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| Several times a year—especially in summer and fall—my partner and I load the car with our bikes, helmets, a picnic lunch, and a change of clothes. He and I head out to Southampton where we ride along Meadow Road (the eastern side of Dune Road). We park in the lot adjacent to Agawam Park, which borders on the bay. There’s a Summer Concert Series there as well as at Coopers Beach (www.southamptonvillage.org). Agawam Park is the perfect place for a picnic in the shade. On Friday nights, it’s also nice to enjoy the outdoor film series, “Summer of Spielberg” presented by the Southampton Arts Center. Passing million-dollar-plus homes that are well manicured and spotting deer at dusk, we often ride to the first boardwalk. There, the view of where the marsh meets the Shinnecock Bay is gorgeous. A large osprey nest stands to the left of the walkway whose inhabitants are always vigilant over their young. Schools of silver fish swim in formation underneath the marshy waters. Round trip, we bike approximately 8 miles, often stopping at Coopers Beach for an ice pop or ice cream. However, last time we flagged down an ice cream truck while we were heading back. Eating our pops roadside, we felt like children. If you want to head out for an early dinner, do a quick change at the newly refurbished restrooms of Agawam Park. Before dinner, you might also want to take a walk along Main Street and stop in trendy shops like Impulse Boutique, Intermix or Hildreth’s Home Goods, the large department store where goods from scented candles to children’s furniture, clothing and toys are sold. Restaurants not to miss in Southampton are the Coast Grill, a contemporary spot for seafood and American fare. Also, 75 Main, the premier Hamptons locale, where you can enjoy modern Italian cuisine—indoors or out—with an electric lounge scene, DJ and cocktail. For a sweet treat walk across the street to the Fudge Company for homemade ice cream or your favorite fudge. If it’s old-fashioned milkshakes and ice cream sodas you crave, Sip n’ Soda (40 Hampton Road) is the place. It’s a family-owned luncheonette where breakfast is served daily from 7:30 a.m. until noon. In Hampton Bays, Rumba (43 Canoe Place Road) serves Caribbean cuisine. From there, catch a free boat ride on the Shinnecock Inlet across to Cowfish. While sipping cocktails, enjoy seafood and sushi (and amazing guacamole!) outside or with canal views from the patio. So, grab your gear and head out east to get your summer-fill of Southampton! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 