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Hey The Hamptons, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Forest protection quarantine, Tom Kitt songs and stories, and a wild nine-bedroom estate + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
New forest protection measures: DEC established a laurel wilt quarantine for Babylon, Brookhaven, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, banning untreated firewood and sassafras and spicebush woody material from leaving these towns to protect Long Island forests -- read the full story.
Charter plans face delay: Two Academy Charter campuses in Brentwood delayed opening a year after teachers union lawsuits. The operator sought a one-year extension, and Central Islip high school is planned for next fall -- follow the school delays.
Randi Ball’s summer picks: The Agency Hamptons managing director Randi Ball shares East End summer favorites, from Paddle Diva paddleboarding and Reform Club yoga to walks and dinners at Crow's Nest and Duryea's -- explore her East End favorites.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Your next great bottle: Since 1933, Herbert & Rist Wine & Liquor Shop has quietly stocked over a thousand labels, including fifty rosés every summer, with a crew that actually helps you pair and pick right. From weeknight staples to splurge-worthy finds, they’ll even special order the exact bottle you’re craving.
Crispy cookie craving: Southampton born and famously crispy, Tate's Bake Shop nails that just-right chocolate chip snap, plus gluten free options that still taste like, well, cookies. Reach for a pick-me-up or a legit dessert plan, from sour cream coffee cake to chocolate chip pie, Tiny Tate's, soft baked and limited edition seasonal must haves.
Sushi that feels good: Yama Q keeps it simple with Japanese Health Food that’s light, clean, and exactly what your midweek appetite ordered. Slide up to the sushi bar for pristine rolls and nigiri, pair with sake or beer, or pre-order sushi platters when you’re hosting this week but secretly not cooking.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎨 Paint-A-Petroglyph @ Hampton Library (Bridgehampton) | Tuesday (8/4) at 4:00 PM – Hand the grades 6 and up crowd the chisel, not the tablet, and let Paint-A-Petroglyph unlock their inner cave communicator. They will explore ancient rock art, then carve stone stories, inventing prehistoric emojis, with less eye strain, more bragging rights, and zero Wi-Fi.
🤝 Craft Buddies @ Rogers Memorial Library (Southampton) | Wednesday (8/5) at 11:30 AM – In the mood to earn good karma points without sitting through another committee meeting? This midweek gig pairs volunteers with young crafters, projects change weekly, registration is required, and yes, there will be glue sticks, glitter, and the kind of stories you cannot make up.
🚶 Wednesday Walks @ Rogers Memorial Library (Southampton) | Wednesday (8/5) at 1:00 PM – Swap the treadmill for a civilized stroll through Southampton’s history, winding along Windmill Lane, Hill Street, Breese Lane, and Coopers Farm Road. We meet at the library’s rose garden, then enjoy gossip-worthy hedges, grand porches, and steps that actually count. Comfortable shoes and water, please.
🎺 Real East End Brass Concert @ Good Ground Park (Hampton Bays) | Thursday (8/6) at 7:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to dust off the lawn chairs, here it is. Real East End Brass hits Good Ground Park with high energy jazz, funk, and pop. It’s free, neighborly, and loud enough to make you feel twenty-five, responsibly.
🏃 31st Annual Ellen’s 5K @ Southampton Intermediate School | Sunday (8/16) at 9:00 AM – Race day at Southampton Intermediate School means one thing: Ellen’s 5K is back for year 31, rain or shine. Expect friendly paces, stroller dodging, and a free Kiddie Dash that guarantees naptime. Run, walk, or catch up with neighbors, pretend your bagel is carb loading.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Hamptons report Weather forecastToday — High: 77°F — Low: 70°F — Precip: 3%
Mostly sunny. High near 77, with temperatures falling to around 75 in the afternoon. Northeast wind around 8 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind 2 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 77°F — Low: 73°F — Precip: 22%
A slight chance of rain showers between 8am and 2pm. Partly sunny. High near 77, with temperatures falling to around 75 in the afternoon. South wind 2 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. This house is wildThis East Hampton Village estate spreads across 2.3 private acres, just moments from the Atlantic. Recently reimagined in 2022, the nine-bedroom home pairs timeless architecture with polished contemporary finishes. A north-south tennis court, heated pool, pool house, apple orchard, and wellness suite with gym and sauna create a true resort-style escape.
Take a peek inside → |
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