Our brokers and agents have an insider’s view of the East End’s finest offerings. We asked: With autumn officially here, what are some of your favorite ways to enjoy the season out here? Are there any not-to-miss cultural events, concerts, theater performances, or art exhibits? What would you suggest visitors explore during the crisp days and vibrant foliage?
Kieran Brew, Serhant
I love the corn shooter at Fairview Farms at Mecox’s Corn Maize. It’s an air gun, and they load it with spent ears of corn and you try and hit targets out in the field. I think you win a baby pumpkin or something if you hit it, but that’s not the point. It’s just so much fun! I skip the corn maze, cause I get a little claustrophobic but I do not skip the fresh local popcorn and spiral fries. The produce is, of course, exceptional, but they also sell their own farm-raised meat. The Berkshire pork is absolutely the most luscious you can find anywhere, and the homemade breakfast sausage is fantastic. But the best-kept secret is Barbara Ludlow’s pie crusts. Buying the crusts frozen and adding your own fillings is one of the best foodie tips in all the Hamptons.
Garett Pike, The Corcoran Group
Autumn months are my favorite for going on hikes and taking advantage of the abundance of nature trails! The temperature finally cools off after the long summer, and the fall foliage is beautiful. It’s also my favorite time of the year to play golf! My ideal Sunday is at Montauk Downs Golf Course and then hitting a few Montauk hotspots.
Lori Lambert, Town & Country Real Estate
We have a new puppy, Boogie, so we love taking him for long walks now that the crowds have subsided. And we have a bunch of “winter” restaurants we save for this time, like Il Capuccino in Sag Harbor and the downstairs tavern at 1770 House. Our all-time faves like Nick & Toni’s, East Hampton Grill, and The Palm are even better when the crowds are lighter and we can grab a seat at the bar!
Dana Trotter, The Agency
When my kids were little, we loved going pumpkin and apple picking this time of year. They are getting a bit old for the pumpkin patch but a crisp, fall ride on the boat to the North Folk is still a fun jaunt. The growing diversity of Greenport and the surrounding towns and farms always produces unexpected delights. I think the villages and stores are also doing a great job of promoting themselves too. The fall out here is so beautiful when it is a little quieter and easier to get to the many different hamlets.
We still get some great beach days and it’s such a treat when beach walks lead to sightings of whales or dolphins. We also love to try new restaurants that are hard to get into during the summer. Farm stands have great fall produce and we can now easily park in the villages and enjoy each of the hamlets’ shopping and charms in a more relaxed season.
Ashley Farrell, The Corcoran Group
All the favorite summer activities are even better in the fall — and less crowded, too! My baby, Sammy, a nine-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, and I love runs and walks on the beach this time of year. We have the beach to ourselves as far as the eye can see, the weather is exceptional, and the water is still warm.
Golfing this time of year is glorious, not solely due to the cooler temperatures, but like everything else, the courses have cleared out. A quick “9 & dine” is such a treat after a long day. Private clubs also tend to host charity events throughout the fall, giving residents a chance to play the coveted courses.
Throughout the Fall and Winter, you can find my husband and me at Casa Basso in Westhampton, nearly every Saturday night. If you’ve been there anytime between 1970-present, the place hasn’t changed a bit! The first truly chilly night is my favorite when the fireplace is going, Giovanni is serenading the diners with old-school tunes, and Bejto, the chef for over 50 years, is preparing food you’ll dream of long after you’ve left (pro tip: the Chicken Francese and bow ties with the “pink sauce” are top notch).
Justin Agnello, Douglas Elliman
For me personally, the fall brings great surf. The waves are fun, and the water is still warm. I also love to go apple picking at the farms with my wife and two kids. My favorite off-season restaurant is East Hampton Grill with my wife and Sam’s with the family.
Aleksandrina Penkova, The Corcoran Group
I relish everything about the outdoors, particularly during the off-season when there is a special sense of serenity and clarity. One of my favorite activities is taking walks along the beach. Studies have shown that gazing out into expansive open spaces at the beginning and end of the day has the remarkable ability to regulate our nervous system and circadian rhythm. The light and sunsets in the fall out east are truly magical. A highlight during the off-season is the Hamptons International Film Festival – I always make it a point to allocate time to enjoy a couple of outstanding films. Additionally, I am committed to supporting local businesses to the greatest extent possible during this quieter time of the year.
Ann Gegelys, Sotheby’s International Realty
Fall is absolutely my favorite season! The pace in our community slows and cooler temps settle in, making it a wonderful time to be outdoors. Whether I’m hiking in Shadmoor State Park in Montauk, or picking pumpkins at Fairview Farm in Water Mill, I can’t get enough of this season!
