Your Guide to Winter in the Hamptons: Igloos, Wine, More

When the rosé stops flowing and the celebs head to Miami, Hamptons locals rejoice.

And you should join them.

Today, we’ve compiled seven great reasons to head east in the off-season, from harborside hockey to heated igloos to nude drawing classes.

Traffic is lighter, hotels are cheaper and Instagrammers are fewer and farther between.

Win. Win. Win.

^{Photo via PAWPAW}

TASTE: Wölffer Estate
Lock in a reservation for parties of up to eight for a private tasting accompanied by cheese and charcuterie platters. While renowned for their summer rosé, they’ve got a knockout collection of reds perfect for chilly days, of which the Grapes of Roth merlot should not be missed. Plan ahead and hit up the PAWPAW pop-up restaurant on a Saturday evening, where husband-and-wife duo Taylor and Katelyn — escargot and snail caviar farmers — whip up a multi-course soirèe with food, flowing wine and entertainment.

SKATE: Buckskill Winter Club
For ace skaters, this winter club has the only NHL regulation-sized outdoor rink around. But you need not be a pro to lace up. The rink offers everything from public skating to private lessons to hockey classes. And should you be making the East your winter home, there’s a hockey league to boot. For the south crew, hit up the Southampton Ice Rink. It’s covered and offers plenty of hot coffee.

^{Photo via Gurney’s Montauk on Facebook}

MIX IT UP: Gurney’s Montauk
If you’re searching for a reason to head to Gurney’s that doesn’t include the consistently subpar service (we kid … kind of), this is it. The resort has transformed into a winter wonderland with everything from heated igloos to mixology classes, plus live music every Saturday in cahoots with Milagro, Montauk Hard Label, Tito’s and more.

SHUCK: Widow’s Hole Oyster Farm
Any oyster connoisseur will tell you that the colder months are prime shucking season. They just taste better. Head over to Widow’s for a tour and crack open some shells of your own.

^{Photo via @suffolk_theater_riverhead on Instagram}

JAM: Suffolk Theater
The 1930s art deco haunt plays host to a slew of nostalgic music acts and magical performances — there’s even a magic show. Hot on our radar though is the Johnny Cash birthday celebration on February 23rd, with three acts paying homage to the Man in Black.

VIEW: Parrish Art Museum
Fill an afternoon with 12,000 square feet of culture. Take up a life-drawing class (yes, that means some nudes) or engage in a Basquiat talk appropriately titled “From Rage to Riches.” February is family month, with plenty of artsy wonders for the little ones (no nudes here) like circus performances and Lego night.

^{Photo via Nick + Toni’s on Facebook}

RESERVE: Nick + Toni’s
Take advantage of the low tide of tourists and snag a seat at one the harder-to-book tables out east. Of note, Nick + Toni’s rustic farmhouse with its year-round Mediterranean menu should top the list. But don’t sleep on a wine and dine at Dopo La Spiaggia, a lovely Italian eatery with a roaring fireplace.

Main image via Wölffer Estate