How long have you been residing in the Hamptons?
We’ve lived here on and off since 2010. We first started off coming out from the city, as weekenders and summer people. Then, we had our first kid and decided to try living here year-round as a one-year experiment. We loved it so much that we stayed and had another kid. Then, we moved to Northern California for two years. But we’re back now, to stay, and living here year-round. Although my husband and I both grew up in California, Sag Harbor is our chosen home.
Are you year round?
Yes.
What’s your favorite thing about being in the Hamptons?
The light. The proximity to the ocean. The seasons. The feeling of spaciousness and tranquility.
What’s your favorite month to be out east?
September! The crowds have cleared. The water is warm enough to swim in. And you can actually find a place to park!
Tell me a little more about what you do for a living and how that came about?
I’m a newspaper and magazine journalist by training and currently writing my first non-fiction book. It will be published by Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, and is slated for a summer of 2020 release. It’s called The Lost Boys of Montauk. It’s about a fishing boat that went down off the coast of Montauk and four young fishermen who vanished at sea. In the book, I retrace the lives of the four men based upon their survivors and also chronicle how much the East End has changed over the past 30+ years. The other part of my brain works on a new business that I started alongside two close friends last fall. It’s called The SHED Workspace. It’s an all-women’s co-working space that currently pops up at Estia’s Little Kitchen on Tuesdays — but we’re currently on the hunt for a permanent space. Stay tuned!
What do you want someone from another country to know about the Hamptons that nobody other than a local could tell them?
The off-season is the best season.
Best place to eat in all of the Hamptons in your opinion?
The Vine Street Cafe on Shelter Island.
Most hyped location to eat or go that you can’t believe tourists fall for?
I would say The Lobster Roll, but at least once a season I have to eat there.
Favorite beach for families?
Long Beach in Sag Harbor or Main Beach in East Hampton.
Best restaurant for families with a few children in tow?
It used to be Bay Burger, which recently closed. La Fondita is a definite favorite.
Most charming month in the Hamptons?
I love the annual run-up to the holidays. October to December are pretty magical.
Best place for ice cream in the Hamptons?
Honestly, I can’t quit Carvel. Candy Kitchen is a close second.
Best date spot in the Hamptons for when you have a babysitter?
I love Yama Q or Sen. Both have amazing, super healthy Japanese food.
How many children do you have?
Two.
Your children’s favorite spots out East?
My children are still wild about the Children’s Museum of the East End. And the Morton National Wildlife Reserve is also a special spot. They also love to simply head to the beach, in all of the seasons, and just roam around.
What else do you want people to know about the Hamptons?
That no one who actually lives here year-round calls it “The Hamptons.” We generally prefer East End or South Fork in its place.