ALAMY, LEN HOLSBORG/ALAMY, JENNY ACHESON/AXIOM/PHOTOGRAPHS: READ MCKENDREE, WENDY CONNETT/AGEFOTOSTOCK, LAUREN ZEID/4CORNERS
RIGHT ABOUT NOW, thousands of New Yorkers are escaping the sticky summer heat of Manhattan for the fresher surrounds of Long Island. Near its eastern end, this 120-mile-long island splits into two: the Atlantic-facing branch is home to the high-price-tag resorts of the Hamptons, but the North Fork – which looks out across Long Island Sound towards Connecticut – offers more low-key pleasures.
The renovation last year of the Sound View fits right in with the North Fork ambience. This former motel runs in a long line between the coast road and a skinny beach. Now in its first full summer season since its overhaul, it sports a clean, uncluttered look that feels rightly maritime, without going overboard on the nautical décor.