Day Trip: Southampton, N.Y.

What’s a trip out East without stopping in Southampton? Of course, when planning my day at the Hampton Classic last weekend, I knew I needed to leave time for shopping and sightseeing in my favorite Hampton. Two years ago when I went to the Classic, I happened to take a wrong turn and ended up right on Main Street in Southampton. It was my first encounter with the preppy C. Wonder and I was immediately hooked (on the store and the town).

My plan of attack for combating Hamptons traffic in the summertime is always to leave super early. Even though I am not a morning person, I make the sacrifice to avoid the dreaded bumper-to-bumper that becomes the Hamptons during peak times. This year was no exception. I made it to Southampton in a record-breaking 45 minutes (obeying all the traffic laws, of course!) – about an hour before any classes at the horse show were to begin and before most Southampton residents even had their morning coffee.

First up on my agenda was a stop at Tate’s Bake Shop. I have been a huge fan of their crisp chocolate chip cookies for years, but never managed to frequent the actual establishment. The smell of fresh baked goods was most inviting and I loved the quaint house that Tate’s called home. Like any good bakery, my options overwhelmed me, but I figured I couldn’t go wrong with a chocolate croissant and an iced coffee. This place definitely seemed like a local hotspot- while enjoying my breakfast I noticed plenty of women either on their way to or returning from their morning yoga class, ready to indulge in a coffee and pastry. It was the perfect start to a cool morning, and I enjoyed sitting on the patio people-watching.

After a quick drive through town (nothing was open until 11 am) browsing the shops, it was off to the Hampton Classic for a few hours before returning to Southampton later in the afternoon.

I had planned on returning to Southampton earlier for lunch, but a cheeseburger at the horse show foiled my plans (and it probably cost more than any restaurant in Southampton would have charged). By the time I returned to the place I had started my journey so many hours before, I was wiped out. But not being one to throw in the towel, I headed down Main Street to explore for a little while before returning home.

If you’ve never been to Southampton, there is plenty to do. Main Street is great for shopping and dining, but I enjoy wandering off the beaten path (aka, the side-streets). Although I wasn’t hungry, I can always go for something sweet, and after being in the heat all day The Fudge Company was the perfect place to cool down. I had read the reviews online the night before and it seemed like a worthwhile place to stop. I ordered a small cone of chocolate – peanut butter yogurt. It was delicious! I continued my stroll down Main, ice cream in hand, and found my way to C. Wonder. I could spend all day in that store. I love everything they have and usually end up coming home with quite the ‘wish list.’ On this trip, I spotted a pair of leopard stacked heels that I really wanted to welcome into my closet. I also found my way to Club Monaco, GiGi New York and Missoni Home.

I enjoyed my time in the Hamptons and at the Classic, but by late afternoon I was exhausted and ready to call it a day. The good fortune that graced me during my morning commute continued into the afternoon and I made it home in just under an hour. It was the perfect ending to a great day!