a special Thanksgiving menu for those visiting and residing in the Hamptons. Visit the cozy, waterfront restaurant for a festive farm-to-table whole turkey Thanksgiving including a farm fresh turkey and sides as well as choice of a pumpkin or pecan pie. For those interested in a three-course option, there is also a pre-fixe Thanksgiving dinner menu featuring traditional favorites including butternut squash soup with brioche crouton and butternut squash oil; turkey dinner with cranberry sauce, potato puree, haricot vert, and gravy; stuffed Delicata squash with dijon vinaigrette, Brussels sprouts, and pepper jam; and seasonal sides such as turkey stuffing; braised mustard greens; potato puree, and more. 31 W Water Street, Sag Harbor.

The Hamptons is a magical place to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. In the peace of these beautiful, small villages, you and your family can give thanks for all your blessings and enjoy each other’s company. Let us help you make new memories by planning your special Hamptons Thanksgiving getaway. Please reach out to an LVH client relations professional who will begin building one of the best Thanksgiving getaways you have ever had. You will have the finest, luxury accommodations, full services and support and a tailor-made itinerary replete with experiences leaving you and yours with memories to last a lifetime.