A Weekend in the Hamptons

A WEEKEND IN | CABANA TRAVEL | WORLD OF CABANA

New York-based photographer Mason Lane has spent many happy summers escaping the city for the seaside villages of The Hamptons. From her favorite, Amagansett, to Southampton, Sag Harbor, East Hampton, Bridgehampton and more, each village has its own unique identity, charm and must-visit spots. Mason shares an insider's guide, rounding-up a great itinerary just in time for the Fourth of July.

BY MASON LANE | CABANA TRAVEL | 24 JUNE 2025

LDV at The Maidstone, captured by Letizia Cigliutti

Where to Stay

LDV at The Maidstone: A beloved 150-year-old boutique hotel nestled in East Hampton, The Maidstone features 16 guest rooms and three cottage suites, all designed with earthy, nature-inspired decor. Located near the town’s beaches, shopping, and cultural attractions, it offers a year-round retreat for locals and visitors. I love this hotel for its timeless charm.

The Reform Club: A serene and luxurious boutique hotel nestled within five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Just steps from the heart of Amagansett Village, each accommodation is designed with calming interiors that reflect the area's understated charm. In my opinion, Amagansett is the most authentic town in the Hamptons—offering unique shops, a refined yet uncommercialized atmosphere, and, at The Reform Club, a perfect blend of space, comfort, and luxury.

LVD At The Maidstone, photographed by Letizia Cigliutti

Where to Eat

Fairway Restaurant: My favorite spot for a classic diner breakfast or lunch — I’ve been going here my whole life. Tucked off Montauk Highway in Wainscott, its walls are lined with American college and university flags, and the menu features traditional American breakfast and brunch staples. A true local gem, it also shares its grounds with a small public golf course and driving range. Get the pancakes and grilled cheese!

Tutto Il Giorno, Sag Harbor: My favorite dinner spot in the Hamptons. It pairs refined Southern Italian cuisine—think house-made pastas, fresh seafood, and seasonal ingredients—with serene, minimalist interiors curated by co-owner Gabby Karan de Felice. The restaurant shares its space with her mother Donna Karan’s lifestyle brand, Urban Zen, creating a seamless blend of design, wellness, and incredible food.

Clam Bar: A quintessential roadside seafood shack on the stretch between Amagansett and Montauk, perfect for a casual, no-frills bite. With picnic tables, ocean air, and classics like lobster rolls, fried clams, and chowder, it’s a summer staple.

Loaves & Fishes: This store in Sagaponack is a Hamptons staple, known for its gourmet prepared foods made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Founded in 1980, the charming white cottage offers a rotating menu of chef-made dishes, fresh breads, and decadent desserts — get the lobster salad and chocolate brownie pudding!

Carissa’s: With multiple locations around the Hamptons, Carissa’s is a beloved bakery known for its artisanal breads, pastries, and seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The Pantigo Road location features a dine-in café, while the Newtown Lane and Sag Harbor spots offer takeout options.

Round Swamp Farm: A family-owned market known for its farm-fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and gourmet prepared foods. With locations in East Hampton, Bridgehampton, and Montauk, it offers a true farm-to-table experience with locally sourced ingredients and delicious prepared food

Where to Shop

Ocean Road Flowers, Bridgehampton: My favorite place to get flowers. Ocean Road Flowers is quite literally a roadside flower stand on Ocean Road, Bridgehampton that sells beautiful dahlias in a myriad of colors, textures, and sizes.

Aerin, South Hampton: Aerin Lauder’s lifestyle boutique offering a curated mix of beauty, home décor, accessories, and seasonal gifts. Located in South Hampton, the store has become a Hamptons staple and reflects Lauder’s signature blend of timeless elegance and coastal charm.

Bloom, Sag Harbor: Bloom is a serene, thoughtfully curated home and lifestyle boutique, blending Swedish, Belgian, and French antiques with European homewares, Astier de Villatte ceramics, and select textiles and photography. With no website or social media, Bloom invites discovery through in-person visits.

Wyeth, Wainscott: A premier destination for mid-century furniture and design, offering a curated selection of vintage and custom-made pieces. The showroom features museum-quality furnishings, lighting, and decorative objects. 

BookHampton, East Hampton: A cherished independent bookstore that has served the community since 1971. Known for its carefully curated selection, knowledgeable staff, and engaging author events. In May 2025, Larry Gagosian purchased the store to preserve its cultural significance, ensuring its continued role as a literary hub.

EE Home, Amagansett: A beautifully curated boutique by former set designer Elizabeth Eichner, offering artisan-made home goods sourced from around the world. The shop features handcrafted ceramics, textiles, and vintage pieces.

Nili Lotan, East Hampton: Nili Lotan offers a curated collection of the designer’s signature minimalist, effortlessly chic clothing for women and men. Her East Hampton outpost reflects Lotan’s refined aesthetic, featuring timeless silhouettes and luxurious fabrics. This is my favorite brand — easy, classic, and versatile staples.

What to See & Do 

Onna House: A restored 1960s home in East Hampton, transformed by designer Lisa Perry into a gallery-like space dedicated to showcasing work by women artists and designers. Named after the Japanese word for “woman,” it features rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection of art, furniture, and objects, all created by female talents. 

Main Beach, East Hampton: Close in proximity to East Hampton town, Main Beach is renowned for its pristine white sands, towering dunes, and clear Atlantic waters. This is the most quintessential Hamptons beach experience.

Pollack-Krasner House: The Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center in East Hampton is the former home and studio of Abstract Expressionist artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. Designated a National Historic Landmark, it offers a glimpse into the artists’ lives and creative processes, featuring their preserved living spaces and the iconic barn studio where Pollock developed his revolutionary drip painting technique. 

Peter Marino Art Foundation: Showcasing over 200 works from the architect’s personal collection, from ancient antiquities to contemporary art, the foundation is housed in a restored 19th-century building and offers rotating exhibitions and events.