beach Archives - Amy Hirsch

My Beach Essentials

This time of year, we spend so much time at the beach that it’s practically our home away from home.

This time of year, we spend so much time at the beach that it’s practically our home away from home. I love the beach, and it’s always been a big part of my life. In order to fully enjoy a day of sand and sun, there are certain essentials that I always have on hand for beach days. Here’s my list of must-have items for lazy hours at the beach!

1. A big, floppy hat! This Scarf Top Floppy Hat from San Diego Hat Company is perfect.

2. Sunscreen is always a staple. I stick with the basics, like Hawaiian Tropic‘s SPF 30 Sheer Touch Lotion.

3. I can’t live without my Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses!

4. A big, big beach towel like this one from Hermes.

5. An amazing beach blanket. I love this one from Steven Allen. It’s great for both the beach and the home!

6. Letarte is my first stop when hunting for the perfect bathing suit, like this Adjustable Bikini in Navy.

7. A great bag! Mine is from Ralph Lauren‘s Rugby store, which sadly no longer exists. This bag has traveled with me for years.

8. We got these beach chairs from a local hardware store and they are perfect, with a mesh storage pocket and straps so you can carry them on your back.

9. Blistex Deep Renewal: A must before and after the sun.

10. Crinkle Shorts. When you’ve had enough sun, throw these on with a white t-shirt and call it a day!

11. Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, to rejuvenate your hair after a day in the sun.

12. Tory Burch Flip Flops — another must!

13. A cooler for snacks and drinks, preferably something light and portable like this one from LL Bean.

14. A beach wagon is perfect for toting everything from your cooler and towels to the kids’ toys. This Foldable Beach Wagon is easy to pull across the soft sand and carries up to 100 pounds.

What are your favorite beach essentials?

Tod’s Point Beach

My inspirational place to decompress is Tod’s Point Beach in Greenwich.

I think everyone has a special place they go to when they need a haven. My inspirational place to decompress is Tod’s Point Beach in Greenwich. Also known as Greenwich Point, this beach is a popular spot for locals to swim, sunbathe, picnic, enjoy water sports, and simply be with family and friends.

I grew up going to this beach with my family, so it is tied to many special emotions. It’s my place for reflection and healing, as well as a place of salvation. Spending time at Tod’s Point is about more than just relaxing or playing with my kids; it’s a reminder of what really matters in life and helps me to keep my priorities in focus. When I’m at the beach, I can completely unwind.

Great for a fun gathering or a morning run.

When I was younger, we’d sometimes anchor the boat off Tod’s Point. Other times we’d go directly to the beach to spend the day in the sun. I became so intimately acquainted with every part of the beach that it is truly special for me to now bring my own children there. I also like go running at Tod’s Point,which gives me extra time for reflection and to embrace everything around me. Depending on the time of day or time of year, the beach takes on completely different aspects. There is always something new to see and experience. It really is my favorite place on Earth!

An egret at Tod's Point. — An egret at Tod’s Point.

Early morning low tide, with millions of snails dotting the sand.

If you’re in the area and would like to visit Tod’s Point, keep in mind you’ll need a beach pass from May 1 to Oct 31. Visit the Town of Greenwich website for more information. To learn how to help continuing efforts to restore and preserve the beach and its structures, contact Friends of Greenwich Point.

Michael Dweck’s The End: Montauk, NY

Photographer Michael Dweck often turns his lens toward Montauk, NY.

Photographer Michael Dweck often turns his lens toward Montauk, NY. His Montauk photos so perfectly represent the mood and feel of the area that simply looking at them evokes all of the feelings of my family summers spent in this old fishing village perched on the farthest point of Long Island.

calm before the storm michael dweck — Calm Before the Storm

surfing the break michael dweck — Surfing the Break

When Dweck published his collection titled The End: Montauk, NY in 2004, it was featured in several art fairs and exhibits that year. The work is so chic and sexy. I really like the black and white photography and am especially drawn to Dweck’s nudes. I think the human body is a work of art, and the way Dweck exhibits it is so free and casual. These images really symbolize summer, especially the summer of the young and carefree, full of potential and excitement.

jacqueline and friend 2 michael dweck — Jacqueline and Friend 2

Michael Dweck’s photo collections, including his images of Montauk, are available in book format. His website also contains stunning galleries of his work as well as essays on his collections that beautifully describe his photographs.