An Overnight “Out East”

My daughter and I had planned a trip to Amsterdam and London. Actually, my daughter planned the trip and I was going to tag along-I’d never been to Amsterdam and really wanted to go. We were supposed to leave at the beginning of January. Well, Amsterdam put a curfew of 5 pm into place and we just knew that we didn’t want to be away and have restrictions on where we could go and what we could do. We also realized what would happen if they went into lockdown or if we got sick. It wasn’t the right time, unfortunately, so we cancelled our trip.

A few days later my daughter asked if I wanted to take a day and go “out East”. To a New Yorker, this means driving out on Long Island-to the Hamptons or Montauk or towns nearby. Of course I was game. We decided to make it an overnight and spend the night at Gurney’s Resort in Montauk, a place that is extremely popular and so hard to get a room at in season, so I was very excited to be able to stay there.

We left early on a Sunday morning and it was perfect as the roads were empty. For those of you who know the traffic on 495 (or the LIE, as it’s also known!) you know why this is so key!

Our first stop was Carissa’s The Bakery in Sag Harbor, where I ordered my usual-a hot chocolate and chocolate croissant! It was freezing, but we actually sat outside as you couldn’t sit inside at this time. I did take a peek at their seating area and it looked so pretty. Maybe next time!

We continued our drive as we were looking for pretty spots to take photos and came across The Wine Stand at Wolffer Estate Winery. The front of their store was so cute and we were invited in by a lovely lady. When we told her we hoped to take some photos she walked us out back so we could see the vineyard, which was just beautiful. I can’t wait to go back in the warmer weather as they have some fun events scheduled.

Our next stop was the iconic Montauk Lighthouse. I’d been there probably 24+ years ago when I was pregnant with my youngest and it was as beautiful as I remembered. It was a very cold and windy day, but it still felt wonderful walking along the beach. 

We then headed to our hotel-Gurney’s Inn. It was everything I’d heard—and more! The room was beautiful, as were the restaurants and the views! The view from the room was incredible. The walk to the beach (steps away) was beyond beautiful. My daughter and I had so much fun taking pictures on the beach, and chasing her hat as the wind decided to take it for a little ride!

We hadn’t eaten anything since the morning so about 3ish I said I was hungry. There was a Japanese restaurant in Sag Harbor my daughter wanted to try. Sen opened at 4 pm; we arrived a 3:59! We were finished eating by 4:20!! 😂 The food was delicious and the service excellent (we were the only people in the restaurant, but I think everything would have been perfect even if there was a crowd!) We ordered two unusual rolls: a bagel roll-smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber, scallions and a crab rangoon roll-kanikama, cream cheese, masago, scallions, light tempura. Both were two of the best rolls I’ve ever eaten! I was really full, but didn’t want to stop eating they were so good! 

We couldn’t believe how early it was and we were done with dinner already!! It was raining but the town of Sag Harbor is so cute so we decided to take a walk. We were hoping to grab ice cream, but the ice cream shop was closed! We did go into a couple of boutiques including Love Shack Fancy. It’s such a beautiful store! We luckily caught them on one of their last days in their Sag Harbor location. I can’t wait to see their new space in the spring! OK, so back to ice cream. We were on a mission to find ice cream, despite it being freezing out and off season, and we lucked out! Growing up on Long Island, Carvel was a staple. Luckily we found an open one not too far away! Soft serve chocolate ice cream with hot fudge hit the spot for me!

We were back at the hotel, washed up, and in pjs by 6:30 and ya know what-it was wonderful! We talked, read, hung out, and went to bed early. It was perfect. 

The next morning we woke to a beautiful sunny day and decided to take a walk on the beach. It was such a great way to start the day. We then headed to Amber Waves for breakfast before heading back to the city. Amber Waves is a non profit farm, cafe, market, and bakery in Amagansett. I’ve been there before and it was so good we had to visit it again! We did make one stop on our way back home-to see my mom! This is one of the reasons we moved to NYC-to be closer to family and it’s been great. We spent a little time with my mom and then drove back to the city.

This quick getaway out east on Long Island off season was so much fun. I love being in the Hamptons, Montauk, Sag Harbor, and surrounding towns off season as there are no crowds. Granted some of the shops we wanted to visit were closed for the season, but it was still a wonderful treat! And now we’ll just have to go back when they’re open!