Shop 'til You Drop: Explore Water Mill
It’s hard to think about spring when March’s arctic gusts are still hitting you in the face, but, with longer days, there does seem to be that increase in energy and promise of warm weather ahead. It’s no wonder the East End is scattered with windmills—the area’s early settlers figured out a way of making it work for them! One such prominent windmill is located in Water Mill, now welcoming drivers on their way east. Home to history and culture (the Parrish Art Museum and the Watermill Center), Water Mill also hosts a bevy of shops. Pull over and explore!
Blame the wind, but my Water Mill morning started out with gusto. I stopped at Hampton Coffee for my usual almond-milk latte (Starbucks has yet to catch on), grabbed a copy of Dan’s Papers and stocked up on beans for the week. Tons of people were there having breakfast in the restaurant—proving that St. Patrick’s Day is the new Memorial Day for the weekend crowd. Hampton Coffee Company is located at 869 Montauk Highway, Water Mill. Call 631-726-2633 or visit hamptoncoffeecompany.com.
Feeling adequately revved up, it was onward to SoulCycle to burn off more calories than consumed in a day. As a dear friend reminded me, “If you don’t squeeze your glutes, no one else will.” Sign up for SoulCycle now, since “summer bodies are made in the winter.” SoulCycle is located where Blockbuster used to be, at 760 Montauk Highway. Call 631-324-6610 or visit soul-cycle.com for class schedules and pricing.
After class, save yourself time and take advantage of the conveniences right there. Having guests later tonight? Pick up a few bottles of rosé from Southampton Wines at Water Mill, right next to the dry cleaners. You can see how this can all work out quite nicely. Call ahead and Southampton Wines will have your order ready for pickup! 631-726-2712, southamptonwines.com.
Nails looking sub-par? March wind will do that to a person! Serenity Nails can fix that. Located at 670 Montauk Highway, call 631-726-4696 to schedule an appointment or just walk right in. In between manicures, revive those hands with a rich, hydrating crème like Dermelect Cosmeceuticals “Timeless Anti-Aging Daily Hand Treatment.” Made with ProSina TM Protein Peptide, Hyaluronic Acid, GABA, Emblica, collagen and papaya extract, the hand lotion combats dryness, locks in moisture, plumps the skin and lightens dark spots, all with a grease-free powdery cream formula. The lotion is even re-activated with water—perfect for frequent hand-washers. Available online at dermelect.com.
Fading but don’t quite feel like sitting down for a formal lunch? That’s why God made delis. The Deli at Water Mill is popular with folks on the go for their delicious (and big!) sandwiches, coffees, bagels and even treats like salchipapas and tacos. It’s the perfect pit stop before the beach. The Deli is located at 670 Montauk Highway. Call 631-726-3354.
Whether you play or know someone that does, the Piano Barn is worth checking out. The founder and owner Mike Scainetti has been working around pianos full time since the 1970s. Piano Barn has new and used pianos for sale or rent and also offers tuning and repair, and professional advice. Stop by at 555 Montauk Highway. Call 631-726-4640 or visit pianobarn.com.
Don’t leave town without a peek in Sara Nightingale Gallery. Nightingale shows the work of contemporary artists—many of whom are local—and collaborates with curators and programs (such as the Watermill Center). The gallery is located at 688 Montauk Highway. Visit saranightingale.com for upcoming shows and details.
Definitely don’t leave town without Suki Zuki! The Japanese restaurant is perfect for any occasion—a quick bite after work or a special date—and the food is amazing. Suki Zuki is located at 688 Montauk Highway. Call 631-726-4600.