Latest news with #Hamptons-esque
New York Post
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Montauk isn't really the Hamptons because it 'hasn't sold out' like its neighbors: locals
Don't call it the Hamptons! The sleepy fishing town of Montauk may be part of the affluent summer hotspot geographically — but culturally it's a world away from the 'bougie, sell-out' area, locals and visitors said ahead of Memorial Day weekend. As New Yorkers flocked to Long Island's beach towns for the holiday, Montauk devotees insisted the end-of-the-line enclave is more charming and 'down to earth' than the Hamptons, which has become a ritzy playground for the super wealthy, dotted with high-end shops and clubs. Advertisement 7 Montauk devotees insist the area is more 'down to earth' than the Hamptons. John Roca 7 Montauk Fishing Station. John Roca 'It's a different genre of person out here, 100%,' said Allison Affenita, 24, a fashion designer from Bayport, LI, who has been visiting Montauk since she was a kid. 'These people are out here just to relax, hear the birds, go fishing, talk to the same person at the bar they've been talking to for the past 20 years. '[It's] absolutely not the Hamptons,' she said. 'The Hamptons is very much photos and shopping.' Advertisement To anyone who disagrees, she said, 'Well, you're clearly not from here, my friend. But thanks for stopping by.' In recent years, some static has started crackling among Montauk locals who say the tiny seaside town isn't really the Hamptons, where stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Sylvester Stallone and Alec Baldwin reportedly summer in swanky multimillion-dollar homes. Officially, Montauk is the easternmost point of the Hamptons, located within the Town of East Hampton — but don't tell that to its residents. Advertisement 7 Officially, Montauk is the easternmost point of the Hamptons John Roca 'Walk around [East Hampton], and what do you see? Gucci, Prada — they sold out,' said John Fierro, who owns Fierro Pizza shops in both East Hampton and Montauk. 'This town became bougie. East Hampton is a lot of money.' By contrast, he said, Montauk has a 'hometown feel' with 'mom and pop' stores and hardworking folks with humble roots. 'It still has the old values of an old-school town,' he said. Advertisement 7 'It still has the old values of an old-school town,' John Fierro, owner of Fierro's Pizza, said. John Roca As evidence, look no further than a kids' sport game, he said. 'My kids grew up in [East Hampton], and when you played Montauk, they were the toughest kids and the toughest girls,' he said. 'Every time they played Montauk, [Montauk] kicked our asses. 'Their fathers were fishermen. … They learned how to work,' he said. 7 Owner of the Montauk corner store, Joe Titus. John Roca People come to the Hamptons to escape the city — and to Montauk to escape the Hamptons, said Peter Moore, 69, who has lived in Montauk for 17 years. 'Now we are Hamptons-esque,' he said, adding a surge of young people now flock to the Surf Lodge hotel, which has outdoor concerts. 'It's more of a happening place.' East Hampton has a population of roughly 28,000, according to census data, which has been estimated to quadruple in the summer months. Advertisement 7 Items for sale at the Montauk corner store. John Roca Montauk, in comparison, has a population of roughly 4,000 and doesn't attract as many visitors. Despite East Hampton's strip of luxury clothing shops — including outposts of Cartier, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci — Affenita said she prefers the laid-back, casual style of Montauk. 'The people here have cooler style, they're much more down to earth,' she said. Advertisement 7 'Now we are Hamptons-esque,' Peter Moore, who has lived in Montauk for 17 years, said about young people heading to the Surf Lodge hotel for outdoor concerts. 'It's more of a happening place.' John Roca Nicole Meehan, 41, who owns the ice-cream shop Sundae Fundae in Montauk, said, 'If people want to call it the Hamptons, let them. 'Personally, I don't think it is.' 'The vibe is very different. We are a fishing community,' she said. 'It's casual.'
Business Insider
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
I love New York, but I'll always choose one of Connecticut's incredible beach towns over the Hamptons
As a local, there are a lot of Connecticut beach towns I'd choose over the Hamptons in New York. Greenwich feels exclusive and filled with activities, and Fairfield is wonderfully laid-back. Old Saybrook feels like it's out of a movie, and Mystic is a coastal gem filled with history. There's nothing like a summer along the Long Island Sound — although it touches New York and Connecticut, I've found most of my favorite spots are actually in the latter. I lived in New York City for years and loved it, but something has always drawn me back to my Connecticut roots. And sure, I enjoy a good trip to the Hamptons, but I'd choose these coastal Connecticut towns over the former every time. Here are some of my favorite picks — as a bonus, most of them are less than three hours from NYC. Fairfield feels like a laid-back, Hamptons-esque escape. Vacationers in Fairfield can feel like locals as they head out for a morning run, hit up the farmers market for a bouquet, grab coffee at one of the many cafés downtown, or simply relax in the sunshine. I like the town's larger beaches, Jennings and Penfield, which have pavilions serving up classic beachside eats. If I want a more secluded feel, I head to the smaller Sasco Beach. I love feeling pampered on a weekend getaway here. My favorite "treat myself" spot is Wine N Cheese Day Spa. I'll typically head there for a facial, fine wine, and an aesthetically pleasing charcuterie board. If I'm looking for a fresh pasta diner to go, I stop by Centro. For a night out, Sinclair is the place to order dirty martinis (with generously stuffed blue-cheese olives) and a pot of mussels. And, of course, a nightcap at J.B. Percival Co. Craft Cocktail Lounge and Speakeasy is a must. Greenwich captures the fun "see and be seen" Hamptons mindset. I absolutely love Greenwich — it's a wealthy city, which means many celebrities and pro athletes have houses here. It's fun to keep an eye out for stars while admiring impressively grand local architecture. The town feels exclusive and cool and has tons of activities, whether you're heading to Tod's Point to explore 147 acres of scenic walking trails, chartering a yacht from the Delamar Hotel for an outing, bird watching at the Greenwich Audubon Center, or shopping the Avenue. Either way, at sunset, there's nothing like kicking back in an Adirondack chair at the Point and looking at distant views of Manhattan. And, of course, I complete my Hampton-esque getaways here with dirty martinis at Elm Street Oyster House and live music at OG Social. Old Saybrook resembles a dreamy seaside out of a Hallmark movie. I think downtown Old Saybrook offers historic Sag Harbor charm. Think: idyllic book shops, antique stores, bed and breakfasts, and art galleries. However, I think this small beach town feels like more of a hideaway from a Hallmark movie than the popular Long Island village. Guests can stay at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, where they can rent a bike and pedal into town for shopping before heading back to watch boats from the pool. I also suggest a stop at Harvey's Beach — an excellent spot for boating, seashell collecting, or simply kicking back. While there, I suggest enjoying Fresh Salt's waterfront dining and picturesque bar at sunset or stopping by Connecticut's beloved Little Pub for fish and chips and brews. To end their night, visitors can catch one of many shows at the local Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Mystic is a lovely coastal village in Connecticut. Mystic has charming seafood spots, ice-cream parlors, boutiques, and a nautical history museum. In addition, the nearby vineyards — like Jonathan Edwards Winery and Saltwater Farm Vineyard — have a Hamptons-style ambiance. When I'm not sunbathing or sipping wine here, you'll find me shopping for natural handmade soaps, essential oils, or braided rugs in Olde Mystic Village. The town's many nearby beaches don't disappoint, either, from Esker Point to Williams Beach to Bluff Point State Park. If I want to get some steps in, I walk down a scenic trail to Bluff Point. To cap off my nights, I'll usually head to the Treehouse at Oyster Club, an outdoor dining deck nestled among the foliage with sweeping views of downtown Mystic.
