Jean Liu’s second home in East Hamptons has been both a passion project and an escape from the hustle and bustle of her busy Dallas life. She shares her favorite markets, cafés, shops, and more in East Hampton and beyond.
How to Get There
Fly into LaGuardia Airport or John F. Kennedy International Airport. Since you’ll need transportation for getting around in the Hamptons, Liu recommends renting a car. From the city, the drive to East Hampton can take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on traffic.
On the Itinerary
Liu shares her favorite spots in East Hampton and beyond.
1. Gather ingredients at Amber Waves.
Liu loves to patronize this female-founded farm stand, market, and café, which sells ready-to-eat food, produce, jarred delicacies, bouquets of local blooms, and more.
2. Comb Wiborg Beach.
Of the many area beaches, this one is Liu’s family’s favorite. “It’s where we go to scour for shells, walk, and eat a pint of ice cream after dinner,” she says.
3. Find inspiration at the Madoo Conservancy.
Liu describes the Sagaponack gardens of late New York artist Robert Dash as “Dr. Seuss–like.”
4. Have lunch at Carissa’s Bakery.
“The food is impeccable,” Liu raves. “Everything about this place is a must see/must eat/must try.” The original bakery is located in East Hampton, with satellite locations in Amagansett and Sag Harbor.
5. Get cultured at the Parrish Art Museum.
First established in the late 19th century, this museum—which focuses on Long Island artists—moved in 2012 to its current location: a Herzog & de Meuron–designed building in Water Mill.
6. Dine finely at Pierre’s.
Located in nearby Bridgehampton, this French bistro is open daily for brunch, lunch, and dinner. “One of the best meals in the Hamptons,” Liu insists. “We always have one meal there each trip.”
7. Venture to the North Fork.
Once you’ve traversed the many hamlets of Long Island’s South Fork, where the Hamptons is located, a trip to the opposing North Fork is a great way to spend a day. “They have berry and mushroom picking, and there’s also vineyards,” Liu says. “Some people say the North Fork today is what the Hamptons was like before it got somewhat commercialized.”
8. Window-shop at Monc XIII.
Whether you’re looking for vintage treasures, high-end lines like De Sede, or artisanal accessories, you’ll find it at this Sag Harbor home decor shop, which Liu calls “a mecca of modernist furniture.”
9. Enjoy the view at Duryea’s.
Situated oceanside in Montauk, this seafoot spot is “the best place to watch a sunset,” says Liu.
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