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LIFE IS A CABERNET! PLUS BEFORE THE CROWDS, 5 IDEAS FOR ENJOYING THE HAMPTONS.

WILL THE NEXT RESTAURANT ENTER AND SIGN IN PLEASE!

Sag Harbor get ready to raise your glass! Although, I have no doubt it will be a costly one. Vin Sur Vingt, one of the best wine and cheese bars in NYC according to CBS News Online (which is kind of like Bon Appetite but it’s online and it’s from CBS News) is coming soon to 29 Main Street. With several NYC outlets and one in D.C., the wine bar is said to be opening sometime this spring. After some minor renovations the merlot and chablis will be flowing at the former site of Montauk Lobster Company, Wolffer Kitchen, and a few others I can’t even remember. After perusing their website we can expect an experience a tad different from Murph’s as their menu features light dishes like charcuterie boards, pizzas, tartines and other bistro-inspired bites. The Hamptons has been missing out on a traditional wine bar so fingers crossed that Vin Sur Vingt has the right tannins. If it’s a hit, we can skip tipping the box of wine and Ritz Crackers for a nice night out.

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So here we are it’s April and it’s only a matter of weeks before we will be at full tilt here on the East End. That means the warm breezes, brilliant sun and bumper to bumper traffic will all soon be the norm. But before things get too crazy, now is the perfect time to enjoy the Hamptons and a few of the best things that life or at least Long Island has to offer.

Spa Day at Gurneys – it’s like a mini vacation. Have a work out followed by a massage, sauna, swim and a lunch overlooking the water. What could be better? Go Monday through Thursday and even save a few bucks. If you want more information; click here.

The dining room at Leon 1909

Try Some New Food – Two new eateries opened since last summer and both will no doubt have a hefty waiting list this summer. My favorite of the two is Leon 1909 on Shelter Island. A cool setting, top notch service, interesting menu and most importantly some really good food. The other is The Good Ground Tavern at Canoe Place Inn of Hampton Bays. A major renovation of the once hopping hot spot has created a stunning yet casual experience. The service is great as are the appetizers. The main courses were a little sub-par (we had the chicken and the poached black bass) but it was overall an enjoyable evening. I expect both joints to be packed by Memorial Day.

Trivia Night at Town Line – Gather your smartest friends and head to Townline BBQ every Thursday night at 7p in Wainscott, although I suggest getting there much earlier. There, you can put your knowledge to the test with 6 rounds of trivia based on various themes – from current events, pop culture and even song clips! A $10 entry fee per person gets pooled together so that 1st place will take home 60% of it, 2nd place 30%, 3rd 10%. Plus there’s an added bonus: whoever wins big throughout the season-long competition walks away with The Golden Pig trophy at Memorial Day weekend! Apparently smart folks take the summer off as that is the final weekend till fall.

Live Music and Wine Tasting at Wolffer Vineyards – Come out and experience a cozy night of music and wine at the beautiful Wölffer Estate Vineyard tasting room! Every Friday starting at 4:30 you’ll be able to listen to talented local musicians as you sip on their new releases for this winter. Indulge in seasonal pairings, delicious wines & ciders, speciality cocktails – all while relaxing with friends around candlelight tables. Reserve your spot now before it’s too late! Click here for more details about each week’s musical performance lineup.

Go RIde a Bike – With summer on the horizon, it’s time to get out and explore the beauty of The Hamptons! A few years ago Curbed.com did us all a huge favor by putting together five stunning bike tours for the area – so why not hop on your two-wheeler before Mr & Mrs Magoo take over our roads. Enjoy some fresh air and amazing scenery as you make your way through these picturesque routes – click here to see where they recommend taking in all this lushness that makes living (and biking!) in The Hamptons unforgettable. Click here for the details.

JANUARY IS THE CRUELEST MONTH!

T.S. Eliot once said, “April is the cruelest month.”   Well, let me just say anyone who was willing to write the lyrics for that awful Andrew Lloyd Webber musical gets no respect from me!   The Hamptons in January is truly the cruelest month!  Case I point, today I went to a home inspection and there was no heat.    The homeowner had winterized the property and it was a 20 degrees INSIDE!     Yeah, Hamptons real estate is so glamorous!     My feet are still numb, but I guess it’s better than working in a coal mine or being a food critic in Des Moines.

 

Anyway, all things considered the Hamptons are not a bad place to be even when it’s 5 degrees outside.     So, here they are in no particular order a few fun INDOOR things to do when the forecast has more negatives than a yelp review for a Cracker Barrel restaurant.

 

Montauk Salt Cave

The Montauk Salt Cave – Imagine sitting comfortably in a nice heated room as you breath in Himalayan salt infused air.    It’s like going to the beach but without a village parking sticker.    According to the company website, the cave helps revitalizes ones respiratory tract with lungs and nasal passages cleared from pollens, inflammations and other pollutants.  This is particularly handy if you’ve recently been spending anytime on Main St. Amagansett.   The cave has various scheduled sessions that included everything from guided mediations to reiki healing.    Locals secret:  Take a look on Groupon where the session are often offered at a steep discount.  For more information click HERE.

 

Photo: The Clubhouse East Hampton

The Fieldhouse East Hampton – If you haven’t gone yet you should.   Located on Daniels Hole Rd. in E. Hampton, this entertainment center has something for everyone.    There’s an arcade for the kids, bowling for the families, bocci balland corn hole for the millennials and a bar/restaurant with full a menu for people like me.    They also have a mini golf course but I don’t think that’s in the cards when it’s this cold.   Long needed on the east end, the Fieldhouse is perfect for everyone.  It’s especially great for parents who want to ignore their children with a cocktail as the little ones play games, win points and hopefully buy a prize.   If you want more information check out the website HERE.  Local secret:  Check out their Facebook page for special events and discounts.

 

 

The Spa at Gurney’s – Book a massage or treatment at the Seawater Spa then for a small facilities fee of $30 take a dip in the salt water pool, sweat in the sauna or sweat it out in the Swedish steam room.   The best part of the deal is actually swimming in the pool while overlooking the sand and surf through the expansive wall of glass doors.     Follow it up with a glass of wine and lunch at Tillie’s café.   Although last time I was there I got in trouble for trying to eat my tuna salad sandwich in the pool, so I don’t advise.    For more information you can click HERE.    Local secret:  Memberships are available for access to the fitness club and spa areas.

 

The Parish Art Museum – It’s indoors.  It has art.  I never took an art history class so it’s pointless for me to elaborate.   There are no dogs playing poker, toreadors on velvet or cats hanging onto bars so I’m lost.   I will say people seem to enjoy it and find it EDUCATIONAL.   For the latest exhibitions and hours click HERE.

 

So, there you go!  I know!  You’re welcome!  You don’t have to sit on the sofa binge watching Netflix the entire month.    There are actually things you can do INDOORS that are a little out of the normal routine.    Now, excuse me while I book my flight on Southwest.