When you think of incredible beaches, New York may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, Long Island, particularly the area know as The Hamptons, has long been the preferred beach destination for those who can afford to vacation anywhere on Earth.

The east end of Long Island, which is home to East Hampton and Montauk, sticks nearly one hundred miles out into the Atlantic Ocean. The nearby Gulf Stream blesses the peninsula with relatively moderate temperatures and it’s bounded by water on 3 sides so the fishing in incredible. A former whaling port, Montauk is now home to both the largest commercial and sport fishing fleets in the State of New York. Anglers from new York CIty take the train here to catch striped bass, blues, sharks and other ocean species.

The zoning of the town of East Hampton prohibits “chains” of all kinds. There are no McDonalds or Walmarts or Red Lobsters or Baskin Robbins or Great Clips. Chain hotels are also verboten. All of the thriving, independent mom and pop businesses give the town a unique and refreshing flavor found in few other places.

There are 8 interesting New York State Parks and 2 Suffolk County Parks within the 70 square miles encompassed by the town of East Hampton. Two parks were former military bases, two have lighthouses, two boast golf courses, and eight of them have public beaches.

If you’re lucky enough to visit East Hampton in early August, when the sun and surf are both at their best, don’t miss the Sandcastle Contest held each year on the Atlantic Avenue Beach off of Bluff Road. Watching the fun is free or you join in with your own team of castles builders for a chance at fame in The Hamptons.

If you’re very, very lucky, you may get an invitation to attend a Long Island wedding at The Inn at Fox Hollow this year. The famed Gold Coast of Long Island in New York was a favored retreat of the rich, famous and powerful in the early 20th century and Fox Hollow carries on the tradition of that opulent era with sophistication and elegance.

If you attend an outdoor ceremony or reception at Fox Hollow, you’ll enjoy the ambiance of a lavish English style country estate. The manicured grounds are studded with fountains and waterfalls. Gazebos, courtyards, bridges, stone paths, lush greenery and tasteful flowering gardens create fairytale settings for highly memorable photographs.

Another of the Fox Hollow’s favored wedding venues for New York brides is the impressive Winter Garden Pavilion, a perfect spot for after dark receptions. Stars twinkle through the massive skylights overhead and candles and sparkling chandeliers light the room as the bride and groom gracefully spin around a shimmering mahogany dance floor.

A wedding at the Inn at Fox Hollow in Woodbury is truly magical, but it’s very practical, as well. The wedding party and guests can all stay at the Inn, rehearsal dinners and morning after brunches can be held at nice restaurants right on the grounds and award-winning catering services are provided on site, as well.

These delightful drives can be combined with visits to the region’s many historic sites – the whole area is a National Historic Landmark District – or cultural events, interesting museums and eclectic array of festivals and fairs that will draw your attention and vie for your time.

You can also enjoy this time of year in the Catskills in other, more active ways. Consider a hike on one of the many trails; a kayak trip on the Hudson River, an incredibly scenic horseback ride, a bike tour or a river boat cruise .

New Paltz is one of the most interesting towns in the region, offering a concentrated version of all the best the area has to offer, including a stylish Hudson Valley Bed and Breakfast, a History of New Paltz bike tour , and a cool pick your own pumpkin farm complete with dozens of scarecrows, a corn maze and hayrides.

There are currently guides for Times Square, Rockfeller Center, Lower Manhattan and the South Stree Seaport. More iPod tours are on deck.