Every Manhattanite knows that summer is synonymous with the Hamptons. Dining and – of course – shopping abound in this sand-infused extension of New York. High design and envogue boutiques perfectly mingle with the beach going masses seeking laid-back luxury.

Long Island is the largest island on the East Coast, stretching about 120 miles from New York City to the eastern end, where the South Fork is home to the Hamptons,the places to see and be seen from June to September.

In recent years,the exclusive spot has also emerged as a shopper’s paradise. Vacationers taking a break from the beach are presented with a plethora of shopping opportunities – among a veritable who’s who of trendy designers.  From Westhampton to Montauk, there’s a shopping thoroughfare in every town, all with a vivid bouquet of new boutiques, stores and services – join me on a tour of sizzling shopping.

In the shoppers’ paradise that is East Hampton, Catherine Malandrino has opened aspace next to her existing shop 23 Newton Lane in with casual summer staples and swimwear. Within the BCBG Max Azria store at 20 Main Street, a shop-within-shop featuring exclusive runway pieces is set to impress. Intermix adds an outpost to 87 Main Street, hosting a stellar roster of designers, including Chloe, Diane von Furstenberg, Giuseppe Zanotti, Sergio Rossi and more.

Jackie Rogers opened at 3 Newton Mews in East Hampton and is also at 50 Jobs Lane in Southampton. Urban Zen, a new boutique created and designed by Donna Karan, is at 4 Bay Street in Sag Harbor. Yigal Azrouel is planning a pop up store in Water Mill.  A special entry to Montauk at 662 Montauk Highway is the seasonal Screaming Mimi’s, which boasts a treasure trove of haute vintage clothing.This year,the neighborhood establishment will also feature a new collection, Opening Ceremony for Screaming Mimi’s.

This summer, home design is front and center as a new season brings even more innovative designers. In the former Penny Whistle Toys space on Main Street, Berns Fry Ltd is teeming with antiques and vintage discoveries.  In Bridgehampton, Maison 24 at 2424 Main Street is a combination of department store and antiques shop-window treatments, home accessories and childrenswear. Mark Borghi Art has moved down Montauk Highway to a bigger location next to the Golden Pear. Nancy Corzine is opening an outpost at 5 Main Street in Southampton and Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic in East Hampton has opened in the old Jonathan Adler space at 66 Newton Lane and will carry some Adler furniture.

New dining options are set to impress even the shrewdest gourmands.  In East Hampton, Almondito’s has been transformed to Northern Italian eatery Almoncello at 290 Montauk Highway and Jeffery Chodorow debuts his Kobe Beach Club at 44 Three Mile Island Road. Cherrystones Clam & Lobster Shack will also sell soft ice cream at 277 Pantigo Road also in East Hampton, where the Maidstone Arms welcomes Alison to 207 Main Street, relocated from Bridgehampton.  In Montauk, Sam Talbot of “Top Chef” fame will impress at Surf Lodge. The Southampton Inn, 91 Hill Street, welcomes Chef Peter Dunlop and his steakhouse Oso and summer treats reign at the new Maggie Moo’s at 22 Jobs Lane. Ed “Jean-Luc” Kleefield is transforming his casual Cajun eatery, Mumbo Gumbo into Italian bistro and café Grappa Wine Bar, 62 Main Street in Sag Harbor. Tutto il Giorno, perhaps the most anticipated opening this season is ready to serve at 6 Bay Street in Sag Harbor. Surf Shack, from Manhattan bar guru Alex Gordon, boasts casual Cajun seafood at 2095 Montauk Highway in Amagansett.  Andre Balazs’ Riviera-style restaurant on Shelter Island, Sunset Beach, welcomes chef Dan Silverman.

This summer is expected to enjoy tremendous retail sales,thanks to both foreign and domestic visitors.  International travelers will take advantage of the exchange rate, while gas prices are expected to entice New Yorkers to stay closer to home.

Happy HamptonsShopping!