I live in the Hamptons year-round. Visiting in the offseason is quieter, but comes with trade-offs.

• Since it’s much quieter in the winter, it’s easier to get into restaurants and visit the beaches.
• Although it’s cold out, there are countless activities to enjoy, like ice skating and wine tastings.

The hardest part about the offseason is making a living.

I wouldn’t want summer in the Hamptons to last all year.

Winter has its drawbacks. Farmers’ markets close, there are fewer events, some restaurants disappear until spring, and there is less work.

That being said, I don’t see the offseason as the lesser version of the Hamptons. After all, I can go to dinner spontaneously, play tennis indoors, surf in October, and have a relaxing staycation.

I’ve learned to appreciate the quiet, because in the blink of an eye, the summer crowds will be back and the busy season will start all over again.