Things to Do Before “The Season”

Sunset from in the ocean near Mecox Beach (submitted by Paul W).

Paul Wilson

We’re not talking about getting the outdoor furniture on the patio and mowing the lawn. We’re talking about all the things you should savor, on this, the last weekend before the summer season—and the maddening crowds—arrive in a week.

Drive on Route 27: The next time you’ll be able to drive Southampton to East Hampton traffic-free is next fall (or at 3:25 in the morning on a Tuesday), so get it while the getting is good. Make left turns liberally and without cause. And try and remember all the back road shortcuts you’ve forgotten since last Labor Day.

Eat at Nick & Toni’s: Unless your last name is Spielberg, this is the last weekend that you’ll be able to get a reservation at Nick & Toni’s. Get three courses, get a nice bottle of wine—order an extra dessert.

Park on Main Street: You don’t even have to get out of your car. Just drive up and park in East Hampton or Southampton and sit there in a primo parking spot. Wave at the newly deputized teenagers who will ticket you for not having your hands on the wheel at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock.

Go to the Beach (pre-sticker season and pre-parking 3 miles from the actual beach): Sure the water is a little chilly still. But dragging the cooler 3 miles from your parking spot in the dead of summer is just weeks away. Bring your dog. Drive on the beach if you want to. Look left—just a few people. Look right—just a few people. Burn that memory into your brain.

Get a Cup of Coffee in 2 Minutes: Starbucks, Hampton Coffee Company, The Springs General Store—all of them will be packed with weekenders next Saturday. They’ll want their non-fat, soy, double-pump, iced, half caf chai latte and they’ll want it NOW. So drink a lot of coffee this weekend while there’s no line.

Listen to the Silence: The planes, trains, buses, helicopters and cars are only a week away. Sit in your backyard and listen to...nothing.