The East End is waking up to Spring and getting ready for Summer!
Yes, the old groundhog was correct … winter lingered a bit longer this year, and unexpected snowstorms interrupted the coming of Spring. But finally, the worst is past and we are starting to see May flowers!
There is so much to do here in April, let’s take a quick look …
Enjoy our Local Seafood
You know winter is finally over when the seasonal seafood restaurants reopen …
- The Clam Bar opens on the day of the Montauk Saint Patrick’s Day Parade (usually the Sunday after the real day) and stays open until Thanksgiving (unless the pipes freeze first!). It features the most fresh, simple, and local seafood under yellow and white umbrellas on the Nappeague stretch.
- Bostwick’s Chowder House has indoor and outdoor seating just east of the village.
- Harbor Bistro opened for the season on April 19 with beautiful views of the sunset over Three Mill Harbor, a full bar and Sunset Happy Hour every day from 5-7pm.
- The Fish Farm Amagansett occupies a rustic setting on the bay in the Multi Aquaculture Systems Fish Farm. Explore the facilities, learn about fish farming, have some clams or a bowl of chowder and bring home the best of the local catch from Marie’s “French Farm” shop.
Visit a Farm
Most of our farm stands and farmer’s markets do not open until May.
However, the farmers are already busy at work preparing the fields and planting the Spring crops, so there is lots to see and enjoy …
- Sang Lee (on the North Fork) is currently open Fridays & Saturdays and will open daily starting April 20.
- Balsam Farms will be happy to let you wander in the fields even if the Farm Stand is not open yet. Just be sure to check with Chef Carolyn first. A quote from their latest email: “IT’S FINALLY SPRING! As April rolls in after a wet and snowy March, we are happy to wave goodbye to winter and welcome Spring! With warmer temperatures ahead we have hopefully (fingers crossed!) seen the last snow and April showers will bring on May flowers. The farm crew is busy seeding, plowing, and preparing the soil for all your favorite Balsam produce. Our greenhouses are full of tiny seedlings and our tractors are moving out of the barn and back into the field, where they are most at home.”
Stop by a Nursery
Even if you’re not buying anything, nurseries are the best place to witness the rebirth of Spring, and to get some inspiration for your home garden …
- Wittendales, East Hampton offers great flowers, beautiful ceramics, and plants to take home for your garden. They’re just a short walk from the Mill House Inn.
- Bayberry House, Amagansett has 14 acres of local and exotic trees, perennials, shrubs, ponds and design ideas.
- Fort Pond Native Plants in Montauk is a great place for a “Do-It-Yourself’ gardener to learn about unique and organic approaches to gardening. Maybe you will bring home a bit of the East End flora to plant in your garden, and remind you of your time here.
Sample Wines in Long Island Wine Country
- Wölffer Estate in Sagaponack is our favorite winery and not just because it is the closest to the Mill House Inn! The Wine Stand features live music from 5:00 to Sunset on Fridays and Saturdays, while you sample their impeccable wines, ciders and spirits. The Winery offers tours to Tuscany lead by their world renowned winemaker – Roman Roth. Their restaurants in Amagansett and Sag Harbor feature “a distinct local, seasonal food ethic” along with locally made artisanal wines, beers and spirits plus favorites from around the world. Finally, there is the Wölffer Estate Stables with one hundred acres of first class equestrian facilities.
Go Fishing!
- The Montauk Boatmen and Captains Association has charters all year, but April is particularly good for Cod & Flounder fishing (and eating!)
Explore Nature and Art
- South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center features indoor and outdoor explorations and adventures for the entire family. Explore the farms and vineyards as the worms emerge (and the birds swoop down for a feast!). Learn about seasonal birds and be sure to check out the calendar for events and activities. Advance reservations are required. For more information, reservations and directions please call (631) 537-9735.
- East Hampton Trails Preservation Society offers free hikes, bike rides and paddling adventures all year long. Or download a copy of the East Hampton Trail Maps and go exploring on your own!
- Longhouse Reserve is the place for people who love art but hate to feel cooped up inside a museum when the world is so exciting in the Spring. “LongHouse Reserve is a 16 acre reserve and sculpture garden located in East Hampton. It features pieces from Buckminster Fuller, Yoko Ono and Willem de Kooning to name a few.” Celebrate the Spring Season opener — Rites of Spring — on Saturday April 28, between 2pm-5pm, with new art in the gardens and over one million daffodils in bloom!
With so much to do in the Hamptons this Spring, we do hope you will allow us to help you experience it. Call us or email us today to schedule your stay!
