#Nicky Hilton’s guide to Bellport restaurants, shopping and more

Hotel heiress Nicky Hilton may have grown up calling the Hamptons her second New York home, but now the fashion designer, 37, prefers the “chilled, creative vibe” of Bellport, on Long Island.

“It is 45 minutes nearer to the city than the Hamptons and is its antithesis in many ways,” Hilton tells Alexa. “You are more likely to see chickens in someone’s yard than a sports car!” And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

It’s now been nearly three years since Hilton and her British banker husband, James Rothschild, bought their six-bedroom, two-story Georgian Colonial, which sits on 4.5 acres in the Brookhaven Hamlet, just north of Bellport.

It’s the perfect place from which Hilton and her daughters Lily-Grace, 4, and Teddy, 3, explore nearby nature reserves and sustainable farms.

Both of which just might have influenced her two recent fashion collabs: a sustainable, cruelty-free footwear collection, Nicky Hilton x French Sole, and a low-maintenance children’s clothing line, Dotty Dungarees x Nicky Hilton.

Here, she shares her favorite nearby haunts.

Restaurants + Food

“This is the locals’ dinner spot on weekends, and has a really varied menu, fantastic staff and a fun atmosphere — especially on Friday nights, when it can get really festive. It is like dining in a very bohemian home with a lot of close friends!”

“These fifth-generation farmers have a great selection of produce, and their cookies, muffins and mozzarella cheese are all amazing. I love a family-run business!”

“This health-food store sells organic, local groceries as well as my morning coffee and smoothie.”

“This is one of my favorite shops anywhere. That is a strong statement, but I have not come across a more tastefully curated store in all my years of shopping! It is a chic general store founded by Thomas O’Brien and Dan Fink where every item has been selected individually from unique sources all over the world. You can go in looking to buy a baguette and come out with a Japanese coffee grinder or a nightstand. I went there for prepared foods for a party or for a cool toy for my kids, and I discovered Nightingale ice cream sandwiches, which are now my newest guilty pleasure.”

“This old-school candy cottage is as classic as it gets. The windows are lined with jars of candy, and it even has a white picket fence outside. They have everything from ice cream and milkshakes to candy. My personal favorite is the birthday bash ice cream.”

Shopping

“Another thoughtfully curated, small local store that carries everything from a unique sweater to a delicious pastry!” 

Activies + Events

“I love going on nature walks here. It is tranquil, calming and was a real blessing during the pandemic when we needed to decompress. It is beautifully protected and managed by the Post-Morrow Foundation. My kids love spotting herons and other birdlife on walks around the marshes there.” 

“The gallery has installations from seasoned artists as well as new ones, and it embodies the artistic-leaning community. Each July Fourth, Artists on the Lane is a show produced by the South Bay Art Association that brings in an astounding range of artists from all over the US.”

“This gorgeous organic farm in Brookhaven is run by Elettra Wiedemann. Her mother, Isabella Rossellini, founded it in 2013. They have a CSA [Community Supported Agriculture] program with all of the produce they grow as well as their honey, eggs and more. They are always putting on interesting events, like farm-to-table dinners by renowned chefs or theater productions and musical performances.” 

“The area is awash with artists, fashion designers, photographers and architects, so there is always something to see. However, for a true throwback, go to the Gateway Theater for the largest drive-in movie theater in Long Island.”

“The state-of-the-art facility includes teen and junior game rooms, learning centers and computer labs. It has been a lifeline during the pandemic for many young people, but has helped provide a safe space for kids for much longer. This year, my husband and I are hosting the annual Beach Ball benefit at our home in August.” The event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021. For more details and tickets, please contact Diane Kennedy at [email protected].