Travel close, discover more– often beckons the term ‘staycation,’ an escape of everyday, mundane life as one adventures to a nearby destination. A sense of wanderlust suddenly takes over as an exploration of mind, body, and soul begins. We’ve ventured to the Hamptons for a weekend of relaxation and rejuvenation as Baron’s Cove welcomes a restorative embrace.There is a nostalgic quality to Baron’s Cove as they pay homage to the original 1960’s hotel. In a nearly 24-month renovation, Baron’s Cove reopened in 2015 maintaining the footprint of the original structure, allowing a sense of modernity, style, and sensibility to engulf and mold the space. Located in Sag Harbor, known as the ‘jewel’ of the Hamptons filled with waterfront resort hotels and 18th and 19th-century architecture that ears towards a sophisticated way of life. An upscale lifestyle is counterbalanced with the charm of small-town living featuring farmers markets, boutiques, and neighborhood cafés. Baron’s Cove is the ideal additive to an otherwise quaint town.Known as the first resort development in Sag Harbor, Baron’s Cove continues to add creativity and character to its community welcoming prominent guests including Art Garfunkel, John and Elaine Steinbeck, Paul Newman, and Richard Kind. Regional artists who often assembled at the restaurant and hotel included Jackson Pollock, Kurt Vonnegut, Truman Capote, and Willem and Elaine de Kooning. Today, the style may have changed, but the originality and quality remain the same. Guests are welcomed with opened arms to an intimate setting that leaves one secluded from the stresses of life and into a scope of peace and tranquility as an accessible, premier destination year-round.

The All-American waterfront resort features sixty-seven village and harbor facing rooms and suites.  Accommodations vary between village rooms, garden rooms, harbor suites, loft suites, and even dog-friendly rooms; there’s something for everyone’s preference. Each room displays a nod to the nautical past and present of Sag Harbor; it’s the small touches that matter most. Guests can also enjoy a harbor side heated saltwater pool, tennis court, fitness studio, spa services, and complimentary beach service with transportation. Plus, the concierge is at your fingertips to navigate your way through the premises and make your stay in Sag Harbor a memorable one.Least we forget a mention of Baron’s Cove All-American restaurant and bar, as our taste buds were taken on a palatable ride. The classic-style restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring local fare. A sunset accompanies guests over Sag Harbor Cove from the second-floor dining room or outdoor terrace.We partook in a smorgasbord of delights including the market salad and crispy calamari for starters and Pan-Roasted L.I. Duck Breast and Hanger Steak for our mains. We would have loved to try the dessert but kindly declined from overindulging, but we can only imagine the dessert is delicious as well. During the warmer months order poolside or partake in their ‘in-room’ dining service for a cozy evening nestled with your loved ones.

 What would a trip to the Hamptons be without a bit of exploration? Accommodations sorted. It’s now time for some adventure and sightseeing. Located in eastern Long Island's South Fork, the Hamptons is a string of seaside communities for affluent New York City residents, marked by long stretches of beach and hidden estates.The silver-screen seems to love the ambiance of the Hamptons with television shows such as Billions, Kourtney and Khloe Take the Hamptons, The Affair, and The Real Housewives of New York using the seaside destination as their backdrop. From boat charters and outside dining at Tutto Il Giorno or The Beacon in the summer to apple picking and wine tasting at Wölffer Estate in the fall. We’ve compiled a list of Hamptons hotspots for your next staycation destination. 

Where to Wine and Dine:

The age-old question of where can one chow down in the Hamptons is many times an afterthought in between the aquatic activities and wine flights. Throw away all those stereotypical woes of dainty foods and pinkies up, because this is the 21st-century where it’s more than just fine dining and breathing to fit in.  Looking for a casual approach try Sag Pizza or LT Burger for a quick dine and dash. Hinting at more upscale dining experience try The Beacon (opened during the spring and summer months), the East Hampton Grill or Tutto Il Giorno (located in Sag Harbor and South Hampton).Are you a “Sundays are for brunchin’” kind of gal or lad then The American Hotel, Baron’s Cove restaurant & bar,  Edgewater Restaurant or Wölffer Kitchen are your best bet to instagramable, millennial goals. If you rather a sugary fix then Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen or Grindstone is your ticket to sugar, spice, and everything nice. 

Things to do:

The list is endless of things to do and places to go in the Hamptons, so we’ve narrowed it down to several activities that can be done during both the warmer season and when the crisp autumn air sings to the tune of 'sweater weather.' Havens Beach & Foster BeachLong House Reserve ($15 adults; students with valid ID’s are free – open from 2-5PM Wednesday – Saturday)Parrish Art Museum (Closed on Tuesdays and major holidays – $12 adults, $9 seniors and students with valid ID’s are free)Montauk Lighthouse ($11 adults, $8 seniors, and $5 for children – parking is $8 before 4 PM)The Walking Dunes – Hiter Hills State Park (Great for hikes and leisurely walks)Wölffer Estate and Vineyard Complete your staycation with a glass of sauvignon blanc or a personal favorite, sparkling rosé. Guided tours and tastings are $65 per person, but if you rather skip the formalities reserve a table and enjoy a flight of four wines for $25 with a lovely charcuterie board paring (prices may vary). The Hamptons is a destination that rarely goes out of style, equipt with historical attributes and a new-age flare that leaves you wanting more. What more can we say besides travel close, discover more of what’s right around the corner. Cheers! Photo Credit: Courtesy of Baron's Cove