A Beginner's Guide to the Hamptons, According to a Local James Beard-Award Winning Chef

A Beginner's Guide to the Hamptons, According to a Local James Beard-Award Winning Chef originally appeared on Parade.

Who better to introduce you to the Hamptons than someone who grew up in it, lives in it year-round and cooks with its land and sea? Chef Jeremy Blutstein, the culinary mind behind Mavericks Montauk and a recent James Beard Award semi-finalist, has been living, cooking and breathing East End life since the 1990s.

Here, he shares his essential intel for anyone heading to the Hamptons for the first time—what to do, where to eat, what to pack and why you should always leave room for spontaneity.

Related: 115 Best Destinations for a Quick Weekend Getaway

Top Things to Do in the Hamptons

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"Come out east to slow down," says Blutstein. While you can certainly hit hotspots like The Stephen Talkhouse or Montauk Beach House for nightlife, it’s the more laid-back moments that define the East End experience.

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Watch the sunrise or sunset from a quiet beach like Walking Dunes.

Plan a beach day with sandwiches, watermelon and a good book.

Take your kids to play hide-and-seek at Duck Pond or hike the Amsterdam Trail in Montauk.

Catch a concert or event like the Amagansett Fire Department Chicken BBQ (third week of August).

Hit Marilee’s Farmstand, cook at home, catch a sunrise or sunset.

Where to Eat in the Hamptons

Mavericks Montauk

Since Mavericks Montauk is surrounded by some of the most prolific farmland and fishing grounds on the East Coast, Blutstein has no shortage of incredible ingredients to source for his sustainable seafood steakhouse. What makes Mavericks unique is its deep-rooted connection to community—it’s not just about farm-to-table, but friend-to-table. “There’s not a single item on our menus that doesn’t connect back to someone in this community,” he says. “Local artisans like Art Ludlow (raising dairy cows for cheese production), Dereyk Patterson (making handmade knives), Alex Balsam and Marilee Foster (growing unbelievable produce) and Amanda Iaocona (raising top-tier poultry) make it a chef’s dream. The list is endless. They’ve broken bread at my dining room table.”

Blutstein’s global culinary influences are woven throughout the Mavericks menu, but everything is grounded in seasonality and what’s freshly available. “I think the whole menu is me—flavors and techniques discovered from traveling around the world, but built around what ingredients are available in the moment locally.”

Must-Try Restaurants

Beyond Mavericks, Blutstein points to a few favorites that showcase the region’s diverse, hyperlocal culinary scene:

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Townline BBQ: For laid-back eats with legit flavor.

Léon 1909: A newer, buzzed-about addition to Shelter Island for seaside French-Italian fare.

Estia’s Little Kitchen: A Sag Harbor gem.

Grindstone: "For donuts with my daughter," says Blutstein. "Afterward, we walk off the sugar high on Main Street in Sag."

Lulu Kitchen & Bar: Authentic, simple, wood-fired cooking.

1770 House Tavern (East Hampton): A locals' date-night hideaway.

1770 House Tavern

Almond: A longstanding favorite with a fiercely loyal following in Bridgehampton.

The Beacon: A summertime-only restauranton the water.

Left Hand: For the best coffee in Montauk. "Say hi to my guys, Oshane and Nathanial," says Blutstein.

Shark Bar: His casual go-to lunch spot for fresh seafood and creative tiki drinks.Order their lobster roll with fresh herbs, lobster fried rice, crispy calamari salad and the frozen watermelon margarita.

Shark Bar

Local Flavor Staples

If you prefer to catch and cook your dinner—or buy it at a local seafood market—Blutstein always likes to stock up on these local delicacies:

Freshly dug clams

Blowfish tails

East End potatoes

Sweet corn

Day-boat fluke

Cocktail bluefish (best grilled over an open flame)

Where to Stay in the Hamptons

Montauk Beach House

For First-Timers

Montauk Beach House: A boutique favorite in the heart of downtown Montauk with lively weekend programming, stylish rooms and a vibrant pool scene. "Ask for Yannis," says Blutstein. The location makes it easy to walk to the beach, grab a coffee or hop between Montauk’s buzzy shops and restaurants.

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For a Romantic Couples Getaway

The Roundtree, Amagansett: With just 14 meticulously appointed accommodations, this dreamy hideaway feels both intimate and luxurious. Wander barefoot across endless lawns, sip wine around an outdoor fire pit or swing beneath a tree canopy in blissful silence. Bonus: it’s walking distance to Amagansett’s quaint shops and close to the beach.

Airbnb

For a More Low-Key Local Vibe

Airbnb a tucked-away spot in Springs. "Load up on provisions, enjoy the peace and watch lightning bugs glow at dusk," advises Blutstein.

Best Towns to Base Yourself

Montauk: Nightlife and energy

Amagansett: Ocean beach access

Springs: Quiet bayfront serenity

If your Hamptons plans come together quickly or you’re looking to save, HotelTonight can be a handy resource. It often offers discounted rooms when cancellations happen and hotels need to fill them fast. Whether you want a luxe suite or a cozy boutique spot, it’s worth checking for deals—sometimes up to 30% off. Plus, there’s a new benefit that gives you 10% back in Airbnb credits for future trips. Some popular places available through the app include Montauk Beach House and Canoe Place Inn.

What to Pack for the Hamptons

Beachwear (don’t forget a sweater for breezy nights)

Comfortable walking shoes for town and trail

A good book

Reusable market totes for farmstand hauls

Patience (lines, traffic and reservations take time)

How to Get There

Hampton Jitney

You can drive, take the Jitney or hop on the Long Island Rail Road. The Hampton Jitney offers multiple daily departures from NYC (around $40 one-way) and is often the most relaxing option, with plush seats, Wi-Fi and free snacks! The LIRR runs direct routes from Penn Station to Montauk (ticket prices range from $25 to $40 depending on time and distance). Driving gives you maximum flexibility, but weekend traffic can be notoriously slow.

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Blutstein emphasizes that if you're staying in Montauk, you can manage just fine without a car. In other towns, Uber and a beach cruiser will get you most places, though ride-shares can be scarce in peak season, so plan ahead.

Outdoor Activities + Local Highlights

For Farm Fresh Provisions

As Blutstein mentioned, the area is abundant with local produce, meat, seafood and more artisanal creations. Be sure to take advantage of that.

Balsam Farms and Amber Waves

L&W Market for picnic supplies

Balsam Farms

For Outdoor Adventure

Amsterdam Trail (by the old Warhol estate)

Fishing, hiking, kayaking and swimming

Beaches to Match Your Mood

Walking Dunes (Montauk): Serene and windswept, ideal for a quiet sunset stroll.

Sammy's Beach (East Hampton): Low-key, bayfront, calm, perfect for paddleboarding and young kids.

Indian Wells Beach (Amagansett): Locals' favorite with food trucks nearby and wide sandy stretches.

Ditch Plains (Montauk): A must for surfers and people-watching.

Cedar Point County Park (East Hampton): Great for hiking, beachcombing and picnics with a view.

Courtesy of Chef Jeremy Blutstein

Local Etiquette Tips

Respect the locals, the land and the lifestyle.

Go with the flow: "Don’t overplan," warns Blutstein.

Acknowledge the hard work that goes into creating the summer experience.

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The Hamptons aren’t just a seasonal playground—they’re home to a community of farmers, baymen, chefs and creatives who work year-round to keep their souls intact. "This is a magical place to raise a family, work hard and connect with nature," he says. "Just remember to slow down and take it all in."

Whether you're here for your first Hamptons weekend or are a seasoned summerer, Blutstein's guide is a reminder that the real beauty of the East End lies in its balance: luxury meets laid-back, and every local ingredient tells a story.

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Related: Where to Eat and Shop in the Hamptons, According to Ina Garten Herself

A Beginner's Guide to the Hamptons, According to a Local James Beard-Award Winning Chef first appeared on Parade on Jul 10, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.