THE JOYS OF SUMMER!
The Essential Guide A Perfect Escape
There’s something intoxicating about the idea of summer vacations, and it never gets old. The sizzle of a barbecue grill, melting ice cream cones, the sound of music floating out an open car window, the first taste of chilled rose are just some of the charms linked to summer. Sure the prices are higher, the crowds somehow more crowded, but think about this: You’ll also experience beautiful landscapes, relaxing outdoor events, and balmy summer food festivals. Whether you’re looking to head to Long Island’s East End, Jersey’s Wildwoods or beyond, we’ve got you covered. Throughout this issue, you’ll find fun ways to soak up the sun on the perfect summer getaway.
THE HAMPTONS
Summer Must-Do’s On The East End
Coopers Beach ©Southampton InnBy Norah Bradford
On weekends and during summer months, the seaside towns of eastern Long Island come to life. Almost like magic, the villages of the Hamptons blend and merge beautifully as the annual exodus from New York City and beyond once again take hold. Here, our guide to the best of the Hamptons.
Two Mile Hollow BeachCoopers Beach
Consistently rated amongst the top beaches in America, visitors to Southampton’s Coopers Beach can enjoy the sand, fresh air, and a beautiful backdrop of those famous mansions amidst the landscape. Coopers Beach is consistently listed as one of Top Ten Best Beaches in the U.S.
Two Mile Hollow
East Hampton’s main beach and popular with the younger crowd. Parking fees are relatively cheap (at $30); however, with only forty parking spaces total you need to start early.
Atlantic Avenue Beach
This Amagansett favorite offers lifeguards and concession stands that among its provisions include fried clams, lobster rolls, and chicken tenders.
Hampton Water Rosé Wine
You are definitely not ‘living on a prayer’ ordering a bottle of Diving into Hampton Water Rosé 2017—a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvedre grapes from a new winery involving rock legend, Jon Bon Jovi and son Jesse with winemaker Gérard Bertrand. Enjoy this in one of the garden cabanas in the lounge at the rear of Southampton Social Club. Info: southamptonsocialclub.com.
75 MainMiraval Rose Cote de Provence
Boasting access to some of the best terroir in Provence, combined with ideal geographic elevation and climate, actor Brad Pitt felt compelled to get involved in creating this high-end summer rose. Sip a glass of the Miraval Rose Cote de Provence and people-watch overlooking the yachts in the marina at Sag Harbor at Le Bilboquet, where the French classics draw a celeb crowd to the offshoot of the original New York City location. Info: lebilboquetny.com.
Wolffer Estate Summer in a Bottle Rose
Produced and bottled on Long Island, Wolffer Estate’s Summer in a Bottle Rose is a non-vintage wine which aims to capture the spirit and style of the Hamptons in a bottle. Enjoy at Southampton staple, 75 Main which boasts the prime sidewalk dining location from which to see and be seen. Info: 75main.com.
Clam BarDuryea’s Lobster Deck
A dose of the South of France in Montauk, Duryea’s offer a raw bar with seating alongside the theater of the team at work preparing the oysters, clams and seafood in front of diners. Outside the deck has those hard to get tables by the waterfront where you can take in it all in—magnums of rose too! Info: duryealobsters.com.
Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club
Under new ownership this season Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club offers some 107 luxury waterfront guest rooms, suites and villas inside 15 acres of grounds boasting outdoor amenities such as a swimming pool by the dock, restaurants and bars. Enjoy a lobster roll by the bar watching the yachts sail by. Info: gurneysresorts.com.
The Clam Bar at Napeague
The East Eng’s best kept secret is the Clam Bar. Located on Montauk Highway between East Hampton and Montauk it is the favorite for sasiating your desire for Lobster Rolls en route to Montauk or when girding yourself for the drive back along to the New York City. Info: clambarhamptons.com.
Union BurgerBuddhaberry Ice Cream & Yogurt
Satisfy the whole family at Bhuddhaberry on Main Street in Sag Harbor. Boasting frozen yogurt, a creperie, waffle and coffee bar in addition to a fill-it-up candy shop everyone will be happy. Guaranteed! Info: buddhaberry.com
Candy Kitchen
Located in Bridgehampton, the Candy Kitchen has a retro-cool look and feel like an old-school ice cream shop and candy store. However, the Candy Kitchen also boasts a more substantial menu should appetites require. Info: Montauk Highway; 631-537-9885.
Union Burger
New this season, Union Burger in Southampton is first come, first serve restaurant. The new no reservations policy pertains to lunch and dinner. One thing that has not changed is the specialty gourmet burgers, fresh hand-cut fries, maniacal milkshakes and desserts from restaurateur/owner Ian Duke with award-winning Executive Chef Scott Kampf. Info: unionburgerbar.com
Nick & Toni'sNick & Toni’s
Having just celebrated three decades, this restaurant is the East Hampton hub for classic, seasonally inspired dining in their Tuscan farmhouse-style location. Reserve an outdoor table and engage all five senses from the sights and sounds to the delicious taste of the cuisine. Info: nickandtonis.com.
T-Bar Southampton
Just like its sister restaurant on the Upper East Side, T-Bar offers Southampton guests innovative Contemporary American cuisine in a warm and inviting ambiance under the watchful eye of restauranteur, Tony Fortuna. The outdoor terrace and garden make it the quintessential location for evening cocktails on those warm summer evenings. Info: tbarnyc.com.
Union Cantina
It’s Southampton’s most vibrant, social and delicious destination offering authentic modern Mexican restaurant. Union Cantina’s festive atmosphere incorporates both the sleekness of the high society with the rustic beauty of Mexican culture. The dark woods are balanced by the bright cerulean colored walls and are also decorated with Mexican artwork. Info: unioncantina.net.
GET WILD Beth Stern©Rob Rich Society Alluer
Hamptons Wildlife Rescue Center
A perfect family outing: Visit the Evelyn Alexander Hamptons Wildlife Rescue Center in Hampton Bays on June 1st and participate in the Save the Babies event and learn how to feed orphaned wildlife and perhaps get involved as a volunteer. Also not to be missed is the annual Get Wild Benefit on June 29th to see the work and meet the animals by the volunteers and the rescue center. Info: wildliferescuecenter.org.
Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge
Gracing the shore of the Atlantic Ocean is this 36-acre former lifeboat station which was acquired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1968. The protection and management of fragile shore habitat and wildlife give Amagansett special significance. This beach section of the refuge is opened to the public to come and see the habitat and wildlife. Info: fws.gov/refuge/amagansett.
Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation
On July 20, 2019, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, a safe-haven for homeless pets, will be holding its Unconditional Love Gala. Join fellow animal lovers for a night of cocktails, dinner and dancing under the tents to benefit this shelter. Info: southamptonanimalshelter.com.
Ditch Plains BeachDitch Plains Beach
The super long break makes surfing a favorite for beginners as well as more experienced surfers. At the western end of the beach the Cliffs of Shadmoor Park provide a stunning views. Why not stop on the way at the Morty’s Oyster Stand at the site of the former Cyril’s and have a Bailey’s Banana Colada (BBC) for old-time’s sake. Jeremy Morton and Jack Luber have partnered with hospitality veteran Charles Seich of Ferris to create a casual, cool and refined restaurant and bar inspired by sustainable seafood, East Coast oysters, and coastal cuisine.
Navy Beach
Inside the antique 35-foot wooden bar and décor screams old-school though a modern wine list and signature dishes including the Lump Crab Cake, Clam & Corn Chowder and the eponymous Navy Burger. There’s outdoor seating available directly on the beach to take in the scenic beauty. Info: navybeach.com.
Surf Lodge
For the ultimate apres-surf experience in Montauk, Jayma Cardoso’s Surf Lodge in Montauk has risen as the place to be. Every weekend sees musical acts queuing up to perform to its loyal fan base. Info: thesurflodge.com.
Morey’s Piers
Summer’s Ultimate Family Playground
By Paul Seth
Morey’s Piers located on the Boardwalk in the Wildwoods, NJ just 2 ½ hours from New York City is ready for another fun-filled summer season. With the seaside amusement park celebrating its 50th year as a family owned entity situated on 18 acres along six beach blocks, Morey’s Piers has over 100 rides and attractions and includes three amusement piers and two beachfront water parks. Morey’s Piers along with Morey’s Hotels and Resorts is truly a combination of an Amusement Park, a First Class Boardwalk where one can experience a beach lifestyle as well as a provider of great accommodations. When we spoke with Jack Morey, he summed it up in a nutshell “The Morey’s Pier’s family is all about catering to ‘the kid in all of us’ but beyond delivering wild rides, laughter and entertainment, we strive to do our part to support a brighter future for our community.”
This summer visitors can experience Morey’s new ride on the Surfside Pier: The family friendly Runaway Tram, with the family roller coaster themed after the recognizable Wildwood Sightseer Tram Car, an icon of the Wildwood Boardwalk since it debuted nearly 70 years ago. The trackless trains originally built for the 1939 New York World’s Fair is known for taking passengers along the two mile boardwalk while echoing the famed pre-recorded phrase “watch the tramcar please.” The Runaway Tram featuring one train with ten 2-person passenger seats will climb 40 feet before coasting, twisting and turning riders along 922 feet of track. The Touring Promo Tramcar built out from a MINI-Cooper will be traveling to NYC/Times Square, Philadelphia and other major city destinations promoting a full summer of excitement at Morey’s Piers.
The Touring Promo Tramcar with Kris Swain of Atomic Specialties and Jack MoreyMorey’s is also enhancing dining offerings with its new private group dining program being featured at its restaurants. This is a welcome addition to its already popular catering and large group party offerings.
Morey’s has a full lineup of events in store for Summer 2019. Over the course of the summer, Morey’s Piers will feature the “Funner Summer Challenge” with $1 million in giveaways for free rides, food, swag and game vouchers. During the month of July, Morey’s will host a concert series taking place on Saturdays from 5pm -8pm at Pigdog Beach Bar& BBQ. Another major event on tap is the September 8th Doggie Dash & Splash Puppy Pool Party at Raging Waters Water Park. A Doggie Dash race will be held in the morning followed by a puppy pool party throughout the day. This is a fun 5K run or a 1 mile run/walk and you can choose on the event day which length you want to participate in. Morey’s will be partnering with Team Foster, a non-profit organization which pairs service dogs with Tri-State area veterans suffering from combat-related disabilities including Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. Morey’s will donate $5 from every registration to Team Foster.
Amusement Piers
Surfside Amusement Pier features 16 rides including Dante’s Dungeon where you are wheeled through a Gothic Haunted Castle with grisly scenes, ghastly monsters and gruesome sound effects. Other notable rides include Doo Wopper where you ride through zig zagging turns and undulating hills on a wild version mouse coaster and Zoom Phloom which is one of the longest, tallest and steepest log flumes on the east coast and features two coaster-like drops that culminate in a final splash. The main dining option is Joes Fish Co., a classic seafood house with the freshest seafood menu featuring oysters, crab cakes, fish & chips, grilled fish, lobster bake and the signature desert, house made key lime pie. The 2nd floor bar is a great place to hang out as it overlooks all the action of Surfside Pier.
Mariners Amusement Pier features 24 rides including the Wave Swinger, a classic swing ride for an exciting flight over Morey’s Piers and featuring a hand painted history of The Wildwoods. The Giant Wheel is one of the largest ferris wheels on the east coast providing great views of the island. The Sea Serpent is a high looping ride through two 120 foot hills upside down three times. The ride then snakes back and takes you through the ride again in reverse. Super Scooters is bumper cars for the big kids. There are four dining establishments to choose from on the pier. Enjoy Jumbo’s Grub & Pub for seafood, gourmet pizza, sandwiches & salads and make sure to try a basket of Chef Wally’s famous Cuban spiced fries. Be sure to stop in Founders Pub located inside Jumbo’s for a frozen “Yea Salt Water Taffy” daiquiri or to enjoy a glass of wine. Pigdog Beach Bar and BBQ is a dog-friendly barefoot beach bar for great BBQ & Brews with ocean views. Try the BiG Pig, sourdough loaf stuffed with smoked pulled pork, covered in melted Monterey Jack Cheese, pickled jalapenos & scallions. Wilhelm’s Bier Garten is a drinking and dining establishment named after co-founder William Morey and his love for German rides and most of all Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Menu highlights include fried pierogis served with apple sauce and sour cream and the cheddar bratwurst sandwich served on a fresh pretzel roll.
Adventure Amusement Pier features 9 “adventure filled” rides including a Skycoaster which is part sky diving, part hang gliding and can accommodate up to 3 flyers at one time. You soar from over a height of 100 feet over Wildwood’s beautiful beaches. The Great White is a classic out and back wooden coaster that begins with an exhilarating 25 foot drop into a dark tunnel, then be prepared for the big 105 foot drop all at speeds of over 50 MPH. The Screamin’ Swing takes you 70 feet in the air at a G-Force of 4.0. The Grand Prix Raceway is a go-kart ride that races its way through Adventure Pier on a longer and windier wooden track. It’s located next to the Great White Roller Coaster.
Water Parks
Ocean Oasis Water Park & Beach Club features an exciting collection of waterslides including the Cliff Dive where you experience a 5 story drop within the span of three seconds on an exhilarating speed body slide. Riptide Rapids is for high speed tube sliding. Grab your tube and let yourself go down this long twisting open slide at record setting speeds. If you are a competitive individual, WIPEOUT! is the ride for you. It’s a 350-foot long 40-foot high slide with six lane slopes for friends to compete.
Just steps from the beach and Ocean Oasis Water Park and Beach Club is Stubborn Brothers Beach Bar and Grille. The Morey’s Brothers, Will and Jack may tell you that it took a while for them to agree on a name for this beach bar, but have no fear it’s a great place to enjoy a cold beverage and sample the impressive beach influenced menu put together by Betsy Garr, Food & Beverage Manager. Top menu selections are the Crabby Cake, Baja Fish Tacos and Siblings Signature Salad. Specialty Cocktail offerings come from original recipes using fresh fruit. Signature drinks include the Pirates Punch and the not-to-be-missed Blueberry Pina Colada. Beer, wine, fresh sangria and non-alcoholic beverages round out the offerings.
Raging Waters Water Park at the end of Mariners Pier features over 10 outstanding rides. The Speed Slides let you slide solo or race a friend in the twin slide next to it as you whip around the 40-foot high slides going head first while twisting and turning along the way. Sky Pond Journey is like no other as riders slide in tubes into four different pools as they journey to the final splash. Shotgun Falls is a two flume body slide attraction that drops riders 6 feet into a 10-foot deep pool filled with 75,000 gallons of fresh, cool water. Shipwreck Shoals is fun for the whole family as water cannons, a cargo net, climbing ropes and slides give kids and adults more than they can handle.
Both water parks offer relaxation in private water park cabanas which can be rented on a daily basis. The cabanas feature comfortable seating, shade as well as preferred food and beverage service. The signature personalized concierge service will create a lasting memory.
SPECIAL DESTINATIONS
The Starlux mini golf course with three unique themed 9- hole courses is not to be missed. The Beach course features the largest artificial sand dune and sand castlet in the world and the Ocean course features giant fountains and creatures of the sea. Lastly, the Boardwalk course features plastic palm trees and Wildwood memorabilia.
WHERE TO STAY
Pan American Hotel was an iconic structure when it was built in 1964 and features a recent renovation and restoration of its penthouse. Being an oceanfront hotel and featuring private balconies, it is known for its comfortable rooms, a gorgeous swimming pool and best of all its location - being close to the boardwalk, Wildwood by night and watersports. Hotel GM Jim Kelly is in his 38th year with the family owned and operated organization and he knows that by him and his staff “treating guests like family” he has found the key ingredient to guests enjoying their stay with many returning year after year.
Port Royal located on the pristine beaches of Wildwood Crest is a perfect spot for guests to soak up sun and the salty sea air from a private balcony with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Rooms range from Standard to Deluxe Ocean Suite which includes two bedrooms and a living area which comfortably sleeps up to six guests. The Doo-Wop themed Royal Grill on the lobby level of the hotel is a great spot to dine.
The 2019 Summer Season is shaping up to be better than ever so come down to Morey’s Piers in the Wildwoods and share in the 50th anniversary celebration.