Hamptons Survives Winter of Discontent

Where to party: There are three hotspots currently ruling the Hamptons scene. The first is Surf Lodge Montauk, offering an expanded summertime concert series along its waterfront bar open for the second year in Montauk. A casual collection of real surfers and a few wannabes in Quicksilver cargo shorts flock to the bar on Friday and Saturday nights for its laid-back singles scene and lively beach-theme eatery. Newbie's should consider a cab as Montauk is further than it looks on a map, and you'll surely want to indulge in the infinite micro-brew beer menu.

Also in its second year, Lily Pond has one-upped its Pink Elephant and Dune (Axe Lounge) competition with a weekend list that's currently the toughest invite in the Hamptons. The owners of N.Y.'s old Stereo, who manage to lure a never-ending slate of VIP DJs and celebrities like Mariah Carey and Paris Hilton, operate Lily Pond. The door on weekends is rapidly becoming excruciatingly difficult, meaning velvet-rope dodgers may want to consider a bottle service reservation or booking a 10 p.m. table at adjoining Philippe to attempt a speedier entry.

If you haven't already been to Harbor Club, you may have missed the boat. Originally located at Ziggy's Restaurant along the Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton, the club made a grand debut Memorial Day weekend that led to overflow crowds and the club outgrowing its brand new space in a single weekend. After a one-week hiatus, the club resurfaced with a Friday night event at Georgica's that rekindled its love affair with locals but lacked the charm and subdued atmosphere of its previous location.