The Hamptons

Come join the fun as we explore Long Island’s playground of the rich and famous: the Hamptons. Located on the eastern end of Long Island, New York, its picturesque towns, villages, and hamlets, along with its beautiful beaches, amenities and peaceful rural landscape, provide an escape for people from New York City. From its earliest history to its present day, it captures a unique blend of the Gold Coast’s high society and old colonial heritage charm that will surely make for an interesting trip. Celebrity sightings? Well, that’s definitely a possibility.

Sunday, September 8th – The air is a tad cooler, and the promise of beautiful autumn leaves is just around the corner. It’s a great time to explore our world and so, explore we will! Today we will begin our adventure, stopping at Peddler Village in Lahaska, Pennsylvania for the night. (D)

Monday, September 9th – After a delicious breakfast, we’ll continue our adventure, arriving in the Hamptons by lunchtime. We’ll start our adventure in the Hamptons by touring Oheka Castle. This famous Gold Coast mansion rests majestically on the highest point of Long Island. Once the summer home of Otto Hermann Kahn, it was considered the grandest estate on Long Island and the second largest residence in America. It was even the inspiration for the book, “The Great Gatsby”. Now a member of Historic Hotels of America, you will thoroughly enjoy the historic tour. Then it is on to Old Westbury Gardens, considered one of the most beautiful English-style gardens in North America. It is 200 acres of breathtaking beauty. Afterwards we will check into our hotel and enjoy a delightful dinner next door at Jerry and the Mermaid (quite apropos for Long Island!). (B, L, D)

Tuesday, September 10th – What a great day this will be as our guide takes us on a full day of touring. We’ll begin by exploring the charming town of Sag Harbor. Founded in 1707, Sag Harbor’s port was the center of foreign and coastal trade. It was designated by President George Washington in 1789 as an official port of entry for the United States. Sag Harbor’s illustrious history will be described as we view its immaculately restored neighborhoods and tour Sag Harbor’s Whaling & Historical Museum. A short ferry ride will take us to the North Fork, the agricultural region of the island. Our guide will fill us in on the interesting characteristics of this area and then we’ll taste some of the fruits of their labor as we tour a winery and visit a chocolate factory. It’s a relaxing and tasty way to spend a late afternoon. Afterwards we’ll enjoy dinner before returning to our hotel. (B, D)

Wednesday, September 11th – Breakfast and then we’re off to meet a local guide and tour the beautiful town of Southampton which is known as the epicenter of arts and culture for the Hamptons. This waterfront area also boasts unspoiled beaches that have lured countless artists and writers over the years. This area is considered the jewel in the crown of all the Villages of the East End.

We will then continue on our way to the easternmost tip of Long Island as we learn about the history of Montauk. We’ll visit Montauk Point Lighthouse and then enjoy a driving tour focusing on the South Fork area of Long Island. A special lobster dinner (alternative entrée available) will complete our day. What an exciting time this will be! (B, D)

Thursday, September 12th – After breakfast we will leave behind the playgrounds of the wealthy residents of the Hamptons and begin our journey south, stopping in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to spend the night, meet Martha Washington, and then enjoy a tasty dinner. (B, D)

Friday, September 13th – A great breakfast and then we’re back on the road heading home but, as usual, we can’t just ride all day. Instead, we’ll stop in Washington, DC and visit the International Spy Museum, one of the most popular museums in DC. On this self-guided tour that sheds light on the shadow world of espionage and intelligence, you will come face to face with spies and spymasters, their gadgets, and their stories. It is a most interesting and entertaining museum. Afterwards we will continue on our way home with lots of great memories of our exciting adventures. (B)

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