Water Wine Travel™

A few weeks ago I wrote a post on alternative ways to get to the Hamptons.  I promised to write another post outlining my favorite back routes for Hamptons travel.  Many summer travelers will be venturing to the Hamptons via car and most will take the Long Island Expressway.  If you are coming from Brooklyn, Queens or even Westchester County, I find using the Southern State Expressway a bit quicker.  It usually cuts 15-20 minutes off my trip and I don’t miss those big tractor-trailers either.

Whether you drive in via the LIE or Southern State, you will inevitably have to get on Route 27East to get to the Hamptons.  This is often where a slowdown from traffic congestion occurs.

It is probably best to attempt this shortcut with someone in the car to read directions and help with navigation. Even with GPS, maps are still helpful.  Be attentive to the road – the Hamptons is deer country!  Also, some of these short cuts will take you out of retail areas and through lots of farmland and potato fields – if you get confused, follow the other cars, most are weekenders who know the road.

Shortcut one – bypasses traffic in Southampton, Water Mill and portion of Bridgehampton

1. As you drive down Route 27East through Southampton you will see Animal Kingdom Mini Golf on the right. As you pass Magee Street, merge left to get into the turning lane.
2. Turn left onto 52 North. At the stop light go left. Turn right on North Sea/Mecox Road.
3. Go Straight on North Sea/Mecox Road. It will dead end at a stop sign.  Make a left on Seven Ponds Road.
4. Drive for about 0.1 mile and bear left at the junction. This will place you on Lower Seven Ponds Road.
5. When you reach a stop sign/dead-end go left on Head of the Pond Road.
6. Bear right at the windmill to continue straight on Head of the Pond Road.
7. You will see a stop sign/dead-end at the Halsey Farm and Nursery. Turn left and make the next immediate right turn to stay on Head of the Pond Road.
8. You will come to a stop sign (triangle in the center of the road). Turn left to get on  Scuttlehole Road (you should see the Car Doctor Auto Shop on your left)
9. Continue straight on Scuttlehole Road until you come to the rotary. Bear left to continue on Scuttlehole Road. You will pass Channing Daughters Winery on your right.
10. Scuttlehole Road will dead-end at Route 79 – Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike. If you turn left and drive straight you will enter downtown Sag Harbor. If you turn right you can get back on Route 27East and continue to Sagaponack, East Hampton, Amagansett or Montauk.

Shortcut two – bypasses traffic in Sag Harbor to get to East Hampton, Amagansett and Montauk

1. From Main Street in Sag Harbor, you will pass the American Hotel on the right. You will see the pier straight ahead. Make a right turn on Route 114 (the East Hampton – Sag Harbor Turnpike)
2. Stay on Route 114. It will take you straight to Route 27. You can go left (east) into East Hampton, Amagansett and Montauk. (You can also turn right to go west to Sagaponack or Bridgehampton).

Shortcut three – bypasses traffic in Southampton, Water Mill, Bridgehampton to get to Sag Harbor

1. Follow shortcut one step one above.
2. Take 52 north straight. It will become Route 38.
3. Make a right on Noyac Road.
4. Stay on Noyac Road. It will take you Route 79 (the BridgeHampton Sag Harbor Turnpike). You will see Mashashimuet Park ahead. Turn left to get on  Main Street, Sag Harbor.

Please feel free to share your own Hamptons short cuts or travel tips in the comments section below. See you at the beach!