The pandemic certainly changed our plans in more ways than one.
If your dreams of a honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast have fallen to the wayside, might I suggest looking no further than the south fork of Long Island for a dream-worthy getaway for two? The Hamptons, long known as the premiere luxury weekend spot for NYC’s 1%, has some hidden (and often not-so-hidden) gems that are as darling as they are affordable. Sag Harbor is, in my humble opinion, one of the more charming places on the Island that somehow (sort-of) avoids the pretense of the titular Hampton towns. All the recommendations below can be accessed without a car if you don’t want your romantic rendezvous to be clouded by Olivia Rodrigo’s recent ode to the automobile industry.
If you’re coming from New York City, there are a couple public transportation options to get to Sag Harbor.
The Hampton Jitney offers service from Manhattan straight to Main Street. Alternatively, the Long Island Railroad will get you from Penn Station to Bridgehampton, and then it’s a short Uber ride to town. Nothing kicks off a romantic weekend like avoiding a honeymoon threesome – with Siri!
Baron’s Cove is the spot to stay.
This nautical waterfront resort features 67 harbor-facing and village rooms, some with enchanting private gardens. For added romance, here is a cozy outdoor fireplace and porch overlooking the hotel’s saltwater pool. Warning: in the peak summer months, it’s not cheap. However, the ability to stay in town and avoid renting a car offsets some of the cost. The alternative is to seek an Airbnb which can be hard to come by during the summer season.
Sunset cocktails.
For dinner on your first night, try to get a spot outside over looking the water at the quintessential Sag seafood restaurant, Dockside Bar & Grill, situated in the American Legion building. The vibes are very relaxed and the fish here is as good as it gets. I particularly recommend their fresh herb and crumb crusted cod with lemon beurre blanc. C’est magnifique.
Ask for two spoons.
After dinner, take a sunset stroll along the waterfront marina and people-watch as you pass by the parked boats. Pop into Big Olaf’s Ice Cream Shoppe for a sweet treat.
Slip into something silky…
For another sweet treat, head back to your room, slip into your new bridal lingerie, and continue the night behind closed doors…
The early birds!
Wake up bright and early and head down the street to Sag Harbor Cycle Company to rent some bikes for the day. “We’ll spend our life together regardless of the weather and you’ll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle built for two.”
A short 10-minute bike ride away (just long enough to work up an appetite) is Estia’s Little Kitchen where you will find a slew of delicious breakfast/lunch options. Order up some huevos rancheros and enjoy your meal outside in their spacious garden seating area.
Vinny Gambini : Sure, I’ve heard of grits. I just never actually *seen* a grit before.
Stop and taste the grapes.
After brunch has digested, hop back on those bikes and take a scenic tour of the Hampton area. On your pastoral ride, you may happen find yourselves at Wölffer Estate Vineyard. Book ahead for a tour and tasting: a 1 ½ hour walking tour of the vineyard and wine cellar accompanied by a tasting of four different wines along the tour. You know what they say, “see the world through rosé colored glasses.”
Ciao, bella!
Throw your bikes in the back of an Uber and head back to town to dress up for dinner. Tutto Il Giorno is the spot for dinner on night two. The restaurant can be a bit sceney but for good reason: it’s as close as you’ll get to the Italian Riviera on Long Island. The Trenette Al Pesto is *chef’s kiss*. Muah!
Don’t even try to resist.
In the morning, indulge in some deluxe doughnuts from Grindstone Coffee and Donuts. They have a variety of specialty flavors, like churro and maple sea salt, and you can never go wrong with a classic glazed.
Aye, Aye, Captain.
Riding the wave of your sugar rush, slather on the SPF and walk down to the local bay beach, Havens Beach, to catch some rays and take a dip in the cool water.
Don’t bother returning to the hotel to rinse off. Instead, grab a sandwich from Schiavonni’s and head over to the dock to catch a private boat ride with Sag Harbor Charters. Captain Hagen, a veritable Sag local, will show you the hidden coves and beaches around the area on his wooden lobster yacht, the “Marlinspike”.
By now, it’s time to pack up and get ready to head back to the city. Until next time, Sag Harbor!
Arrividerci.
15 Excellent Tips for your Weekend Honeymoon in Sag Harbor Click To TweetEnjoyed this post? Please pin it 🙂
Wait! Read one more post! Why Luxury Lingerie is a very good idea.
