New Developments and Summer Pop-Ups in the Hamptons

THE HAMPTONS, N.Y. (MainStreet) -- The summer exodus to the Hamptons is at hand as New York City weekenders arrive to a selection of hotel debuts by some familiar names and restaurant openings that give established players some competition.

Few places are ever entirely new in the Hamptons, and most of this season's debuts are a result of real estate churning that puts different names and fresh paint on old and familiar addresses (such as the Reform Club, now known as The Inn at Windmill Lane and still one of the top stays in the Hamptons), while last season's hot spots return (such as The Capri Southampton with its expanded Nobu eatery and chic Bathing Club).

Montauk continues its progression as the hippest town in the Hamptons. The most eastern village on Long Island offers a refreshed scene of hip eateries and boutique hotels, including the refurbished Crow's Nest by Sean MacPherson, one of the owners of New York's Bowery Hotel. The Crow's Nest offers a charming compound of New England architecture around a boutique inn and seafood-minded eatery. Rooms mix camping chic and maritime style for simple, spare spaces that include a rare two-bedroom cottage ideal for larger families. The restaurant is a postcard of the Montauk of old: rustic and charming with a locally sourced menu of seafood specialties well stocked with trendy New Yorkers and Montauk virgins.

Other Montauk developments include new owners for the ruckus-making Surf Lodge with its star chef, Sam Talbot, vacating his post in the hotel's dining room. A bit further east, the owners of Sole East are in the final stages of opening the Montauk Beach House within the former Ronjo Motel, promising to infuse the rooms of this former Polynesian-theme property with an industrial beach-chic style of reclaimed woods and vintage accessories. Nearby, those thirsty for a bit more mayhem can cast in their lines into the renovated Sloppy Tuna, expanded to include a sexy beach bar in addition to its rooftop eatery and live music lounge -- a welcome contrast to the hip-hop and house dance clubs of East Hampton and Southampton.