Hamptons Holidays 2012 – Finding the Bright Light
I have been sitting on Santa’s lap for decades now whispering my desires in his ear. Sometimes my wishes are noble like helping a friend’s talented daughter get a scholarship to art school and other times completely frivolous (you haven’t lived until you’ve gotten a faux mink car ice scraper.) For those of us in the Hamptons we have many reasons to count our blessings. Here are a few of my favorite ways to light up the Hamptons holiday season.
Montauk Light House
Traveling to the end of the world or at least the East End of the world is a real treat to see the Montauk Lighthouse bathed in a sea of lights. It is lit every night through January 1st.
Pierre’s- Bridgehampton
Pierre puts Christmas where his bouche is. It is Joyeux Noel all the time: breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the year. Keep an eye out for wonderful live jazz Tuesday (except xmas) and Sunday from 6:30p – 9:30p. He also has a delectable market next door and patisserie.
Wolffer Estate Vineyard- Sagaponack
The vines seem to stretch to infinity, illuminated with tiny white lights. Friday night they are open late until 8pm but since it’s dark at 4pm you can catch a glass of wine and see them any night. Great place for a last minute gift at their gift shop.
The American Hotel – Sag Harbor
A true Victorian mecca, the hotel is decked out in all its glory like a Charles Dickens tale (or maybe one where Scrooge was on Prozac and happy all the time.) Great for lunch, brunch, dinner or just a glass of bubbly, it is festive personified.
c/o The Maidstone – East Hampton
A touch of Sweden mixes with Hamptons cheer at this hotel with its restaurant and lounge, The Living Room. Have a seat by the fire or if the weather is warm enough snuggle up on the porch for some holiday cheer and wait to see eight tiny reindeer.
http://www.careofhotels.com/maidstone
Nancy Atlas Project – Stephen Talkhouse – Amagansett
Nothing lights up a room like Nancy Atlas and her band of merry makers. She headlines the In The Round Christmas Spectacular at the Stephen Talkhouse Dec. 21 at 8pm. If this is indeed the end of the world there’s no one else I’d like to party with.
Topping Rose House – Bridgehampton
The new Tom Colicchio inn and restaurant is newly opened in its full Greek Revival Glory. Make a reservation at their gourmet restaurant which also offers weekend brunch or just stop by the bar for a festive drink.
Southampton Animal Shelter
Charity
The brightest light is always when you give to others. There are many deserving cultural, philanthropic and aid organizations for people, animals, and the environment. Pick your favorite and give generously if not only money but your volunteer time. Here are a few of my favorite Hamptons charities.
East Hampton Food Pantry
Food for families in need.
Peconic Land Trust
Conserving Long Island’s working farms and natural lands.
Southampton Animal Shelter
Rescues dogs and cats and helps rehab them for adoption.
www.southamptonanimalshelter.org
The Retreat
Aiding battered women.
John Jermain Memorial Library -Sag Harbor
Keeping reading alive for everyone.
And of course – Santa if you are reading here’s the faux fur ice scraper – www.fabulousfurs.com $25
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