Shop 'til You Drop: Thanksgiving Sales, Winter Farmers Market
As much as some of us still can’t believe summer is over, it’s almost the holiday season. And as all savvy shoppers know, November is the time to start planning so you can spend more time in December actually enjoying all those get-togethers with friends and family.
Next time you stop in at Golden Pear for that delicious cup of coffee and scrumptious buttered scone, check out the coffee beans. In an attempt to save a trip to the grocery store, we picked up a bag of “Main Beach” blend. It’s heavenly and has made each morning reminiscent not only of the East Hampton beach of my childhood, but of that subtly chocolatey, hazelnutty secret blend you can only find at Golden Pear. Find yours at the Golden Pear on the corner of Main Street and Hampton Road in Southampton.
Just a couple stores down from Golden Pear is Aerin—Aerin Lauder, that is. The intimate boutique is stocked with gift items—including festive home objets from agate coasters to gold-dipped vases and candy bowls that make for special gifts to give, while shagreen trays and coasters are the perfect décor for any holiday party. As for holiday dressing, there are beautiful accessories that will add a glow to your face for just the right amount of holiday glamour for all the season’s parties. Check out the Aerin gift guides on aerin.com.
Another great place to do some holiday shopping is at local farmer’s markets and craft fairs. Topping Rose House’s Winter Farmers Market begins on Saturday, November 15, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Plus, the restaurant at Topping Rose will be open for breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The farmers market will continue to take place on the third Saturday of each month through May. Topping Rose House is located at One Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Tpke, Bridgehampton. Visit toppingrosehouse.com.
The North Fork Designer Show House, a charity event where local designers transformed a 19th century farmhouse, will be back for a second showing this holiday season under a new name: The Christmas Show House and Best of North Fork Emporium. It will feature furnished rooms decorated for the holidays, works by local artists and crafts and food from local artisans. The event will benefit the Wounded Warriors Project, local families in need and a breast cancer research charity. The Christmas Show House and Best of North Fork Emporium will run November 28 to 30 and December 5 to 7 and December 12 to 14 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is located in the 1835 farmhouse next to the Village Green in Cutchogue.
English Country and Home Furnishings has started its Thanksgiving sale early, with 25% off the entire store and 40% off outdoor furniture. New stock is arriving daily. Stop by at 26 Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton ( call 631-537-0606) or 53 N Sea Road in Southampton (call 631-204-0428) and visit ecantiques.com. English Country Antiques is open daily.
But just because cooler weather is around the corner doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite outdoor activities. Dan’s Papers editor Kelly Laffey says: Stand-up paddling is a great, accessible fall activity. Global Surf Industries is an international distributor that carries several brands of surfboards and SUPs, distributing to many of the Hamptons surf shops including Main Beach Surf + Sport. I recently tried the 10′ 2″ Coco Mat SUP, a great option for flat water and out on the ocean with smaller waves. The board is made from coconut husk, a byproduct from the coconut industry, which is naturally durable and hydrophobic. The board’s stability is noticeable—perfect for people of all fitness levels, including aspiring SUP yogis. I tried my hand at ocean paddling for the first time over the weekend. The strong ocean sweep pushed me far to the right, and the board kept me balanced and upright as I battled against the wind and currents on my way back. Highly maneuverable, I easily kept myself moving parallel to shore. About 40 feet offshore, I met a fellow swimmer who grabbed on the board for a little rest, and it didn’t sink at all when taking on the extra weight, proving that it has an “unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio.” At 11.6 kg, the board is relatively light, especially compared to its size, and I’m easily able to bring the board from beach to car and back again, aided by an easily gripped handle. When the weather turns and a dip in the ocean makes you feel too much like a polar bear, grab a windbreaker and paddle around the calm, sheltered bays and estuaries—a perfect activity until first frost hits. I recommend Mecox Bay and Towd Point. For more info and to find your perfect board, check out surfindustries.com.