Sixty-Something: The Last Two Weeks Of August Are The High Summer Season Of The Hamptons

All of a sudden the calendar points to the end of August sooner then later. In the Hamptons, this is a time of “high feather.” The private jets are all in at the airport. The private chefs are all over the hamlets buying quality fresh produce for the super parties people like me read about but seldom ever attend. The last two weeks of August drives the locals crazy because everywhere, everything and everyone is busy. Parking becomes difficult, waiting times increase at restaurants, even when you have a reservation. Traffic comes almost to a standstill in the villages and on Route 27 too and the beaches get super crowded.

Many visitors love the action, the energy, the Manhattan on the East End vibe where they actually see many people they know from NYC all over at restaurants, beaches, bars and walking around the towns. In a weird way it’s comforting and fun. To locals, many working 3-4 jobs it’s busy, busy, busy time to make money before the relaxing September and October are at hand.

With the annual Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton and the wonderful shows at Guild Hall and Bay Street, there are plenty of big-time events and parties to dress up and see, be seen, and enjoy. I know even when I sail out in Gardiner’s Bay there are more larger boats cruising about off shore.

If you enjoy spotting celebrities everywhere and anywhere, this is that time on the Hamptons calendar. If they own a home, they will be in them these next two weeks. From Bon Jovi to Paul McCartney to Gwyneth Paltrow to Scarlett Johansson, they are in town out and about with their families. Alec Baldwin most likely has all of his guest rooms filled at his Amagansett mansion. Even the elusive Bridgehampton horse farm owning Madonna will no doubt make an appearance at the Hampton Classic only four minutes down the road from her spread.

Late August is Jimmy Fallon’s time to take over a restaurant or bar piano and entertain whoever is lucky enough to be there. Jimmy Buffet will show up at the Talkhouse to play a surprise set and Chris Martin will be at Atlantic Beach with his kids along with so many people no will even know they are there.

One of my most favorite stories I ever composed was about this time of the Hamptons summer season, when friends who shared this summer season together via rented homes or summers off realize the special bond they molded socializing with each other all summer is coming to an end. They somehow know the memories of this summer will blend into so many others over time. They feel the season ending and they know the September weather is coming.

These days for families it’s already about the coming school season and purchasing the new clothes for the first few days of school. I remember in my days in the 1960’s that meant a trip to Paul Scott’s in New Rochelle to get same blue jeans, and khaki pants along with some lightweight long sleeve shirts and a new pair of penny loafers!

It takes a lot of patience not to lose it once or twice while waiting for a parking space, a restaurant seat, a place at the bar, a spot in the beach parking lot, or a chance to relieve oneself in a bathroom. I am always fascinated by the high level of energy all over versus the lack of pizazz that Tuesday after Labor Day the locals call “Tumbleweeds Tuesday.” Well the end is not here yet so get to your favorite beach or get your favorite summer drinks at your favorite places and enjoy what is known all over the world as the last two weeks of August the high summer season in the Hamptons.