6 Ways To Spend Your Memorial Day Weekend, Hamptons Style

Memorial Day Weekend is the time of year when spring is coming to an end, the rich and fabulous depart to their summer homes and everyone is buying charcoal to light up the good, ole' grill.

If you happen to be like me and consider the Hamptons your home away from home, then you probably know come Friday morning, the Long Island Expressway will be backed up for miles with eager New Yorkers looking to turn into Hamptonites (well, at least until Labor Day Weekend).

I used to wonder what was so special about Memorial Day Weekend (besides the fact we honor our fallen and most courageous heroes), and I never understood why people made it such a big deal.

However, in the Hamptons, it is the start of the summer season, with exclusive VIP parties, art auctions, wine tastings, pool parties, celebrity sightings, beach days and the return of the club scene.

Memorial Day Weekend holds a special place in my heart.

Year after year, New Yorkers trade in their Armani button-ups for cool beachwear from Tommy Bahama and they finally get some peace from the bustling island of Manhattan.

If you are not from New York or the Hamptons, or wherever you call home, then this is the perfect weekend for you to try new things in your city.

After all, home is where the heart is.

If you are like me and can't contain your excitement for the start of the summer season, check out some fun and affordable options for you to have the perfect Memorial Day Weekend:

1. THE CLUB at Philippe

If you live in East Hampton, you are probably younger, cooler and Instagram famous (or actually famous).

However, you will be thrilled to know Philippe Chow is coming to your hood — well, village.

This is the perfect place for Millennials to relax, enjoy a decent, fairly priced meal and have some fun afterwards at THE CLUB at Philippe.

THE CLUB will bring in top DJs who will be playing your favorite playlists all night long, as well as live performances.

You can also enjoy well crafted cocktails in its outside garden bar for a relaxed and chill time, without all the hoopla and excitement.

2. The Harbor

Montauk, the land of the young, the beautiful and the white sand, is the one place you can really escape to and simply relax.

It's no surprise that The Harbor, a raw bar and lounge, is the perfect place for locals to enjoy the raw food movement without going completely broke.

Keeping up with the chill atmosphere, the restaurant menu is inspired by the sights and sounds of summer and will feature dishes like freshly caught fish, fritto misto and wood-fired pizza.

The Harbor is the perfect place for Millennials and locals alike to enjoy this weekend.

3. Southampton Social Club

Ask any local or anyone who has been going to the Hamptons for years, and he or she will tell you Southampton is the most family-oriented village out of all the other villages. But, in recent years, the community has been trying to change its image and appeal to us (Generation-Y).

The Southampton Social Club is coming back and allowing party lovers to start of their Memorial Day Weekend on the right foot with good music, decent drinks and a well-deserved hangover the next morning.

But hey, we're not judging. The venue features a speakeasy, which provides the perfect intimate backdrop for fine dining and decent conversation with your friends.

This Hamptons hotspot boasts indoor and outdoor dining spaces — including a slate terrace, lush garden area with fireplaces, a real mahogany bar, library lounge and luxurious exclusive cabanas perfect for private groups and bottle service — to keep the party going all summer long.

4. Topping Rose House

Located in Bridgehampton, this beautiful hotel features crisp green grass, yoga classes and a pool you can't resist.

If you are unable to secure a rental for this summer or are lucky enough to own a home out east, then don't worry; the Topping Rose House has you covered from this weekend and beyond.

Kick off the weekend with an elegant dinner at its indoor restaurant! The menu includes harvested and locally-produced food.

5. Southampton Animal Shelter Wine Tasting

For the young philanthropist in you, come out this Saturday to support the Southampton Animal Shelter as it hosts a wine tasting in preparation for the big gala later this summer.

It will be chaired by none other than philanthropist and socialite, Jean Shafiroff.

So, show your furry companions some love, party for a good cause, mingle with other pet lovers and enjoy music by Ludmilla Brazil Trio and gourmet snacks.

6. 1 OAK Southampton Returns

If you are like me, then you probably remember last year when Scott Disick got totally wasted here.

But now, with that memory behind us, the exclusive nightclub is opening its doors this weekend to kick off the summer season.

They are planning two big parties that partygoers will absolutely enjoy! With better-than-ever DJs, entertainment and service, this season will be the best.

Continuing the Memorial Day weekend celebration on Sunday, May 24, 1 OAK Southampton patrons will enjoy music by Jus Ske and a special musical performance by Fetty Wap, performing his platinum single and summer hit, “Trap Queen."

So, brace yourselves for that one.