Thanks to generous friends who landed a wonderful, soundside cottage in the Hamptons town of Sag Harbour, we were able to spend a long weekend in the heart of where New York decamps during the summer months. For years, ever since moving to New York, I'd been fascinated by this summer culture and had always wanted to witness it first hand. What a perfect opportunity.

We hit the full spectrum. From investigating the pricey boutiques of towns like Southampton and East Hampton, to sneaking on to the private beaches of Bridgehampton. Firing up the grill and savouring the catch of the day accompanied by Long Island corn and fresh vegetables, to getting special treatment at the wineries and restaurants where another friend knows all. Plus not missing out on all the local goodies -- local delis like Loaves and Fishes, roadside produce stands, and institutions like The Lobster Roll in Amagansett (better known simply as "Lunch", which has a book written about it) and the Clam Bar on Montauk Highway.

Take a look at some of the photos from our trip.

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