Like many New Yorkers, chanteuse Alexa Ray Joel decamps to the Hamptons to soak up time with her family. In her case, that means supermodel mom, Christie Brinkley, and Piano Man dad, Billy Joel. “It provides a lot of childhood memories of when my parents were together — we were the ultimate Long Island family,” the singer-songwriter, 32, tells us. “To be close to the water is very cathartic and very creative for me. I’m able to come up with a lot of my songs while I’m on the Downeaster Alexa with my dad and I can just lose myself in the waves.”
All three have places in Sag Harbor (along with Billy’s home in Oyster Bay), which she hops between when she’s not performing at fund-raisers for Save Sag Harbor or headlining showcases at Manhattan’s iconic Café Carlyle. Joel, who exudes characteristic warmth, humor and musicality in the new documentary “Always at The Carlyle,” returns to that legendary cabaret for her seventh run later this year. She’ll sing a mix of original songs, Broadway numbers and — always — a tune from her dad and one from Ray Charles. “People don’t know this, but my middle name is after my dad’s favorite singer, Ray Charles, so I always pay homage.” (Catch a sneak peek of Joel’s writing and song clips on her keep-it-real Instagram, @alexarayjoel.)
Might a Hamptons wedding be on tap for the siren, who got engaged to restaurateur Ryan Gleason over New Year’s? “I haven’t even started planning!” she says. Which leaves her plenty of time to share with us her favorite East End haunts.
Sunset Beach, Shelter Island
“There’s no better way to spend summer afternoons than on a family boat trip out to Sunset Beach for a lazy, long, Parisian-style lunch. It feels like an adventure because the boat trip from Sag Harbor to Shelter Island is about 30 to 40 minutes, and you definitely work up an appetite. It’s a casual-chic French hot spot. You’re bound to see all sorts of characters there, so it’s fabulous for people watching! My mom loves to get a big table for the family right on the beach, and we look out at the ocean while dining on oysters and vegetable crudités, which washes down wonderfully with a bottle of rosé.”
Provisions, Sag Harbor
“This is the No. 1, go-to health-food spot for locals in the Hamptons. It’s a rarity if I don’t bump into someone I know, every single time I’m there. They have the best assortment of vitamins, holistic and all-natural skin care products and organic foods. I highly recommend their protein-packed breakfast burrito. It’s a family staple — Mom and I can never get enough of it!”
Wölffer Estate Vinyard, Sagaponack
“If you’re looking for the ultimate wine-tasting experience, along with some jazzy live music, this is the spot. The atmosphere is absolutely beautiful. It’s a great place to take a date, as the live music, combined with the dreamy backdrop of the vineyards and the delicious wine, is quite a recipe for romance and seduction!”
Nick & Toni’s, East Hampton
“Growing up on Further Lane [in East Hampton] with my folks, we were always dining at Nick & Toni’s. I find it so comforting because it’s like an old standby — the place has been there forever! I highly recommend getting the fried zucchini chips (doused with fresh lemon juice) and their famous penne alla vodka.”
The Waterfront Marina, Sag Harbor
“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had a love affair with all things nautical, as I spent so much of my childhood summers boating on the Downeaster Alexa with my mom and dad. Even if you don’t have a boat, there’s something so magically transfixing about just sitting in the park — preferably at dusk — and getting lost in the views of the shimmering bay and the boats passing by.”
The Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett
“This is where you want to go for great music out on the island. They accommodate national acts, as well as lesser-known, local artists. I have a major soft spot for Stephen Talkhouse, as I played a few gigs there about nine years ago, and they took such great care of me as an artist. The venue isn’t too big, which I actually prefer, as it allows for a more personal experience for both the artist and the audience.”
Tutto Il Giorno, Southampton
“I know I said Nick & Toni’s was the best, but it’s a toss-up! This place wins for the best atmosphere — it’s more of an elegant, ‘authentically Italian’ experience. I highly recommend dining al fresco in their garden; you feel like you’ve stepped right into Italy, between the magical strings of lights and the chic umbrellas covering each table. Don’t scrimp on the rustic flatbread with rosemary and sea salt.”