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After making the difficult decision to call off her wedding to businessman Scott Litner just days before walking down the aisle in 2024, Bensimon is entering the year with renewed positivity and a commitment to staying connected to places and things that feel like home.

“Last year was tough in the relationship department with a very public breakup, but sharing my experiences with my listeners and co-hosts has been more therapeutic than therapy,” Bensimon shared during an interview with “South O’ the Highway” in early January.

The 56-year-old author, who penned the Assouline coffee table book In the Spirit of the Hamptons, calls the area her “second home.”

“Even if I didn’t sell real estate in the Hamptons, I’d still be there,” she said. “It’s where I find my peace, whether riding horses, relaxing on the beach with my daughters, or enjoying quiet dinners with friends. The lifestyle is incredible.”

Bensimon started the year traveling to the Hamptons for open houses and shared some of her go-to East End spots. “Coche Comedor in Amagansett for some delicious Mexican food, Stephen’s Talkhouse for cold beers and live music, Lulu Kitchen & Bar in Sag Harbor for the best lobster salad, and Le Bilboquet for a glass of white burgundy and some Cajun poulet,” she revealed. She also enjoys stopping by Amber Waves and Balsam Farms for farm-fresh finds.

Her love for the Hamptons extends to its vibrant art scene as well. “I love visiting the Pollock-Krasner House in Springs and stopping in to see my great friend Nick Weber at his studio, just down the road. My favorite gallery is Eric Firestone in East Hampton. He always has the most interesting finds,” she added.

A self-proclaimed “total foodie out East,” Bensimon added that she loves dining at Nick & Toni’s and visiting Donna Karan at Tutto Il Giorno. To balance her indulgent outings, she turns to fitness. “Working out with Walter Savage at the Post House keeps me in great shape,” she said.

When it comes to shopping, Bensimon’s curated list of favorite boutiques includes Urban Zen, Dôen, Ralph Lauren, Nili Lotan, LoveShackFancy, Warm, Joey Wolffer, Blue & Cream, Reformation, Zimmermann, and Lazy Point.

As for what’s next, Bensimon is laser-focused on her thriving real estate career. Having already secured licenses in California, Florida, and New York, she revealed, “Texas is next on the list!”

Bensimon also weighed in on the current Hamptons market, which she says is “experiencing a surge in demand.”

“Recently, there has been an influx of well-crafted homes that enhance the summer-vacation experience for clients. Hamptons property values have risen by 7%, and the average home price is projected to exceed $2 million,” she noted.

For those looking to buy in the area, Bensimon offered readers some seasoned advice.

“When purchasing a home, it is crucial to identify your needs and preferences. By understanding your priorities, the selection process becomes more manageable. Subsequently, comparative analysis becomes essential in determining the value of your property. A valuable piece of advice I received from my mother was to purchase the most affordable house on the most expensive street you can afford. This principle has guided my homeownership journey, from acquiring land on Further Lane in East Hampton to constructing our family home and ultimately selling it.”

Amagansett resident Scarlett Johansson will join Jenna Bush Hager on Today with Jenna & Friends as a guest co-host from Tuesday, Jan. 21 to Friday, Jan. 24. Hager announced earlier this month that a rotating list of stars would step in following Hoda Kotb’s departure. Kotb’s final show aired on Jan. 10.

The Black Widow actress isn’t the only big name set to appear. Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria and Keke Palmer are set to share co-hosting duties.

“Scarlett Johansson is the queen! First of all, I’ve been obsessed with her movies since forever,” Hager shared with People, adding that the two bonded over their mutual love of reading.

Iconic fashion designer and longtime Hamptons property owner Ralph Lauren has made history as the first designer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. President Joe Biden presented the honor, the nation’s highest civilian award, in a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 4. Lauren was recognized not only for his enduring influence on American fashion, but also for his work as a philanthropist, entrepreneur and business leader.

Joining Lauren among the honorees was Michael J. Fox. The beloved actor, known for his roles in Back to the Future and Family Ties, has become a leading advocate for Parkinson’s disease research, a cause close to his heart as he’s battled the condition for over three decades. Fox sold his Hamptons home in 2021 for $6.1 million, according to reports. 

Hugh Jackman, who owns an East Hampton residence with ex Deborra-Lee Furness, was spotted holding hands with Broadway star Sutton Foster in Santa Monica on Jan. 6, seemingly confirming recent rumors of a romance. The pair appeared relaxed and all smiles.  

While Furness has yet to comment on Jackman’s possible new relationship, she seems to be surrounded by support. She celebrated a birthday at the end of November, receiving with love from close friends, including her Hamptons neighbor and fashion designer Donna Karan, who shared how “lucky” she feels to “have her as a neighbor in the Hamptons and the West Village.” Jackman and Furness announced their split in September 2023 after 27 years of marriage. Meanwhile, Foster filed for divorce from screenwriter Ted Griffin this past October.

New year, new ink for Southampton resident Brooke Shields and her daughter Rowan Henchy, who kicked off 2025 with matching tattoos. The delicate design features the phrase “and to a party,” written in Rowan’s handwriting. Tattoo artist Mateo Gutierrez later revealed on Instagram that he didn’t recognize the iconic mother-daughter duo until after their session at East Side Ink, one of the oldest tattoo shops in NYC. “Sometimes it is important not to recognize the character, but to know the person,” he wrote. “They make a good team.”

We hear…

Le Closet, a luxury consignment shop with locations in Southampton and New York City, is turning January sales into hope for those impacted by Los Angeles’ devastating wildfires. The store recently announced that a portion of this month’s proceeds will be donated to a GoFundMe hub supporting wildfire relief efforts in the region.

For co-owners Arielle Haller-Silverstone and Nicole Schumann, the cause hits close to home. “[We] have so many friends, clients, and family members in the greater Los Angeles area. We are devastated by the immediacy of the disaster and, as small business owners, feel absolutely compelled to help this special community in any way we can,” the two told “South O’ The Highway” in a statement on Jan. 9.

Sightings…

Actor Gregg Bello was seen at the Polar Bear Plunge in East Hampton on Jan. 1.  

Amagansett’s Jerry Seinfeld and his son Julian went to Starbucks in East Hampton on Christmas Day. Onlookers say the pair rode in style, in a vintage Porsche 911.