The Hamptons: Open to Everyone!

Based in the New York City area or on the East Coast?  Are you looking for a quick easy daytrip or weekend getaway?  Have you considered the Hamptons?  More than just a summer playground for the rich and famous, the Hamptons is a beautiful coastal area at the far eastern end of Long Island that has something to offer for everyone at all price points. This particular trip was taken with two friends who are also young professionals on a budget.  We were traveling for a wedding, but decided to make a fun overnight trip out of it. 

 

Traveling by car is the ideal mode of transportation, because public transportation options are limited on the Hamptons.  However you can still manage without a vehicle.  We chose to make the 2-hour trek to Riverhead via train, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to be exact.  From New York Penn Station to Riverhead, Long Island, roundtrip fare is $30.  For this price you can relax, sit back, and enjoy the beautiful views from urban landscape to lush glens, quaint villages, and sparkling waters in complete comfort.  Please make sure to check out train schedules prior to your departure, since trains are quite limited on weekends and holidays. http://www.mta.info/lirr/

 

We stayed in Riverhead, Long Island at the Holiday Inn Express.  We were able to stay in a suite with 2 very comfortable queen beds, a pullout sofa bed, and kitchenette for $159/nt.  The room was clean with nice modern touches including black granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.  The hotel also serves a complimentary continental breakfast in the morning.  Just ½ mile from the hotel is the Tanger Outlet Center.  Tanger outlets are a mecca for shoppers with caviar taste on a shrimp budget. This huge multiplex shopping center has something for everyone.  In terms of apparel and clothing the outlets offer everything from Betsey Johnson and Michael Kors to Ann Taylor Loft and Gap.  We made out VERY well.  If you love shopping as much as I do, this outlet center is worth the trip to Riverhead alone!

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/rihed;jsessionid=TMGFF004YUMWMCTGWANCJBQKM0YBWIY4?_requestid=105887

 

http://www.tangeroutlet.com/riverhead/

 

As the Hamptons is known for it’s famous beaches, please make sure to visit one of the public beaches in the area.  For a special treat, head to a private beach club where you can enjoy clean private beaches and cabana service.  The wedding we attended took place at Atlantica restaurant at the Westhampton Bath and Tennis Hotel in Westhampton Beach, Long Island.  On the way to the wedding we did get to see how the other half lives.  We passed many palatial summer homes hidden amidst beautiful gardens.  We had fun trying to guess which celebrity lived in which house.  Because we visited in October, it was too cold to take a dip in the ocean, but we enjoyed ourselves at Atlantica. We had fabulous drinks and appetizers on a heated open-air deck right on the beach.   The bartenders were friendly and able to whip up delicious cocktails especially for us. We had a delicious meal served by the Atlantica staff. We followed up with a moonlit stroll along the beach.   Atlantica is a wonderful place to host an event.  The light and airy dining room is absolutely beautiful and combines the formality of wide white columns and crystal chandeliers with the casualness of beachy white and blue striped fabrics. The staff is extremely friendly and accommodating.  Also, if you are looking for a regular escape from the city, the Westhampton Bath and Tennis Hotel does offer family and individual memberships. http://www.bathandtennis.com/

 

From beautiful beaches to quaint villages and farms to incredible restaurants and shopping the Hamptons has something to offer for everyone.  All in all, I had a fantastic time and would highly recommend it for a quick, easy and surprisingly affordable escape.   Plus, you never know who you might run into!

Dinner by the Sea

If you are in San Juan, Puerto Rico and looking for a place to stay or eat, why not visit Hosteria del Mar in Ocean Park. This beach inn and restaurant provide the perfect relaxing retreat from the busier tourist areas. The restaurant is open air allowing you to feel the breeze from the ocean that is a few feet away. The restaurant provides a mix of Vegetarian and Puerto Rican Cuisine and ranges between $15 -40 per entree.

The drinks were not stand out but the pasta and vegetarian dishes were excellent. The serving size for the food is not consistent as you can receive two spring rolls for $15 or a huge platter of tempura fried vegetables, shrimp and calamari for the same price.  For dessert, complete your meal with the fruit sorbet served in a fruit shell. The mango is light and refreshing and perfect on a warm Caribbean night.

Before or after your meal you can jump back into the ocean as you are steps from Ocean Park. This beach is a favorite of locals and tourists.

Hosteria Del Mar is located at No. 1 Tapia Street. Ocean Park, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00911

787-727-3302