The fashion and beauty industries are filled with interesting people from all over the world who have great taste — the types you can rely on for excellent travel recommendations. So, we’re asking them about their favorite food, shopping and wellness spots in their cities. Consider this series your fashion and beauty person’s guide to travel.

Although New York is regarded by many as the greatest city in the world for all it has to offer, another bonus to living there is being able to easily escape the noise (when needed) via the Hamptons.

It all started during the late 19th Century, when wealthy American families like the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers decided to build massive mansions in the fishing towns, laying the foundation — literally and figuratively — for the destination’s elite reputation. Fast forward to 2025, and big shots across all industries still retreat to the East End of Long Island each summer. Some stick to their preferred locations (Jennifer Lopez owns a nearly $10 million home in Water Mill, while Madonna lodges in her eight-bedroom farmhouse in Bridgehampton), and others have tested the literal waters in different neighborhoods, including fashion designer Cynthia Rowley.

In the 1990s, Rowley lived in East Hampton, then moved to Montauk in the early 2000s after the birth of her daughter (influencer and “Bachelor” Nation alum Kit Keenan). It was always a dream of Rowley’s to transition to a beachside spot. “I grew up in land-locked Illinois,” she tells Fashionista. “The whole idea that I could live in the city and also be at a gorgeous ocean in a matter of hours seemed magical.”

After a decade of living in Montauk, Rowley opened her first Hamptons store. The surf shack-inspired shop is a bright spot on the main road, featuring wide windows with mannequins donning everything from party dresses for a night at The Surf Lodge (a staple going-out stop of the designer’s) to vividly patterned bikinis perfect for lounging at the new Offshore hotel or community-favorite Solé East pools.

Beyond the shopping and relaxing that the area is known for, Rowley’s true love is its surfing opportunities. In a 2020 interview with Gestalten, she recalled a friend telling her, “You can’t have this house and not surf.” Since then, the sport has become not only a personal passion of hers, but also a major part of her business.

In 2012, Rowley started designing and selling wetsuits. A few years later, the brand began hosting yearly trips to Montauk (dubbed “CR Surf Camp”) for editors and content creators. The overnight affair includes surfing lessons with local professionals, capped by a group dinner where Rowley toasts to “Mother Nature’s perfect waves” and expresses her deep love for Montauk. (It’s a truly heartwarming speech I’ve been lucky enough to hear twice now.)

The 57-year-old’s 20-plus years as a Hamptons resident have given her a profound appreciation for the community. Whether she’s recommending specific surf instructors or pointing visitors in the direction of small cafés like Joni’s (she orders a classic egg wrap), she’s proven herself as a true savant of the coastal getaway. “Montauk is an oasis,” she says. “It’s so far out that it keeps it really special.”

Now, with a second shop open in Sag Harbor and her 101st runway show underway, Rowley walks us through her favorite places to grab a lobster roll, beachside picnic basket must-haves and the best places to sightsee (with just a touch of gatekeeping — got to keep things exclusive!), just in time for the towns’ increasingly popular off-season.

What’s one food everyone who goes to the Hamptons should try?

John’s Drive-In’s homemade ice cream. 

What’s your favorite place (or places) to get lunch in the Hamptons?

Lunch [Editor’s note: the famed lobster roll spot on Montauk Highway]. But otherwise, I usually pack a little picnic for the beach with materials from Round Swamp Farm — specifically their prize-winning fruit.

Best place for coffee?

Do Not Feed Alligators! We have a little coffee shop in the back of our Montauk store, and it is the best coffee and matcha on the East End.

What’s your favorite spot to get dinner in the Hamptons?

I can’t name any of my favorite places, or I will never get a table!

What’s one tourist attraction you think is well worth the visit in the Hamptons?

The greatest attractions in the Hamptons are the beaches. Every town has the most beautiful public beaches. One fun spot is the driving range at Poxabogue in Sagaponack. It’s also the perfect place to wear our new golf collab with Fore All.

If you only had time to visit one museum or gallery while in the Hamptons, which would you pick?

I would definitely say the Parrish Art Museum. It has the most beautiful architecture and is so well curated. Make sure to check out their website to keep up to date with what’s on display.

Any shopping you recommend?

Get yourself a dress and then a wetsuit at our Montauk store, and then sign up for a surf lesson at Engstrom Surf Lessons with Leif.

What’s a good place to buy souvenirs?

For some cool home and fashion pieces, go to Lazy Point in Amagansett. Or, take home a shell!

What’s your top wellness experience in the Hamptons?

My wellness is being in the ocean, surfing, wakeboarding, boogie boarding or paddle boarding. Generally, I am not very good at relaxing.

What’s your favorite day trip to take from the Hamptons?

Block Island. Take the ferry there and then rent bikes to explore. Then, ferry back to the Hamptons that same evening. A trip to Sag Harbor — even though it’s pretty close — to visit our other store is always fun, too. 

What’s your favorite recent discovery in the Hamptons?

I recently discovered this contemporary art gallery in Amagansett called Galerie Sardine off Main Street that has great pieces.

What’s your favorite part about the Hamptons during the summer?

Being able to have a mini vacation with friends, surfing, seeing the beautiful scenery and enjoying great food and good times. 

What’s your favorite part about the Hamptons during the off-season?

In the off-season, there’s less traffic and fewer people, and of course, that means fewer restaurants and stores open, but more time to spend in nature.

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