Thanks to an amazing wedding gift, Will and I spent a weekend in the Hamptons. As crazy as it sounds, this was my first time in the Hamptons despite being a native New Yorker. That being said, we had a blast.

Our weekend getaway started in Southampton at the historic 1708 House. Throughout the weekend, we found ourselves in Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, and Water Mill. Our activities ranged from walking the gorgeous beaches (sorry Newport, but these beaches took the cake), sipping wines at local vineyards, chomping down cookies at Tate's Bake Shop, and also acquainting ourselves with American artists at the Parrish Art Museum.

Did I mention the food? The food was incredible. We splurged at Red Bar Brasserie one evening and feasted on foie gras with a fig jam, homemade garganelli with veal, sage, and a light cream sauce, and local Long Island duck breast with wild rice. The meal was accompanied by cocktails, a chilled glass of Vouvray, and a rustic red. By far, a memorable meal not only for the food, but for the down-to-earth and energetic bartender who took care of us all evening. Thank you, Pat.

Another memorable meal was Almond in Bridgehampton. I've heard a lot about their stellar NYC brunch menu and was pleased to stumble upon the original locale on Long Island. Each table gets a basket full of homemade, flaky biscuits, and apple butter. Scrumptious. We ate a fabulous turkey burger and a B.A.L.T--a bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomato sandwich with an arugula pesto. We paired our lunch with a local IPA and Pinot Grigio from Channing Daughters estate. Local, fresh, and delicious.

And that's just the first part. Stay tuned for Part II!