THE EAST END 

Old & New Favorites Make This Season A Hit 

By  Laurie Bain Wilson

When you come to a fork in the road, take it. On Long Island’s East End, that means you can take either the South Fork or North Fork. Whichever direction you decide, you’ll dig into some fabulously new and newish happenings this summer from hotels and restaurants. Because Long Island is surrounded by water—the Long Island Sound on the North Shore and the Atlantic Ocean on the South—there are many strands for city slickers to enjoy the sun and the sea, as well as sea-inspired places to stay and eat.

THE NORTH FORK
The North Fork is on the map for its wineries, vineyards, farmland, beaches and darling villages, and some cool hotels and restaurants.

STAY
Hotel Moraine Once known as the Sunset Motel, it is now the luxury Greenport family resort, Hotel Moraine. The new owners are behind the local Croteaux Vineyards, the country’s only all-Rosé farm, vineyard and winery. There are 20 guestrooms, a spa, saltwater gunite swimming pool, private beach, communal cottage for games, an outdoor bar for sunset sips and complimentary paddle boards. Info: hotelmoraine.com 

The Silver Sands Motel The recently renovated Greenport motel boasts lovely beach shacks, motel rooms and bungalows. The new retro restaurant, Nookies, gives a nod to its roots when the hotel first opened in 1957. Expect chocolate malts, mint green swivel stool, and local Pipes Cove oysters. Info: silversandsmotel.com  

EAT
Love Lane Kitchen This all-day restaurant is a popular favorite where breakfast and lunch shine brilliantly in Mattituck. Look for French toast, pancakes plus specialities like Goat Cheese paninis and house-made pastrami sandwiches. Salads are tremendous--order the Mediterranean with a dose of capers and olives. Info: lovelanekitchen.com 

THE HAMPTONS
The Hamptons is a sandy playground for celebs and jaded New Yorkers who crave to escape the heat in a New York minute—and this summer is expected to be a heat wave parade. Here, a sampling of Hampton’s happenings this steamy season

STAY
The Maidstone It debuted a new look in June following a multi-million dollar facelift—and the gorgeous result is Italy meets the Hamptons. The iconic boutique hotel nestled within the historic district of East Hampton, has been an adored place in the community for more than 150 years. LDV Hospitality brings a taste of la dolce vita to the Hamptons with reimagined guestrooms that flaunt amber and soft peach vibes and also expect Frette linens and Santa Maria Novella amenities. Dine al fresco in the garden—Chef Jorge Espinoza of Scarpetta brings ‘Italian Summer’ to the Hamptons. Ciao Bella! Info: themaidstone.com

Roundtree Quaint, coastal Amagansett is home to this unpretentious hotel (bonus: the Hampton Jitney stops right outside its front door). Pristine farmland is dotted with a rambling collection of renovated cottages and houses (some inside 250-year-old barns) and there’s also the beach house (former home to playwright Neil Simon). And new this summer: Hamptons’ icon Il Buco al Mare has taken over room service. Also, this year’s seasonal City to Beach package with Baccarat Hotel in New York runs through September 2nd—two night stays at each hotel, La Mer spa treatments, poolside cabanas and gourmet picnic baskets. Town and country! Info: theroundtreehotels.com  

EAT
Nick & Toni’s This iconic restaurant has served as the Hamptons fine dining fixture for over three decades. The menu changes seasonally, often using produce grown in its own one-acre organic garden. Woodburning oven specials, such as the Whole Fish served with savory sides such as seared artichokes, lemons and capers, and the Free-Range Chicken with crushed Yukon gold potatoes, roasted garlic, house-cured pancetta and rosemary jus are perennial favorites. Info: nickandtonis.com 

MONTAUK
Montauk has always been the special spot out East for its get away from it all vibe. Relatively speaking, it still is. It’s always been about lobster, thanks to Montauk legends like Captain Frank Tuma.

STAY
Montauk Yacht Club, built in 1928 as a private social club on Star Island within Lake Montauk, has seen the shifting tides through the years and is now owned by Proper Hotels. The property has been renovated and part of the reno is the debut of the new Ocean Club Montauk restaurant. The largest marina in the Hamptons (200-plus wet slips) is also here. Info: montaukyachtclub.com

Marram Resort This popular coastal retreat’s minimalist design offers stunning ocean views. Emphasizing a connection with nature, the resort features rustic-chic accommodations, eco-friendly amenities, and direct access to a pristine private beach. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities like surfing and hiking or relax by the fire pit. The on-site restaurant, Mostrador Marram, serves locally sourced, seasonal cuisine, enhancing the resort’s laid-back yet luxurious ambiance. Info: marram.com

EAT
Navy Beach The space offers a nautical beach house atmosphere with soft colors, exposed wood, vintage artwork, and unforgettable sunsets over the water. Look for signature items including Yunnan Ribs with chili and caramel, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, and Montauk Clam and Corn Chowder. Leave room for dessert! Info: navybeach.com 

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