The Muse
Some folks go to the beach to hook up with other hot people.
Photograph copyright Scott Vries/Picture Group.
But I go to get away from the world.
photo by Marjorie E. Gage
I like my beaches clean, free (something about wearing a badge to the beach bugs me), and as sparsely populated as possible. That’s why I tend to make my summer pilgrimages to the seashore early in the morning, before the hungover masses arrive, or toward sunset, when families with children have departed to get an early table at the local seafood shack.
Sometimes, for someone like me, the best time to go to the beach is during the off season, when it’s just the sand, the waves, one’s thoughts, and an occasional dog walker or two.
East Hampton Ocean (photo by Marjorie E. Gage)
Last Columbus Day weekend, my daughter and I boarded the Hampton Jitney at the 59th Street/Lexington Avenue stop, across from Bloomingdale’s, and headed to the Village of East Hampton for the weekend.
We made our home at the Hedges Inn, an easy walk from the bus stop and Main Street shops, and—more important—just a half mile from the Atlantic.
The Hedges Inn
The Hedges Bathroom
The two of us shared an immaculate, convent-cell-sized room with twin beds and a private, marble-and-mahogany bath. We had planned our getaway at the last minute, and this little retreat, tucked away in a corner of the The Hedges’s second floor was the only room for two left in town. We lucked out.
On the recommendation of a friend who lives locally, we enjoyed a late dinner at Cittanuova, a trattoria furnished with De Padova tables and chairs, Dilmos wall mosaics, and Artemide light fixures. And the next morning, we rented cruisers and headed to the beach with a picnic lunch, books, and a couple of towels packed in an insulated backpack .
Our bikes (photo by Marjorie E. Gage)
We took the long way there, weaving down lanes canopied in ancient elms, beeches, and London plane trees.
Jeffrey Lane
Neither one of us could help wondering what it might be like to live in one of those big old Shingle Style cottages hidden behind the giant walls of privet. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mumWYU5aHBU)
Sun, sand, and a little peace and quiet: It doesn’t seem like such an impossible dream. Just remember that the places where this can be found are few, the people who share the dream are many, and your days for finding your place in the sun are numbered.
If you don’t reserve a sweet spot while there’s still snow on the ground, and all that’s left to rent come summer is a seedy share—please don’t blame the situation on us.
—Marjorie E. Gage
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