8 Must-Visit Locations on Shelter Island, NY
Shelter Island is more low key but every bit as chic as the other Hamptons towns and villages… and just a short ferry ride away
I’ve been coming to the Hamptons regularly for almost 25 years.
I like to say that I’ve seen almost everything out East, save for a few restaurants that I always say I’ll get to off season.
One place I’m finally getting to know a little better is Shelter Island.
Located between the North and South Forks of Long Island, Shelter Island is accessible by ferry, a less than 10-minute ride from North Haven (on the South Fork) or Greenport (on the North Fork), which costs about 20 dollars round trip.
And it’s precisely its inaccessibility that makes Shelter Island so great.
The idea is to come… and stay awhile.
There’s a lot to see, including a few new spots you definitely want to check out.
Summer isn’t over, yet.
Here are the TOP EIGHT SPOTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS ON SHELTER ISLAND:
1. MARIE EIFFEL MARKET: If you want to feel a little like you’re in Paris, head to Marie Eiffel Market. Here, you’ll find imported French sea salt and mustard, along with homemade tarte tatin and delicious soups. My favorite is the Parisian Sandwich — French ham, Gruyère cheese and butter on a baguette.
Source: Shelter Island Gazette
2. MARNI MARINE AT SUNSET BEACH: If you’re looking for high fashion, the Marni store at Sunset Beach is the only game in town. And it’s worth the trip. My favorite item? The Marni Market woven bags. Fabulous summer accessory.
Source: Marni.com
Source: Vogue
3. SUNSET BEACH HOTEL: After you’ve shopped at Marni, you can dine next door at Sunset Beach. Try for a table on the top deck overlooking Crescent Beach. Get the Steamed Pei Mussels — classic moules-frites. You’ll feel like you’re in St. Tropez.
Source: Booked.net
Source: Sunsetbeach.fun
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4. THE PRIDWIN HOTEL AND COTTAGES: Down the street from Sunset Beach is The Pridwin, a 95-year-old hotel which just reopened after a down-to-the-studs renovation. Super chic — with 33 rooms and 16 stand-alone one- and two-bedroom cottages. There’s a pool, fitness center, spa, and restaurant. There’s also a Ping-Pong table. And Schumacher wallpaper. Time to book a stay.
Source: The New York Post
Source: Cape Resorts
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5. THE CHEQUIT: Another newly renovated hotel on the other side of the island is The Chequit, which dates back to 1872. There are 19 new rooms in the main building and an additional 16 yet-to-be renovated rooms in two separate buildings. The pool will be ready next summer. Right now, the two restaurants on the property are getting all the buzz.
Source: Trivago
6. VINE STREET CAFE: Speaking of restaurants, Vine Street Cafe is one of my favorites — not just on Shelter Island — but in all the Hamptons. The food is unbelievable and so is the wine list. They also make their own bottled pasta and hot sauces, so you can take a little Vine Street home with you.
Source: Eater NY
Source: What We Like NYC
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7. LÉON 1909: One restaurant that is on the top of my list to try after Labor Day is Léon 1909. Owned by Valerie Mnuchin and her father, Robert Mnuchin, the former co-owner of The Mayflower Inn & Spa in CT. Some of the mouth-watering items on the menu include Candele (pasta shaped like a candle) with Sweet Corn Cream and Lobster and the Léon Burger with Gruyère, Caramelized Onions and Sour Pickles. Yum.
Source: Behind the Hedges
8. BLACK CAT BOOKS: There’s nothing better than taking a trip to Black Cat Books on a rainy day. You can spend a half-day discovering signed first editions and other vintage books, like the original Loaves and Fishes Cookbook. You’ll be surprised at just how much they cram into the small, two-story space. You won’t leave without buying something.
Source: Her Travel Edit