Summer is well underway by now, and even though we all have so much going on, date nights should never stop being a priority. Whether you’ve been a regular Hamptonite or you’re just here for the month, here are some creative ideas to step out of your usual comforts and connect on a deeper level. It’s time to leave the kids, the animals, or simply just the sweatpants at home and try something new.
Catch a show at the Bay Street Theater. Just because you’re out of the city doesn’t mean you have to forget about the amazing culture that the Hamptons has to offer. Cagney, a show about Hollywood legend James Cagney is playing at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor until July 26th. After that, the theater is featuring one of my favorite Tony Award–winning musicals, Dear Evan Hanson, from August 4–29. Catch an early dinner by the water at Le Bilboquet or Beacon and head over to experience a little bit of Broadway out east.
Head to the North Fork. Switch it up for once and head over to the beautiful North Fork. Maybe you rent a boat for the day and have lunch at Duryea’s at Orient Point. Or get out in time to see the sunset and have dinner at one of the many acclaimed vineyards, like Croteaux Vineyards, Bedell Cellars, or Sparkling Pointe.
Take advantage of Guild Hall. July is almost coming to an end, but August still has so much to offer you, especially when it comes to the programming at East Hampton’s Guild Hall. On August 2nd, you and your significant other can enjoy a silent disco dance party in the Furman Garden with some of the top DJs. There are also a few incredible exhibitions coming our way, including Eric Freeman’s The Volume of Color and Ross Bleckner’s Never the Less shows.
Support local artists and talent. There’s an amazing gallery in Amagansett called Galerie Sardine. Grab a white slice at Fini Pizza and see what artists are on display that night. The Bridgehampton Museum also has some renewed programming and is currently hosting an outdoor installation of artist John Chamberlain’s BurntPiano. Go check out the Madoo Conservancy in Sagaponack, the Dan Flavin Art Institute in Bridgehampton, or The Ranch in Montauk.
Get lit at a beach bonfire. My favorite summer memories are time spent on Town Line Beach after hours making s’mores and so many more. There’s no such thing as being too old for a beach bonfire. Whether you make this picnic style with dinner included, or do more of a late-night event, everyone always has fun at the beach. Just make sure at least one of you knows how to build a fire. Wear sweatshirts, and prepare to smell like burning wood until your next shower.
I’m so excited to hear what creative dates you end up trying out this summer. For more dating, couples, and motherhood tips, you can follow @wemetatacme, @wemetatbaby, and @lindzmetz on Instagram or check out “We Met at Acme” wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you want to be spammed with all the fresh seafood I’m eating, see @dontexpectsalads.
Lindsey Metselaar
