There’s a reason F. Scott Fitzgerald chose the Hamptons as the setting for his seminal novel, The Great Gatsby. East Coast hustlers, strivers, and Old Guard aristocrats alike have been jostling for status—and vacation homes—on Long Island’s South Fork since the late 1800s. All these years later, the area’s aura of exclusivity has only grown thanks to a steady stream of celebrities, CEOs, and Instagram influencers who regularly weekend at estates in haute areas like Sagaponack, Montauk, West Mill, and Westhampton.
But you don’t need a billion dollars or a million social media followers to enjoy the shores of Main Beach and beyond. Regular folks can sip seaside drinks, surf, and go for bike rides through the charming hamlets and villages. While fans of the documentary Grey Gardens might be disappointed to find all traces of Little Edie and the raccoons long gone—maternity clothing designer Liz Lange bought and renovated the property in 2015—a tour of the Pollock-Krasner House is sure to please. Artist Lee Krasner lived in the quaint cottage until her death in the 1984, and it still contains all the furnishings and many of her and husband Jackson Pollock’s belongings and artwork.
Those who enjoy cuisine over canvases can dine on lobster rolls at Canal Café, shop for fresh produce at a variety of farm stands and load up on treats at one of Ina Garten’s-approved Loaves & Fishes. Burn extra calories with a gorgeous stroll through Bridge Gardens, a 5-acre plot in Bridgehampton featuring sculptures, herbs, roses, and “mysterious” hedgerows. Follow it up with a shopping spree for nautical stripes, understated natural weaves, and seashore-inspired artwork at stores like Room & Board, Matriark, and Collette Home. Because even if you don’t have the $2-plus million for a summer rental like “Sandcastle,” you’ll still feel like a million bucks when you’re living in upscale coastal style.
"Terran" Table Lamp by Elk Home
