How to Have the Best Day Ever in Springs (aka the Hamptons’ Best-Kept Secret)

Published Aug 6, 2019

Along with A -list shopping, delicious eats and sandy beaches, the Hamptons are also known for…crowds. But what if you could escape the mobs while still enjoying the best of the East End? Welcome to Springs (or “the Springs” as it’s sometimes called): The East Hampton hamlet is full of history and calm bay beaches, all wrapped up in a scenic landscape. Here’s how to spend a day there.

Springs Farmers’ Market/Facebook

9 A.m.: Have Breakfast At The Farmers Market

Start your day in Springs at the Saturday farmers market. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can wander the stands, sipping coffee and noshing on freshly baked cookies and local fruits and veggies. Depending on the week you visit, you might also find local musicians, artists or even face painters in the mix.

780 Springs-Fireplace Rd., East Hampton; facebook.com/springsfarmersmarket

Creative Commons/Americasroof

12 P.m.: Take In The Art At The Pollock-krasner House

Tour the former home of husband-and-wife artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner (they paid $5,000 for it in 1946). The Stony Brook Foundation took over the property after Krasner died and offers tours of the house, which still contains many of their furnishings, and the barn studio where, in a way, you can touch the art: Pollock’s paint splatters are still on the floors and walls.

830 Springs-Fireplace Rd., East Hampton; 631-324-4929 or stonybrook.edu

Facebook.com/SpringsGeneralStore

1 P.m.: Pick Up Supplies At The Springs General Store

Yes, there is a general store in Springs and it’s as charming as you would imagine. The beloved local institution serves up house-made breakfast, lunch and ice cream. Pick up some sandwiches (the hummus and the smoked turkey and Brie are particularly good) and nickel candies on your way to the beach.

29 Old Stone Hwy., East Hampton; 631-329-5065 or springsgeneralstore.com

Andrew R./Yelp

2 P.m.: Swim In Calmer Waters

Some days you want to body surf in the waves, and some days you just want a beach where you can lazily float all day. Maidstone Beach (parking by East Hampton town permit only) is a quiet little bay beach with a lifeguard, picnic area, grills and facilities. For even fewer people—but no lifeguards—head over to Northwest Harbor (not technically Springs but a similar vibe), where Cedar Point County Park also has beach access as well as hiking trails.

Skip Willits/Wikimedia Commons

4 P.m.: Hike To An Old Lighthouse In Cedar Point County Park

Meander on an easy hike in Cedar Point County Park and you’ll come across the whimsicalCedar Point Lighthouse. Built in 1860, it no longer serves as a beacon to ships but it’s definitely worth an Instagram snap. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can continue on the marked hike and complete the 5.3-mile loop.

5 Cedar Point Rd., East Hampton; suffolkcountyny.gov

7 P.m.: Enjoy Dinner With A View

Settle into one of the tables overlooking the marina at Moby’s in East Hampton and sip the Lincoln’s Knees (gin, honey and lemon) while waiting for your wood-fired pizza to be served. This oft-overlooked restaurant dishes out some of the best views in the area.

295 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Rd., East Hampton; 631-329-2800 or mobysny.com

Courtesy of the Springs Tavern

9:30 P.m.: Sing Your Heart Out

Stroll over to local watering hole Springs Tavern for “Karaoke with the Diva” every Saturday night. And if you get hungry after belting out Beyoncé, there’s a solid menu of pub fare like nachos and crispy chicken sandwiches.

15 Fort Pond Blvd., East Hampton; 631-527-7800 or thespringstavern.com

Bridget Shirvell

Freelance PureWow Editor

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