Hamptons Happenings

In Eats

Art and Soul, a Soulful Celebration in the Hamptons

August 1, 2025 In Eats 3 Mins Read

Art & Soul: Where Culture, Flavor & Black Joy Took Center Stage in the Hamptons

Let’s keep it real — ART & SOUL: Hamptons didn’t just return this year. It showed out.

From July 18–20, the East End was alive with color, culture, and connection as this sold-out, three-day celebration spotlighted the brilliance of Black creativity. We’re talking visual art, Caribbean soul food, live music, crafted cocktails, and thought-provoking conversations — all wrapped in a weekend that radiated joy from start to finish.

And when I say this event had layers? I mean layers.

✨ Visual artists like Reynoir Lewis, Laura R. Gadson, and Suliman Onque lit up the outdoor exhibitions with bold, breathtaking work.

✨ Photographer Kurt Leggard (yep, that’s my husband!) captured the magic of the red carpet, from the glow-ups to the candid moments of joy.

✨ Music floated through the air — with flutist Dwayne Kerr (of Erykah Badu’s band), master kora player Yacouba Sissoko, SIYA African Band, and DJ Infmatick setting the tone.

And y’all already know my favorite part: Friday night’s Culinary Tasting & Film Night. The flavors were bold, the chefs brought the heat (shoutout to Chara’s Kitchen, SMAC, Infusery, and more!), and the screening of ERASED — narrated by Idris Elba — hit deep. It was powerful, moving, and necessary. The talkback, moderated by Brenda Simmons of the Southampton African American Museum, opened the floor to the kind of conversations that stick with you long after the credits roll.

Throughout the weekend, guests sipped on curated cocktails and moonshine from New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery (yes, moonshine!), and toasted with HRLM Champagne and wines from Charles Springfield’s stylings. And let’s not forget the soulful wellness sips and bites from PAIJA Tea Co., Happy Bubble Soda, The Nourish Spot, and more.

The vibes? Immaculate. The crowd? A mix of tastemakers, artists, philanthropists, and real-deal community leaders. Names like actress Novi Brown (BET’s Sistas), Peter Marino, Vanessa Gordon, Dr. Georgette Grier-Key, and yes, me (Vanessa Leggard of Hamptons MouthPiece!) came out to celebrate.

But this event wasn’t about the names. It was about the energy. The joy. The community. The real talk, real People

As festival producer Yaya Reyes put it best, “ART & SOUL is not just an event — it’s a declaration of presence, purpose, and power.”

And that’s exactly what it felt like.

From the luxe florals by April & Ashley to the curated gift bags filled with purpose-driven Black-owned brands — everything felt intentional, elevated, and full of soul.

This was a weekend that didn’t just entertain — it uplifted. It honored the past, celebrated the present, and poured into the future of Black excellence in the arts, food, and beyond.

If you missed it this year, don’t worry — Art & Soul is just getting started. Follow @ArtAndSoulHamptons to stay plugged in.

Because around here, we do more than show up.

We celebrate, we support, and we shine.

Hamptons MouthPiece; Real Talk. Real People. From NYC to the East End.

In Feature Story

Real Talk, Real People Meet Hamptons Mouthpiece

July 23, 2025 In Feature Story 3 Mins Read

Real Talk, Real People — Meet Hamptons Mouthpiece – If you’ve ever found yourself leaning in to overhear the best conversation at a Hamptons brunch, you already know what Hamptons Mouthpiece is all about. But if you haven’t — pull up a chair, pour yourself a glass of rosé, and let’s get you up to speed.

Real Talk, Real People. It’s not just our tagline — it’s our promise. In a place where the waves are calm but the chatter isn’t, Hamptons Mouthpiece is your all-access pass to the stories that make the Hamptons more than just a pretty postcard.

So, Who Are We?

We’re your nosy-but-friendly neighbor, the plus-one you actually want at the party, the friend who’ll tell you the truth about your outfit and the best spot for a lobster roll. We’re the ones laughing at the back of the room, but also the ones asking the real questions everyone else is too polite (or too posh) to say out loud.

What Do We Do?

Hamptons Mouthpiece covers it all — the glitzy galas and the beach bonfires, the small-town heroes and the big-name headliners. We champion local businesses, shine a light on hidden gems, and celebrate the people who make this place tick.

But here’s what makes us different: our stories don’t stay locked behind the hedges. Sure, we’ll keep you in the know about what’s happening from Montauk to Riverhead— but we’re also here to share ideas and conversations that resonate no matter where you live.

Because real talk, real people is universal. A reader in Singapore could find themselves nodding along with an article we write out here on the East End. Why? Because everyone loves a good story, and we know how to tell them.

Why It Matters

Behind the designer sunglasses and backyard soirées, the Hamptons is still a village — and every village needs a Mouthpiece. We’re here to amplify the voices that make this place feel like home: the artists, the shopkeepers, the volunteers, the everyday folks doing extraordinary things — the people whose stories deserve to be told, near and far.

Come Sit With Us

Got a story? Spill it. Need the inside scoop? We’ve got it. Want to know where the locals really eat? We’ll whisper it — if you promise not to Instagram it before we do.

Hamptons Mouthpiece — Real Talk. Real People. Local stories with a global heartbeat.

Stay curious, stay connected, and keep your ear to the ground — or at least to us. We’ll handle the talking.

In Eats

Cluck Yeah! Cluckman’s Turns One—and Pizza Pizza Is the Cheesy Surprise We Didn’t Know We Needed

July 22, 2025 In Eats 2 Mins Read

Cluck Yeah! Cluckman’s Turns One—and Pizza Pizza Is the Cheesy Surprise We Didn’t Know We Needed

Let’s get one thing straight: Cluckman’s is THAT place.

You know, the spot where teens hang out, locals line up, and even the pickiest visitors walk away licking their fingers. It’s that good.

Located right in the heart of Sag Harbor, Cluckman’s has been serving up crispy chicken tenders, juicy smashburgers, Sag Sauce (yes, it’s a thing), fresh lemonade, and old-school milkshakes for a whole year now.

And just when we thought we couldn’t love them more—they hit us with a twist: Pizza Pizza.

Yep. Inside Cluckman’s. Real-deal, thin-crust, cheesy, crispy NY slices. Pizza cravings = solved.

Run by Hamptons food legends Michael & Lila Gluckman, this place isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a vibe. Fast, friendly, family-approved. Take your food to go and picnic in Steinbeck Park. Trust us, it’s a summer mood.

🍔 Smashburger? ✔️

🍗 Chicken tenders? ✔️

🍕 Pizza slice the size of your head? ✔️

💛 Local hangout you’ll return to all season long? DOUBLE ✔️

Cluckman’s is open daily, 12–9PM at 24 Long Island Ave, Sag Harbor. Eat in, take out, or grab a slice and go live your best park life.

Follow them (because you’re gonna want to):

@cluckmans | @pizzapizzasagharbor

🍕cluckmans.com

Go hungry. Leave happy. Repeat.

In Feature Story

Brunch, Purpose and Power, TMCF Returns to Sag Harbor

July 9, 2025 In Feature Story 2 Mins Read

Brunch, Purpose & Power: Thurgood Marshall College Fund Returns to Sag Harbor This Summer. Last summer, I had the incredible honor of attending the inaugural Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Brunch in the Hamptons, hosted by powerhouse Racquel Oden, Chair of the TMCF Board of Directors. Let me tell you, it was one of those events. Thoughtful. Inspiring, beautifully curated and filled with people who are truly invested in the next generation of Black leaders.

I’m beyond excited to be attending again this summer, when the brunch returns to Sag Harbor on Sunday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., once again held at Racquel’s beautiful private home.

This isn’t just brunch, it’s a moment. A celebration of nearly 40 years of TMCF’s unwavering commitment to students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), historically Black community colleges (HBCCs) and predominantly Black institutions (PBIs). And it’s also a gathering of hearts and minds that believe in real investment, financial and otherwise in the future of Black excellence.

Why it matters:

The event is about more than mimosas and music (though there will be music, thanks to The Rakiem Walker Project 🎶). It’s about supporting students like Chelsea Grant, a standout TMCF scholar and participant in the Hennessy Fellows Program, who will be sharing her story. It’s about hearing directly from TMCF President & CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams and connecting with board members from Google, the NBA, Break-thru Beverage Group, and GCM Grosvenor – leaders helping shape the pipeline for tomorrow’s change-makers.

As Racquel said:

“Last year was a success and we will build on that momentum this year. It’s an incredible opportunity to invest in the impact and success of our students while helping chart the course for the next 40 years.”

Tickets are $200, with suggested donation levels of $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000 and every dollar helps expand opportunities for Black college students.

➡️ Reserve your spot or make a donation here: Purchase Tickets here

If you’re in the Hamptons this July and looking for a meaningful way to give back, get involved, and be inspired, this is it.

I’ll be there. Hope to see you too. 💛

In Hamptons

Harriette Cole: In Her Happy Place, Sag Harbor

July 8, 2025 In Hamptons 2 Mins Read

Harriette Cole is a storyteller, a coach, a media powerhouse—and someone who finds peace and purpose right here in Sag Harbor.

Over the years, she’s inspired countless people to find their voice, step into their truth, and embrace their power. From her work at Ebony magazine to founding her own platform, Dreamleapers, Harriette has dedicated her life to helping others rise with intention.

Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Harriette in her happy place in Sag Harbor to talk about creativity, purpose, and the power of words. In our conversation, we touched on topics that are close to her heart—and ours.

Here are 5 questions we asked:

1. How long have you been coming to Sag Harbor, and what keeps drawing you back?

2. Why is literacy awareness such a vital part of your life and work?

3. You’ve worn so many hats—editor, author, coach, speaker. Which role feels most like home to you right now?

4. Was there a book or early moment that sparked your love of storytelling?

5. For anyone feeling creatively or personally stuck, what’s one small step they can take today to move forward?

Watch our full video interview below to hear Harriette’s thoughts in her own words—and experience the wisdom, calm, and clarity she brings to every conversation.

Want more inspiring voices from the East End and beyond?

Follow us @HamptonsMP and @SagHarbor on Instagram, real talk, real people