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• July 3, 2008
• On Location

Wagons East

The Best New Hamptons Pit-Stops. By Nicole Schlomann

Come summertime, it seems every right-minded New Yorker is fleeing the concrete jungle and crowding the Jitney for the coast. The cool breezes and hot sun could be the draw, but we're guessing the opening of several stylish new pop-up stores, restaurants, and hotels could have something to do with it, too. After all, everyone still wants the convenience and variety of the New York experience—just tweaked a bit with some Hamptons "charm." Mixing of-the-moment style with an easy-going attitude, these new outposts may just keep you off the beach (temporarily).

Yigal Azrouël
Housed in a quaint white clapboard house with wooden sign swinging out front, the new seasonal Yigal Azrouël store blends right in with its East End surroundings. It's filled with seaside goodies, including striped tops, loose campy shorts, and Azrouël's signature line of kicks for K-Swiss. 700 Montauk Highway, Watermill; www.yigal-azrouel.com.

Tauk
Make a pit-stop here before hitting the beach for sail bags, printed sarongs, breezy tunics, and, of course—plenty of teeny bikinis. The store's interior designer owners also showcase local art and nautical knickknacks for all you souvenir hunters. 54 South Erie Avenue, Montauk, 631-688-3686; www.taukmontauk.com.

Screaming Mimi's
Along with the stellar vintage finds Mimi's is known for in NYC, you can also discover their Opening Ceremony capsule collection tucked inside the cozy beach cottage, which has become their summer headquarters. The nautical-inspired line includes preppy seersucker shorts, rope-trimmed hoodies, and a towel designed by Mimi's illustrator Fawn Gehweiler. 662 Montauk Highway, Montauk; www.screamingmimis.com.

Earnest Sewn
This new outpost not only stocks the brand's signature denim, it also offers up a mini outlet store in the back, as well as hostess gifts like Phaidon art books and Santa Maria Novella fragrances. 53c Jobs Lane, Southampton, 631-283-6906; www.earnestsewn.com.

The Surf Lodge
This hotel, which opened on Memorial Day, is a loving homage to surf culture and it skips the kitsch for whitewashed walls, woven hammocks, driftwood, and beachfront views. Top Chef contestant Sam Talbot is in charge of the lodge's restaurant and the lodge's den plays classic surf films 24 hours a day. 183 Edgemere Street, Montauk, 631-238-5190; www.thesurflodge.com

Tutto Il Giorno
Reopened this year as a joint venture between Donna Karan (her Urban Zen store is next door) and her daughter, this reinvented restaurant replaces a rustic Italian atmosphere with a cleaner, more summery feel. The food is correspondingly light but still yummy. 6 Bay Street, Sag Harbor, 631-725-7009

Sole East
Hammocks and outdoor fireplaces? Sign us up! This fresh new retreat features a top-notch restaurant that sources local food, features beachy decor, and sports bocce-ball court on its lush grounds. Best part, the ocean is just a quick stroll away. 90 Second House Road, Montauk, 631-668-2105; www.soleeast.com.

The Best New Hamptons Pit-Stops.