How long have you been summering in the Hamptons?
This is my 5th Summer in Westhampton! We love the vibe in the town…beachy and laid back!
Are you year round?
No but every year I say how badly I want to come out more in the winter! I can only imagine how beautiful it is and my husband and I are from way upstate NY so we love the winter time. The beach and winter is maical!
What’s your favorite thing about being in the Hamptons?
I love raising my kids in NYC but I love the ability to take them out of the concrete jungle and to the Hamptons for the Summer. We keep our days open and lazy mixed with pool time, sprinklers, popsicles, lemonade stands, trips to the beach, shell painting, and just being outdoors and moving slower! I love that there is also so much to do. If we want an adventure we head to an area we haven’t explored…we take tons of walks!
What’s your favorite month to be out east?
July…I love the 4th and all the towns out here go all out. I love the Westhampton fireworks and my girls get so excited to end their favorite summer day lounging on a blanket with treats and glow sticks watching the fireworks paint the sky!
Tell me a little more about what you do for a living and how that came about?
I started working at The Craft Studio as a 19 year old college student. I fell in love with it and saw so much more than just birthday parties and walking in to paint plasters. I pitched a workshop program to the owner and she said…”I would love for you to buy the business.” At 21 I had student loans and no money but she helped me slowly work it off. I have been doing this so long and it still excites me. We have grown so much to offer special workshops, classes, The Craft Studio to go all over the Tri-State area including the Hamptons, a seasonal Hamptons offering at CMEE, soon to be our own branded craft kits, and so much more!
What do you want someone from another country to know about the Hamptons that nobody other than a local could tell them?
I think people don’t realize how beautiful the beaches are and how this is truly an amazing family vacation destination. There is something for everyone….great food, wineries, kids activities, surfing, and so much to explore.
Best place to eat in all of the Hamptons in your opinion?
Cowfish in Hampton Bays….the food…the setting…it is my favorite and my kids love the music and the view!
Most hyped location to eat or go that you can’t believe tourists fall for?
Yikes hmmm…I fall for tourist traps all the time so I won’t mention a place by name 😉
Favorite beach for families?
Rogers in WH! It is so clean, there are a ton of lifeguards, and it is just beautiful. Love Dune road and making that drive to the beach!
Best restaurant for families with a few children in tow?
Margarita Grille is no frills but outside, fun, and super kid friendly! The staff are all so kind and we look forward to seeing them every year…And them letting us have margaritas while are kids are happy shoveling in bottomless chips and salsa.
Most charming month in the Hamptons?
June…it is electric with locals getting pumped for peak season and seasonal crowds feeling that rush of the start of the season.
Best place for ice cream in the Hamptons?
We love Main Street Sweets/Ben and Jerry’s in WH. They are so efficient with long lines and the candy selection is so good that I don’t even mind my kids begging for all of it. Good practice in saying no 😉
Best date spot in the Hamptons for when you have a babysitter?
Dockers in Quogue . Can’t beat the views of the bay and they always have great live music!
What else do you want people to know about the Hamptons?
I think sometimes the Hamptons gets a bad wrap for being pretentious and unwelcoming. I find it to be the opposite. Every where we go locals are kind and excited to share all that their towns have to offer. If you want to feel fancy their is plenty of that….but also lots of down to earth places with good old fashioned summer fun!