The first signs of autumn in the Hamptons encompass fields of massive bright orange pumpkins on the vine, buckets of beautiful gourds in all shapes and sizes and stretches of apple orchards along both sides of Montauk Highway. It’s time for a fall food tour of the Hamptons! In addition, get a sensation for fall by visiting the local farm stands, bakeries, and specialty food shops across the South Fork.
We share some of the most coveted farms and shops to visit to savor a taste of autumn straight from the Hamptons, from Westhampton to Amagansett.
Tate’s Bake Shop, Southampton
As a Hamptons staple known and praised around the world, Tate’s Bake Shop in Southampton Village sells even more than their signature crispy chocolate chip cookies. Come in to this popular bakery and take away some delicious sweet treats to enjoy during your visit and to take home for loved ones.
Though of course their baked goods are perfect for any occasion, their autumn month selection really knows how to hit that sweet post.
Their Harvest Treats collection includes an Assorted Cookie Gift Pack (also available in gluten free), the Cozy Morning Breakfast Tray, the Best of Southampton that includes their scrumptious Chocolate Chip Pie. Another perfect way to start a weekend brunch in the Hamptons is with their Sour Cream Coffee Cake. An added bonus? These are also available to purchase online!
The Milk Pail, Water Mill
Looking for a farm stand in the Hamptons? The Milk Pail has three different locations open in the Hamptons for the fall season: the U-Pick Farm on Horsemill Lane, the Fresh Market on Montauk Highway, and the Farm Stand on Mecox Road, all in Water Mill. They are most famous for their wide variety of apples for apple picking in addition to pears, peaches, berries, and other produce. Their apples are available at the market well into the following summer.
The U Pick Apple and Pumpkin farm is open seasonally Friday through Sunday and on holidays. The farm is a beautiful spot for photos!
Visit milk-pail.com for updated hours and information. Note that the Fresh Market is closed on Tuesdays.
Online shopping is available directly via Milk Pail Fresh Market Local deliveries are also available on select days.
Hank’s Pumpkintown, Water Mill
If you are looking for the ultimate fall family fun destination in the Hamptons, Hank’s Pumpkintown on Montauk Highway reigns supreme! It is the most popular pumpkin patch in the Hamptons, so get ready for some pumpkin picking. In addition to dozens of play places, a corn maze, and wagon rides, Hank’s has an onsite market that sells every fall treat you can imagine. These include Apple Cider Slushies, Roasted Corn, Cider Donuts, Fresh Baked Pies, Hand Dipped Candy and Caramel Apples, and so much more!
It is best to arrive as early as possible (at 9:30am) on the weekends to grab the perfect parking spot on the main road. There is additional parking directly across Montauk Highway. Check hankspumpkintown.com for further information and regular updates.
Mecox Dairy Farm, Bridgehampton
Mecox Dairy Farm is a very popular dairy family farm that sells a wide variety of cheeses and baked goods. This is a great place to stop if you happen to be celebrating the autumn season or holidays in the Hamptons.
This farm raises local, farm-fresh, free-range turkeys at their farm in Bridgehampton. They have been doing so for more than 30 years. Turkeys can be pre-ordered on their website, mecoxbaydairy.com and customers will pick up their turkeys on Tuesday, November 23 or Wednesday, November 24 at their Farm Store.
During turkey pickup days, the Farm Store will be fully stocked with other local seasonal treats as well as their usual farm-fresh products: artisan raw milk cheeses, grass-fed beef, and Berkshire pork.
The Farm Store is self-serve and always open! They also have a local delivery service, Mecox Direct. They offer Friday home delivery between Southampton and Montauk.
Carissa’s Bakery, East Hampton
Carissa’s Bakery is located on Montauk Highway and on Newtown Lane in East Hampton as you are on your way to Amagansett. This Hamptons hotspot is most famous for their artisanal breads as well as their cakes and pies that are each a work of art.
Their Salty Pickled Rye Bread is a year round favorite, perfect for making sandwiches, avocado toast, and more. A great choice for fall is their Pain Au Raisin, available at each bakery. Other fall dishes include the Sourdough Waffles with toasted walnut syrup, and Shakshuka with roasted red peppers, tomatoes, a touch of harissa, and two poached eggs.
Their current fall hours are as follows:
Montauk Highway is open Thursday-Monday from 8am-3pm.
Newtown Lane is open thursday-Saturday from 8am-3pm, and on Sunday from 8am-2pm. They also ship a selection of their products within the USA. Look out for their NEW location in Sag Harbor at 3 Bay Street coming soon.
Balsam Farms, Amagansett
A popular destination for locals and visitors alike, Balsam Farms has a beautiful pumpkin patch for strolling through and of course those perfect picture moments. It is one of the finest fall farms in the Hamptons.
Balsam Farms is located on Town Lane and Windmill Lane in Amagansett. They also have a market in Montauk. During the autumn months, they sell 20 varieties of winter squash, 3 varieties of sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, sprouting broccoli, sprouting cauliflower, several varieties of cabbage, brussel sprouts, 7 varieties of potatoes, carrots, 3 varieties of beets, over 20 varieties of herbs, and a wide variety of salad and sauté greens, pumpkin bread, other treats, and more!
Balsam Farms is currently open for the fall season 7 days a week from 9am-6pm at their Amagansett Farm Stand (corner of Windmill and Town Lane), and their Montauk Market (662 Montauk Highway).
Online ordering and home delivery are also available.
Round Swamp Farm, East Hampton and Bridgehampton
Ready to shop for gourmet food in the Hamptons? Round Swamp Farm is a very well known destination for Hamptonites and it is a must visit for those coming out to the East End.
Popular picks for fall include Lisa’s Cinnamon Rolls, Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, as well as their wide variety of jams and sauces. Their brownie bites are also unbeatable! This is a perfect place to stop for some autumn treats and gifts to take home with you.
Round Swamp Farm’s current fall hours are Wednesday-Saturday in East Hampton from 8am-6pm and Bridgehampton from 8:30am-6pm. They also have a market in Montauk.
Sydney’s Taylor Made Cuisine, Westhampton
Their market menu has a wide variety of offerings for everyone’s tastes and interests. In particular for fall is their full service brunch that is served from 10am-2pm.
Dishes that are perfect to enjoy in the autumn months are the Potato Onion Fromage (a baked egg dish topped with cheddar and gruyere cheese), and Banana Pancakes served with caramelized bananas.
Fall desserts to try include pear tarts, pecan squares, and an apple spice cake.
Current hours are as follows: open daily at 10am. Closes Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 5pm, and Friday and Saturday at 6pm.
View their online market menu: sydneysgourmet.com
Hampton Coffee Company, Water Mill, Southampton, and Westhampton
Indulge in all things autumn, and of course plenty of pumpkin goodies at Hampton Coffee Company. HCC has locations in Westhampton, Southampton, Water Mill and Montauk, in addition to Aquebogue on the North Fork.
Pumpkin everything includes pumpkin muffins, pumpkin spice tea, caramel apple tea, pumpkin cold brew, and of course pumpkin spice lattes. Their coffee menu also includes Pumpkin Pie with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Hampton Coffee Company also has an online store.
Amber Waves Farm, Amagansett
Amber Waves Farm is a 501(c)3 non-profit farm off of Montauk Highway in Amagansett. A perfect place to visit during the autumn months, customers still get to enjoy the farmer’s bounty without the crowds.
Did you know that out of the 350 varieties of vegetables grown at Amber Waves Farm, 90 are tomatoes! Be sure to pick up a bunch when you visit. Eggplant, squash, fennel, bok choy, kale, brussel sprouts, radishes, and so much more are found at the farm during the autumn season.
Amber Waves Farm also has a sit-down cafe. Cafe customers may order online. The Amber Waves Farm market is currently open Sunday-Thursday from 8am-5pm, and Friday-Saturday from 8am-6pm. The cafe closes at 3pm and is closed on Thursdays.