East Hampton New York
The East End of
New York’s Long Island, jutting 100 miles into the Atlantic Ocean,
is home to some of the world’s most spectacular ocean beaches,
pristine bays & estuaries, secluded freshwater ponds, pine forests
with quiet nature trails, foggy mornings, lazy sunny days, blazing
sunsets painted on the evening sky, and star-filled nights. The soil
is
 fertile
and the climate is kept mild by the Gulf Stream waters. A
fisherman’s playground, a vintner’s
paradise and an artist’s inspiration, the historic “East End” has
attracted visitors for thousands of years, from the earliest
settlers - the Native Americans - to today’s world savvy travelers.
“The Hamptons"
(the area between Westhampton and Montauk on the South Fork of Long
Island) is increasingly becoming a year round destination as
visitors from around the world discover the many pleasures the East
End of Long Island
has to offer. The beaches continue to attract the summer crowd,
from the motels in Montauk to the “Summer Cottages” of the rich and
famous in East Hampton and Southampton, but the beautiful weather
lingers even when the beautiful people have fled - replaced first by
clouds of Monarch Butterflies migrating through, and then by swirls
of autumn leaves, starry skies & snowflakes.
HISTORIC EAST HAMPTON NEW YORK
Originally
settled by Native Americans as early as 1290 B.C., the Village of
East Hampton was founded in 1648 A.D. by a group of English farmers
who felt that Southampton (which was founded by settlers from
Massachusetts only 8 years prior) was getting too crowded and
restrictive. Thus began the rivalry between the two main villages
of the Hamptons! Over the years, East Hampton has managed to
maintain its classic old New England village charm, its agrarian
roots and its unspoiled green lands, even as it has blossomed into
an internationally recognized resort destination and year-round home
to an ever-growing population.
The village was
laid out around a broad commons (which is now Main Street) running
from the Town Pond on the west end to the sheep fold on the east
end, across from where the post office now stands. Many of the
historic homes and sites have been preserved, due in a large part to
the
East Hampton Ladies Village Improvement Society (ELVIS rules in
East Hampton!). Founded in 1885, the ladies of LVIS “began raising
funds to finance the costly, but necessary, watering down of dusty
Main Street, sweeping of crosswalks, cleaning up the Station area
and installation of oil lamps on Main Street, along with hiring a
lamplighter.” (courtesy of LVIS) Thanks to the continuing efforts
of the Ladies of East Hampton, New York, Main Street is lined with stately
elms instead of gas stations, strong preservationist Zoning &
Planning Boards are in effect and our Historic Districts (Main
Street, Huntting Lane and Hook Mill) are listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. (The Mill House Inn is situated in the
heart of the Hook Mill Historic District.) Many of the historic
sites are open to the public.
The
East Hampton Historical Society maintains five museums, national
landmark historic sites of both local and national importance. (The
following content is courtesy of the East Hampton Historical
Society. Call them at 631-324-6850 or visit their web site at
www.easthamptonhistory.org for hours of operation and additional
information.)
Mulford Farm is
considered one of America's most significant, intact English
Colonial farmsteads. The survival of this house, built in 1680, is
remarkable since it has been left largely unchanged since 1750. In
addition, the home has remained in the Mulford family’s hands for
the majority of its existence giving scholars the opportunity to
trace the family, their use of the land and structures around them.
The lives and spirit of this family echo throughout the house which
was restored using period appropriate furnishings and authentic
decorative arts. The Mulford Barn, constructed in 1721, is one of
the most intact early eighteenth century English-plan barn forms in
New York State and is recognized as an outstanding example of early
eighteenth century construction methods and materials.
Clinton Academy was one of the first academies in New York
State chartered by the Board of Regents. The Academy was constructed
in 1784 with funds contributed by local citizens at the request of
the Reverend Samuel Buell, pastor of the East Hampton Presbyterian
Church. This remarkable Academy was a coeducational institution
preparing young men for college or for careers such as seafaring or
surveying. Young women were schooled in spiritual reading and the
finer points of being a lady. This late Georgian style building was
restored in 1921 by Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo E. Woodhouse. Visitors can
enjoy the wild flower garden behind the property installed by the
Garden Club of East Hampton.
The Town House,
c. 1731 is the earliest surviving one-room schoolhouse on Long
Island. Studies were very basic: reading, writing, and enough
arithmetic to keep an account book. Teachers rarely had a very
extensive education and there were virtually no textbooks or paper
to use; learning was accomplished by copying on slate. School was
dismissed from January through March during the whaling season where
everyone, including children, had to help in carving the whales.
After 1845, the building continued to be used as a meeting place for
the Town Trustees. It is the only existing town government meeting
place to survive from the Colonial period on Long Island. The Town
Trustees who met there determined the affairs of the township by
collecting taxes, passing local laws, administering public lands,
maintaining the church and schoolhouse and hiring the minister and
teacher. It was later used as a barbershop, an interior decorator's
studio and the town welfare headquarters during the Depression. In
1958, the East Hampton Historical Society acquired and moved the
Town House to a lot adjacent to the Clinton Academy.
Osborn-Jackson
House was lived in by six generations of Osborns until the late
1960's. The original portion of the house, probably built in 1723,
was the family home of "Deacon" Daniel Osborn. His son, Jonathan
inherited the house and made additions in 1760. The house was owned
successively by his sons Joseph and Sylvanus, his grandson Edward E.
Gardiner and their descendents until the mid-20th century. This
colonial house, one of the few still in its original position on
Main Street, serves as the headquarters for the East Hampton
Historical Society and a period house museum for the general public.
East Hampton
Village maintains several more historic landmarks which are open to
the public:
The Hook Mill,
directly across the street from the Mill House Inn, was built in
1806 by Nathanial Dominy V, a noted local carpenter and clock
maker. The new mill incorporated the main post of the 1736 Hook
mill and remained in active operation until 1908. The Village
acquired the Hook Mill in 1922 and restored it to working order.
Home Sweet Home,
on the Village Green – the heart of the Colonial Village - was the
childhood home of John Howard Payne, a noted actor and composer of
the wildly successful (in 1823) song “Home Sweet Home.” Built in
1660, the house has been preserved in its original form, a simple
but elegant shingled salt box, and is furnished with authentic
period pieces. In 1917 the Panitgo Mill was moved to the property
from Mill Hill. The village undertook extensive repairs to the mill
in 1978-1979.
The Gardiner
“Home Lot” on James Lane is the only lot remaining of the 34
original East Hampton Home Lots with the home at the head, nearest
the Commons, and farmland stretching out behind. It features 9
acres of farm land (still farmed by a descendent of Lion Gardner,
the original owner who is buried in the South End Burying Ground
across the street) and serves as the setting for the 1804 Gardiner
Windmill, also build by Nathanial Dominy V.
MONTAUK – THE
END
Montauk,
on the easternmost tip of the South Fork, is one of the sports
fishing capitols of the world, as well as home to the oldest lighthouse in
Long Island. Take Montauk Highway East and go to the very end. You
can't miss the lighthouse! The United States Coast Guard operates
the light, but the Montauk Historical Society maintains the
lighthouse, keeper’s dwelling, outbuildings and grounds -- there’s
an excellent museum in the keeper’s dwelling. On display are
reproductions of Coast Guard Vessels and a 3D map of East Coast
Lighthouses. Visitors are welcome to climb the 137 spiral steps to
the top of the lighthouse and, on a clear day, look out at Block
Island across the sound.
 In
the winter months there are Seal Sighting walks along the beach on
the point. Check our
Calendar of
Events to find out when they are scheduled or set out on
your own – about a half mile north of the Lighthouse on the rugged
beach. Even in the dead of winter you will see fishing boats off
the point.
A visit to
Montauk Harbor is a must when you are out east. Stroll through
Gosman’s Dock and tackle a fresh steamed lobster while watching the
fishing boats go in and out of the harbor. Or sample very fresh
sushi at the Westlake Marina’s Chowder House and Sushi Bar – the
fishing boats pull up right off the deck of the restaurant and you
might see the proprietor haggling for the pick of the catch!
If you are lucky
enough to be in Montauk in early June be sure to catch the Blessing
of the Fleet, which kicks off the summer season and combines a
festive atmosphere with a somber reminder of those lost at sea the
previous season. Then finish your day with a sunset horseback ride
on the beach at Deep Hollow Ranch, the oldest cattle ranch in the
United States.
BEACHES, BEACHES AND MORE BEACHES
Face it; no
matter what else The Hamptons have to offer, it’s the beaches that
bring the crowds.
The Mill House
Inn offers you a beautiful waterfront property & Long Island
beaches. If you’re into
crowds, Main Beach in East Hampton is the place to be. Bring the
umbrella and the beach chairs and settle in for a day of fun in the
sun. Got to have a hot dogs and a lobster roll… But if the scene
is not your scene, just walk a few hundred feet up the beach and
there will be no one casting a shadow on your tan. West of Main
Beach, off Lily Pond Lane, is Georgica Beach (facilities but no
food). Walk west on the beach to the stretch where Georgica Pond
almost meets the ocean. You can see the very exclusive homes of
folks like Martha Stuart and Steven Spielberg from the pond, but not
from the land (private roads and big privet hedges). Rent a kayak
or canoe and paddle around the pond, but beware of the swans – one
of them warrants a warning sign at the launching spot – just keep
paddling if Fred starts circling your boat. And of course there is
the gay beach at Two Mile Hollow…
 But
don’t spend all your time on the ocean – our bay and harbor beaches
are spectacular, too. The water is calmer (good for swimming and
paddling) and warmer (especially nice in the early summer when the
ocean is still icy).
Maidstone Beach
at the mouth of Three Mile Harbor gives you a good view of the boats
coming & going and of Gardiner’s Island across the bay. Louse Point
juts out between Accabonac Harbor and Gardiners Bay. The harbor is
amazingly peaceful, dotted with small islands and Osprey nests on
high platforms. Continue south along the North Shore and detour to
the little known Little Albert’s Landing on Napeague Bay. Take
Cranberry Hole Road east to Lazy Point on Napeague Harbor, a favorite spot
for windsurfing (just as much fun to watch as to try…). Continue
east, rejoining the highway for a short stretch and take a left at
the tennis club on Napeague Harbor Road. Park at the end and you
have the choice of hiking along the beach (its worth the effort to
make it all the way out to the point between Napeague Harbor and the
bay – when the tide is going in or out you can jump in for a wild
“water chute” ride!) or up to the Walking Dunes on your right.
Strong winds cause the dunes to move; as they “walk” they bury trees
in their way. You can see the tree trunks that are slowly being
covered by sand. It’s worth getting sand in your shoes climbing to
the top for 360º water views. Imagine yourself as Rudolph Valentino
in the silent film "The Sheik" which was shot here in 1922.
For surfing,
Ditch Plains in Montauk is the most popular beach. Gin beach, on
the east side of the mouth of Montauk Harbor, recalls the
bootlegging past of the East End. Legend has it that crates of hooch
used to wash up on the shore… Oh, and about those crowds – if you
really want to find that perfect secluded beach and you have
four-wheel drive, you might want to spring for a beach access
permit.
LONG ISLAND WINE COUNTRY
You don’t have
to be an oenophile to be enthralled by Long Island’s wineries. Only
rivaled by California’s wine country, Long Island’s wine industry
has grown from one small vineyard to nearly 3,000 acres of vines and
over two dozen wineries producing world-class wines. The praise and
awards continue to accumulate, and Long Island wines just keep
getting better.
There are three
excellent wineries in the Hamptons (don’t miss Wölffer Estate in
Sagaponak – take home their Pinot Noir and the Cuvee Sparkling Wine
Brut), but for the full experience take a day trip to the North
Fork. From East Hampton take Route 114 North through Sag Harbor (a
quaint old whaling village) to North Haven (look for herds of
fearless deer strolling through front yards). Take the car ferry
(about 5 minutes) across to Shelter Island and (if you can make it
past the Mashomack Preserve without stopping to wander through 2,100
acres of woodlands, fields, coastland and tidal creeks) follow 114
across the island to the North Ferry, which takes you into
Greenport.
Follow Route 25
West through pristine farmland, past farm stands piled high with
local produce, and mile after mile of stunning vineyards. There are
now over 20 wineries to choose from on the North Fork but don’t miss
Pindar (if the good Doctor is leading a Champagne tour you are in
luck, but in any case, try out their Mythology – if you can get it -
and the Cabernet Port) and Lenz (their Pinot Noir, Champagne and
Chardonnays consistently win blind tastings over the top French
wines costing easily 10 times as much). We love the Road House Red
and the Cupola at Bedell Cellars and the Reislings at Paumonok. For
lunch stop at the Seafood Barge in the Port of Egypt Marina to
sample more local wines, fresh seafood and local produce. Go back
all the way east (do take the detour to the “business District” of
Orient village – it has a post office, an ice cream parlor and a
general store) to Orient Point and walk the nature trail out to the
very tip. Look across the channel at the Plum Island Animal Disease
Center – off limits unless you are a mad cow!
The Seasons
Summer
Pleasures
The high summer
season in the Hamptons is so chock full of activities and events for
the visitor to enjoy that one could easily overlook the great
natural beauty of our area. So we urge you, don't miss the beaches.
They are some of the world's finest and we encourage you to take
time out to enjoy a long walk down East Hampton's Main Beach or a
spectacular sunset at Sag Harbor's Long Beach, perhaps with a picnic
supper. Then move on to the whirlwind of fun that awaits you.
Throughout East
Hampton, Sag Harbor and Southampton various organizations put on
good old fashioned summer carnivals featuring rides and games, food
and fireworks- it's a paradise for kids of all ages. Don't miss the
Southampton Kiwanis carnival in June and the East Hampton Ladies
Village Improvement Society fair in July.
The Hamptons in
summer were made for outdoor activities. Main Beach Surf and Sport
shop in Wainscott (631-537-2716) can supply all the gear you need
for kayaking, canoeing or in-line skating. Fishing continues
throughout the summer months. Check out the Lazy Bones
(631-668-5700) or Sport Fishing Charter Service (631-668-2707) in
Montauk for fishing excursions, but you can also just cast off the
beach or the town dock on Gann Road in Springs.
Other activities
to partake in include horseback riding at Deep Hollow Ranch in
Montauk, the oldest continually operating ranch in the United States
(631- 668-2744). We also love to bicycle around; it's a great
alternative to the car during this peak traffic season. For bike
rentals try Bermuda Bikes in East Hampton (631-324-6688) or Cycle
Path in Amagansett (631-267-6313).
Then, of course,
there are the events. In July there are fabulous Fourth of July
fireworks displays in East Hampton as well as all of the surrounding
villages. Then there is the Music Festival of the Hamptons in late
July with ongoing performances in several venues of both
world-renowned and up and coming musicians.
The Artists and
Writers Softball game, an annual charitable event, brings together
such local celebrities as Paul Simon, Alec Baldwin and Dick Cavitt
in a semi-serious competition at the East Hampton Village softball
field in mid-August.
The crowning
event of the season is the Hampton Classic Horse Show. Held the last
week of August in Bridgehampton, it brings together world class and
novice equestrian talent from around the country for a week of
competition culminating in the Grand Prix on the last day. Even if
you're not a rider, there is plenty of shopping at the kiosks and a
Saturday kid's day with a petting zoo, clowns and pony rides.
Finally on Labor
Day Weekend, experience another aspect of the Hamptons at the annual
Shinnecock Tribes' Pow-Wow. The Shinnecock Tribe along with the
Montauketts were among the original settlers of the Hamptons and
they honor their heritage with three days of traditional Native
American dancing, competitions and foods held on the Shinnecock
Reservation in Southampton.
Autumn
- Our Glorious Indian Summer
When you live in
the Hamptons year round, you live for the Autumn. In September and
October the number of visitors thins out a bit and the weather is
glorious. Warm days and cooler evenings bring the gradual turning
of the leaves to reveal their brilliant hues. Drive past the farm
stands and marvel at the symphony of colors - orange, burgundy and
gold as the Fall harvest spills out of the bins.
 It
is a delightful time to be outdoors. Explore the East End by hiking
our many nature trails (contact the Southampton Trails Preservation
Society at 631-537-5207 for information), take a leisurely ride on a
bicycle or go apple or pumpkin picking at one of the farm stands.
For golf fans,
there is still plenty of great weather to enjoy a round or two at
one of our many excellent and varied courses. There is a
championship course at Montauk Downs State Park and Poxabogue is a
good par-3 course in Bridgehampton with many other options in
between.
Other Autumn
pursuits include browsing the abundant antique shops located
throughout the Hamptons (some of the most interesting, in our
opinion, are in Sag Harbor) or taking in a film at the Hamptons
International Film Festival which is held in East Hampton usually
the third week of October call the film festival office at
631-324-4600 for information). This film festival features
independent and novice film makers and it's always possible that you
may be watching a future hit.
Winter
Holiday Fun
As we move into
the winter holiday season, we eagerly anticipate the appearance of
the first Christmas wreaths and twinkling lights which pierce the
darkness of the early winter nights. Before the lull of January and
February, the month of December is filled with festive events.
The first
Saturday of December brings the annual Santa parade down Main Street
in East Hampton. In addition to the ubiquitous fire engines and
trucks, this parade attracts many colorful floats created by local
organizations and businesses and the finale is always the appearance
of Santa riding in the last fire engine. The day continues with a
free childrens' film at the East Hampton movie theater.
 The
holiday tree lighting ceremony at the Maidstone Arms Inn and
Restaurant in East Hampton, occurs on an early December Friday
evening and is a festive evening of caroling with hot chocolate and
cookies offered to the children. This is also the beginning of the
annual "Toys for Tots" gift-giving program in our community.
One of our
favorite holiday activities is the Tour of Historic Inn and Houses
in East Hampton (Call the East Hampton Chamber of Commerce at
631-324-0362 for information). This is a fun filled Saturday of
visiting some of the many interesting homes and charming historical
buildings in East Hampton. At each stop on the tour, visitors can
marvel at the beautiful home and creativity in holiday decorations
as well as enjoying a grazing lunch with different houses providing
hors d'oeuvres, beverages and desserts.
Another local
holiday tradition is the Choral Society of the Hamptons annual
holiday concert, held on a Sunday afternoon and evening in December
at the Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church. In addition to a beautiful
rendering of familiar carols, the program will include an ambitious
longer piece, often unusual, but always interesting. Throughout the
villages of the East End there are an abundance of tree lighting
ceremonies, concerts and house tours making this season especially
festive.
After the
celebrations of New Year's Eve, the East End quiets down for a few
weeks in January and February. This is an excellent time of year to
journey out for a quiet getaway weekend. Enjoy a spa day at
Gurney's Resort in Montauk (631-668-2345) and then take advantage of
the prixe fixe specials at many of the area's best restaurants. Top
it off with a stay at the Mill House Inn and enjoy our cozy rooms,
featherbeds, down quilts and pillows, gas fireplaces and whirlpool
baths.
East Hampton also
has a winter tradition of wonderful semi-professional community
theater with several shows each winter staged at Guild Hall
(631-324-0806).
Because the ocean
breezes keep our area somewhat warmer than other parts of the
mid-Atlantic in winter, we don't often get an abundance of snowfall.
But when it does snow, people love to get out their cross country
skis and head out to the golf courses or parks and the air is filled
with the joyful sounds of children sledding down a hill. When the
town pond freezes over the whole community joins the children ice
skating and playing hockey while sipping hot chocolate from a
thermos.
Spring
- A Time of Renewal
After the quiet
East End winter, we eagerly look forward Spring. Come out and visit
us and enjoy the gentle pleasures of this "shoulder season". The
many nurseries and garden centers are overflowing with spring
flowers, plants and shrubs, in addition to outdoor sculpture and
furnishings. Our fisherman friends enjoy the annual run of cod and
flounder, abundantly available in Lake Montauk. The Lazy Bones
Fishing Boats (631-668-5671) have great day trips into the calm,
sheltered waters. Their motto is "bring your lunch, catch your
dinner". It is a fun outing with children- but don't forget to dress
warmly, the winds can still be chilly.
 In
early Spring, don't miss the Montauk St. Patrick's day parade.
Usually held the Sunday after St. Patrick's day, it is the second
largest parade in our area, after the New York City parade, and is
great small town fun, featuring all of the area marching bands, bag
pipers, fire engines and trucks. Montauk also hosts one of the many
area Easter Egg hunts.
The official end
of Spring and beginning of the summer high season, Memorial Day, is
marked by the annual East Hampton Memorial Day parade, held on the
Monday of Memorial Day weekend. The surrounding towns again bring
out all of their fire trucks and antique cars but this parade is a
bit more somber as the towns remember their fallen soldiers.
As Spring begins
to flow into early summer, come out and pick your own strawberries
at one of our many local farm stands. A stop at a farmers market on
your way home yields an abundance of Spring's bounty- asparagus,
strawberries, rhubarb and the first fresh herbs of the year.
Late May and
early June bring two traditional East End pastimes. Whale watching
off of Montauk begins in June and continues through the summer
months. The Viking Fleet schedules regular excursions as well as
providing ferry service to Block Island beginning in May. The
traditional start of the summer fishing season, the Blessing of the
Fleet, takes place in Montauk Harbor and is said to bring luck to
the fishermen as well as remembering those who died at sea during
the previous year. The event itself is an exciting array of all
types of boats from small private crafts to large commercial fishing
boats that sail past the reviewing stands to receive the blessing of
the local pastor for safety and success in the coming season.
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