Category: Community + Culture
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The Power of Choosing Yourself: A Powerful Conversation with Julia Haart
In Episode 108 of Simonsen Says, host Simonsen welcomes an extraordinary guest whose life story redefines the concept of reinvention: Julia Haart—entrepreneur, fashion icon, author, and fearless advocate for self-determination. From the very start of the conversation, it’s clear that Haart’s journey is not one of surface-level transformation, but of profound personal courage and resilience. What begins as…
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BHS Hamptons Agents Share Their Go-To Holiday Gift Shops
Holiday shopping in the Hamptons is as much about the experience as it is about the gifts. From festively adorned garden centers to beloved local boutiques, the season brings a special charm to the East End. To help guide your list—and perhaps inspire a few unexpected finds—we asked Brown Harris Stevens Hamptons agents to share…
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Remembering Robert A.M. Stern, The Architect Who Redefined New York Luxury
Photo Credit Peter Aaron/OTTO courtesy of RAMSA New York lost one of its great architectural voices with the passing of Robert A.M. Stern, whose work reshaped the city’s skyline and reintroduced the enduring appeal of classic design. Mr. Stern died November 27, 2025 at age 86, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped the very notion…
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Gobble Up the Views: Where to Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from Your Window
If there’s one thing better than a Thanksgiving turkey, it’s catching those giant helium balloons drift by without freezing your feathers while camped on the street. We’re talking about apartments with float-worthy vistas, where you can cozy up, pour some cider, and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the comfort of your own perch. Here are…
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Union Square’s Ruth Sobie Shares Her Top NYC Hot Chocolate Spots
As the temperatures dip in Manhattan, there’s no better way to embrace the winter chill than with a rich, creamy cup of hot chocolate. Downtown Manhattan is home to some of the city’s most charming neighborhoods, each offering its own distinct vibe—and the hot chocolate scene here is no exception. From the iconic Flatiron District…
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Give Back: Thanksgiving Food Drives Accepting Donations this Year
As the season of gratitude arrives, communities across NYC, the Hamptons, New Jersey, and Florida are rallying together to support neighbors in need. Thanksgiving is not only a time to gather with loved ones, but also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of generosity. This year, numerous organizations are hosting food drives and donation…
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Honoring Service: How the Marines Shaped John Dugan’s Life and Perspective
Before helping clients navigate New York City’s competitive real estate market, John Dugan of Brown Harris Stevens’ Skyline Advisory Team served his country as an Infantry Combat Team Leader in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he led missions overseas with grit and determination. “My time in the Marines was incredible. It was the best of…
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Honoring Those Who Served: The Veterans of Brown Harris Stevens
This Veterans Day, Brown Harris Stevens proudly recognizes and celebrates the remarkable agents across our firm who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence embody the very qualities that make them standouts in both service and in their real estate careers. We are deeply grateful for…
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Weekly Treasures: Homes Near Street Fairs and Flea Markets Worth the Stroll
If you love a good treasure hunt, the kind that leads to vintage furniture, well-loved books, handmade pieces, or items that already come with a bit of history, you’ll get the appeal. Each of these homes sits near a local market where every find feels like it’s waiting for its next chapter, ready to be…
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The Ghost of North Haven House
By Shannan North, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker The following is a true ghost story from Brown Harris Stevens Agent, Shannan North, a lifelong Hamptons local with deep family roots in the area, who has spent her life surrounded by the charm, and the mysteries, of the East End. Growing up along the quiet waterfronts…