Insider's Guide To The Hamptons

It's still warm enough for the beach, but crisp fall weather is on the horizon. And driving east (especially in one of BMW's new 6 Series) is one of the best ways to enjoy every last minute of outdoor-perfect weather in style. That's why we asked five boldface Hamptons residents to dish on the most fabulous spots to dine, drink, shop and relax like an insider.

Photo Credit: Station EQ

OUT-EAST DINING

"I love Nick & Toni's: It's a Hamptons institution. Their dishes are fresh and local, and they serve the best of the East End of Long Island." — Laurent Tourondel, executive chef/owner of the soon-to-open L'Amico and LT Burger in Sag Harbor

"My favorite restaurants are Tutto il Giorno in Southampton and The Crow's Nest in Montauk." (And, of course, his own Scarpetta Beach at Gurney's.) — John Meadow, founder of LDV Hospitality

"The food at Wölffer Kitchen is truly delicious, particularly the pasta and steak frites." — Lee Schrager, founder of Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF)

"Station EQ in East Quogue is hands down our favorite restaurant . . . maybe ever. It's an old shack turned chic with bulb lights, patio dining, a DJ on Saturday nights, bonfires running sporadically through the summer nights and the most delicious farm-to-table menu and cocktails. The scenery is perfection, as the restaurant is tucked into huge bushes of hydrangeas and wildflowers." — Seri Kertzner and Michelle Bachman, founders of Little Miss Party

Photo Credit: Parrish Art Museum

RELAX & PLAY

"During the day, I go to Flying Point Beach in Southampton, and in the evenings, we watch the sunset at Long Beach in Sag Harbor. I also enjoy going on hikes at Cedar Point in East Hampton. Sunset Beach parties on Sundays always have a special place in my heart, and I love the Family Friday afternoons at Wölffer Estate Vineyard. Oh, and sunset cocktails at Montauket." — Meadow

"The Parrish Art Museum is a very recent addition to the Hamptons, [set] in a beautiful new farmhouse building where they showcase art and all types of family events through the summer." — Kertzner and Bachman

^{Photo Credit: Round Swamp Farm}

SHOP ALONG THE ROAD

"I love to go to Round Swamp Farm for fresh vegetables and local farm eggs. Gosman's Fish Market is my go-to place for local seafood when I'm out east, too." — Tourondel

"I love to stop at every farm stand along the road, especially Pike Farms on Sagg Main. I'm a big fan of Long Island corn and doughnut peaches."   — Schrager

"My go-to for wine, cheese and prepared foods is Cavaniola's in Sag Harbor; my favorite farm stand is Serene Green in Sag Harbor; and for a butcher, I use Peconic Prime Meats in Southampton. Next door at Clamman is where I buy seafood.  My everyday coffee routine is Sant Ambroeus in Southampton." — Meadow

"Farm Country Kitchen is a hidden gem on the drive to Tanger Outlets in Riverhead. You enter into what feels like someone's home and are seated across from a small lake. Their panini, sandwiches every which way, salads and desserts are to die for." — Kertzner and Bachman

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MEET THE EXPERTS

Seri Kertzner and Michelle Bachman are the founders of Little Miss Party and specialize in planning big events for small spaces in New York City and the Hamptons.

John Meadow is the founder of LDV Hospitality; he partnered with Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa this summer to oversee the food and beverage offerings at the resort, which includes Scarpetta Beach, Tillie's, The Regent Cocktail Club, Corso Coffee and The Beach Club Bar & Grill.

Lee Schrager is the founder of Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF).

Laurent Tourondel is the executive chef/owner of the soon-to-open L'Amico and LT Burger in Sag Harbor, and has a home in Springs, a neighborhood in East Hampton.