Wining and Dining the Hamptons

A cluster of towns located along the southeastern coast of Long Island, the Hamptons offer the perfect destination for a weekend excursion from the Big Apple. Although the region's best known for its elite resort communities, you'll also find wineries and artisan farms populating the countryside and quaint waterfront villages that pay homage to the history of whaling and maritime industry. Its beaches and shopping are not to be missed, but when traveling, I often find that the best moments involve food. And in a region that cultivates lush vineyards and farms and has premium access to fresh seafood, there's no reason that you shouldn't plan your trip around tasting all the Hamptons have to offer, from fresh fruit at a roadside stand to an artful meal at a premier dining room.

Home to a handful of celebrities, the town of East Hampton lies between several of the region's most popular destinations and offers a number of charming B&Bs. We recommend booking a room at the 1770 House. Actually built in 1663, this historic New England home is accented with tasteful gardens and a white picket fence. On your first night there, arrive in time to feast on delicious New American dishes, made with local meats, fish and produce, at their renowned restaurant. In the morning, you'll enjoy an exceptional complimentary hot breakfast before starting your excursion.

Spend your morning checking out nearby attractions: peek in some of the pretty shops lining the streets of East Hampton, or walk down to Main Beach. For a taste of local delicacies, head to Round Swamp Farm, a large family-owned farmers' market selling fresh produce, fish and more on the outskirts of town. While it may not be practical to purchase groceries on vacation, pick up a few jars of homemade jam, some freshly baked breads or packaged gourmet foods.

After getting your bearings around the village, hop in the car for a trip to Duck Walk Vineyards in Water Mill, about 10 miles west on Montauk Highway. Allow plenty of time for your drive, and be sure to work in a visit to the town of Bridgehampton. This picturesque community is filled with enticing stores, antique galleries, locally owned eateries and specialty food shops. Browse the selection of furnishings, art and collectibles, and be sure to check out the kitchen and dining supplies at Loaves & Fishes Cookshop. If you're craving a bite to eat, stop by Bridgehampton's Candy Kitchen.  Serving simple lunches and tasty ice cream, this joint may not be fancy, but its satisfying fare and irresistible nostalgia keep customers coming back.

Along the roadway near Water Mill, you'll encounter a handful of farm stands. A mile south of Montauk Highway, U-Pick Farm grows apples, pumpkins and peaches and makes for a pleasant detour. While the grounds are only open in the fall, the onsite store and greenhouse, Amy's Flowers & The Mini Milk Pail, sell potted plants and edible gifts – including pancake mix, maple syrup, fresh peaches and cookies from a popular neighborhood bakery – throughout the summer. Next door, Fairview Farm sells wonderful fresh artisan cheeses produced at Mecox Bay Dairy.

When you reach Duck Walk Vineyards in Water Mill, you'll see a building modeled after a French country home, set on 130 acres. The vineyard produces a variety of red, white and dessert wines. Try to arrive by 2pm for a tour of the grounds, and sample labels that might include a 2003 Chardonnay Reserve, 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, 2005 Pinot Noir, 2005 Blueberry Port, and blends like the Gatsby Red or Windmill White. If you come during the summer, you'll likely catch a live band entertaining on the patio.

For dinner, return to East Hampton and get decked out for a luxurious evening at one of the town's culinary hot spots, where you've hopefully made an advance reservation. A popular celeb choice, The Laundry Restaurant spins out dishes like olive oil-poached halibut with sweet corn pudding, heirloom cherry tomatoes, smoked bacon and clams. You're also likely to spot famous faces among the clientele at Nick & Toni's, and Mediterranean-inspired creations, made with local, organic ingredients in the striking exhibition kitchen, are fabulous. Dig into tagliatelle with saffron-mussel broth or whole fish from the wood-burning oven, and select a bottle of wine from their outstanding selection. Having visited nearby farms and markets, you'll dine with a new appreciation of the enticing, locally-grown fare that appears on your plate.