Intruding on a weekend at the Hamptons
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Once the weather warms up, the Hamptons become the playground of the east coast's mega-rich. (Reuters: Darrin Zammit Lupi, file photo)
A holiday in the Hamptons conjures up images of elegant Gatsby-esque summer experiences, sipping cocktails and rubbing shoulders with the super rich at sprawling mansions.
So what to pack for a visit to the sumptuous Hamptons? Naturally the $500 Jimmy Choo metallic sandals, perhaps the Versace sun frock, and of course the Chanel swimsuit.
Sadly, I did not find any of those in my wardrobe, so I settled for the usual minimalist, casual Australian beach-holiday wear.
The Hamptons is a series of pretty towns and villages on eastern Long Island, about a two-hour drive from New York City.
Once the weather warms up, it becomes the playground of the east coast's mega-rich.
It might be a long way from Fifth Avenue, but you can still visit your favourite retailers on Main Street in East Hampton - Gucci, Tiffany and Company, Ralph Lauren - they are all here.
In the thick of the summer scene is Marina Van, head of the East Hampton Chamber of Commerce.
"You see the most beautiful dresses, the most beautiful people here; it's the place to be," she said.
The homes are far from your average holiday shack. They might only be used for a few months of the year, but some would be best described as mansions, with expansive lawns running down to the beach. All hidden behind 12-foot hedges, with sturdy-looking gates and security cameras.
"The garden party is the thing here. And then we have events, polo matches every Saturday for six weeks in Bridgehampton," said Ms Van.
She also says that yes, you have to be fabulously wealthy to spend time in the Hamptons.
Many of the summer visitors are rich or famous, or both.
Ms Van says celebrities like it here because they are not bothered by those troublesome normal people who might want to meet them.
"We have authors, we have painters. Hollywood is here, directors, movie stars, politicians, and this is why they come here," she said.
"The local folk, like myself, just don't divulge names."
Ms Van refuses to name names, but I have been doing my research, and some of those who spend time here over summer include Steven Spielberg, the newly-divorced Christie Brinkley, Martha Stewart, Jerry Seinfeld, the list goes on.
I didn't waste any time, my first and only star encounter came at an Italian restaurant in East Hampton on my first night in town. Heads swivelled and there was entertainer Jimmy Buffett, who lives and surfs just down the road in Montauk.
Just before leaving the area, I attended a marvellous Hamptons summer tradition. The East Hampton Ladies Village Improvement Society Fair, first held back in 1896.
The most popular stall seemed to be the vintage clothing tent; the local ladies were getting in early to snap-up those pre-loved cashmere sweaters and designer frocks. Everyone loves a bargain.
My souvenirs? A couple of Hamptons tea towels.
Based on a report by Tracy Bowden for Correspondents Report.
