A Weekend Escape to the Hamptons: Reliving Memories with My Son

The Serene Landscape of the Hamptons

Anyone who has visited the Hamptons during the off-season can't forget the gentle golden light of autumn and winter. The lush greenery of the East End and the pristine white sand beaches feel more untouched and tranquil than ever. This was once a cherished spot for my son Dante and me, where he loved to play in the sand, sketch in his notebook, or dig in the dunes. We lived in Hampton Bays for over a decade, with me commuting to Manhattan daily on the LIRR while my husband taught at a local school.

Now, Dante is 20, tall, and lives with his girlfriend three time zones away. I've moved back to New York, where I grew up and currently work for Traveler magazine. I had hoped Dante would love city life as much as I did, but it just wasn't in his nature. He grew up in a coastal town two hours from the city, which has fostered his special love for nature.

Returning to the Hamptons: A Journey of Rediscovery

We hesitated for a long time before returning to the Hamptons—our last visit was in 2021 to clean out our old house after my husband's passing. But when I came across a new hotel in Hampton Bays while working on the Readers' Choice awards, I felt a strong urge to return. Our little town may not be as glamorous as East Hampton or Amagansett, but it is filled with memories.

Dante and I decided to reignite those old memories and slowly explore this new chapter of our lives. It had been a while since we last visited the beach. Running along the shore has always been a bonding activity for us and a way to find peace amidst our busy lives. We both wanted to see what new experiences awaited us.

Exploring Shou Sugi Ban House

I had been curious about the Shou Sugi Ban House since it opened in 2018. The tranquil atmosphere isn’t suited for small children, but it was perfect for us as we rediscovered our mother-son relationship. The buildings are designed like barns with glass walls overlooking gravel paths, surrounded by grass and pine trees. We enjoyed perfectly appointed accommodations that we never imagined we would experience.

Amenities like spacious tubs and quiet spaces allowed us to relax without interruptions. We indulged in water therapies with outdoor pools and saunas—activities I couldn’t do with Dante when he was younger. We also participated in meditation and sound sessions, finding stillness within ourselves.

Exploring Art and Heritage

Leaving Shou Sugi Ban House, we drove to the Parrish Art Museum. The museum currently showcases contemporary art in a spacious setting, a stark contrast to the small building in Southampton from before. As we drove east, Dante reminisced about a giant chess set his father used to take him to see at LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton.

Although the chess set is no longer there, we shared emotional moments wandering the grounds where he used to explore as a child. We laughed about old memories and cherished the beautiful moments that had passed.

Returning to Gurney’s Montauk

Upon arriving in Montauk, we were delighted to see that Gurney’s remains the vibrant family resort we remembered, despite its lavish renovation in 2022. A wave of nostalgia washed over us as we approached the resort with its steps leading to the private beach where we used to stroll, collecting seashells.

Children were playing in the famous saltwater pool where Dante practiced swimming as a little boy. I took some time for myself to join a morning meditation class while Dante explored the sauna and eucalyptus steam room. We shared stories about life, relationships, and places that have faded away over time. The beautiful memories of the small town we lived in together still linger in our hearts.

Helpful Tips for Vietnamese Travelers

For those planning to explore the Hamptons, it's essential to prepare your visa in advance. Vietnamese travelers need to apply for a U.S. tourist visa, which can be done through an interview at the nearest embassy or consulate. The best time to visit the Hamptons is from June to September, when the weather is warm and outdoor activities are in full swing.

Flights from Vietnam typically land in New York. From New York, you can choose to travel to the Hamptons by bus or rental car, taking about 2-3 hours depending on traffic. Bus fares from New York to the Hamptons usually range from $30 to $50 (approximately 700,000 to 1,200,000 VND).

Hotel prices in the Hamptons vary widely. If you're looking for budget accommodations, you can find hotels or motels starting from $100 to $150 (about 2,300,000 to 3,500,000 VND) per night. For a more luxurious experience, renowned resorts can charge up to $500 (around 11,500,000 VND) per night.

Don't forget to try the delicious seafood here, especially the famous crab and lobster dishes. The Hamptons also offer many cafes and restaurants perfect for relaxing and experiencing local culture.

Finally, don't hesitate to explore water sports like surfing, kayaking, or even fishing. You'll undoubtedly create unforgettable memories in the Hamptons.

This article is adapted and edited from: Condé Nast Traveler