East Hampton Things to Do

Indian Wells is another beach, a little farther west of Main Beach. It is a little more popular with younger people. But it is equally as crowded as Main Beach. You also need a parking permit for Indian Wells.

2 more images

This is The End. That’s how it’s known locally. The road goes no further.

It’s name comes from the Montaukett natives.

It falls into 3 segments. The town is what you come to first. I’ve never stopped. Nothing against the place, but the other 2 bits are better.

Turn left after the town to get to the harbour. A working fishing harbour. A ferry terminal for Block Island. Scores of fishing charter boats. Loads of fish restaurants & tackle/bait shops. I did go out fishing from here once (in the 70s) and caught a bonito. Beginner’s luck and a stupid bonito.

Carry straight on for part 3. The lighthouse. Old - commissioned by George Washington. Beware the car park. You have to use it as stopping is prohibited on the street. It’s $8 for the day. It’s also $8 for an hour, or even for 15 minutes. Make the most of your outlay. As well as the lighthouse, take a walk down to the shore and watch the surf fishermen.

I have a soft spot for Montauk. Partly because of the bonito, but mostly because I played half a season for Montauk Rugby. The team plays in East Hampton, but why split hairs?

The Montauk Lighthouse is actually really cool, even if you're not a lighthouse...admirer? lol Anways, there's a museum inside and you can go to the top and look straight across the Atlantic. Worth the trip to Montauk.

Jackson Pollock the Abstract Expressionist. In 1945, he married fellow artist Lee Krasner and moved from New York City to Long Island. They purchased this location overlooking Accabonac Creek in The Springs, near East Hampton.

Open May, September and October by appointment only. Guided tours Thursday, Friday and Saturday, on the hour from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission $10.

Open June, July and August by appointment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m.
Guided tour $10. General admission (no appointment required) 1 - 5 p.m., $5. call (631)324-4929

1 more image

Is this part of the Hamptons? Not sure... It’s on the Peconic Bay side of the South Fork, and not the ocean, for a start.

Probably it is. Shame.

It does feel a bit different, however. I’ve always liked it. A former whaling port, but that’s ancient history.

Go see - lovely main street and harbour area.

2 more images

This is another of “the Hamptons”. You have Westhampton, Bridgehampton and Hampton Bays as well. Each has its own character. Southampton is a mixture of old money and the brash new - often show business new.

Walk up and down the main streets to get a flavour of the place - the shops and pubs, gardens and houses.

I’ve never quite worked out if I like it or not. I know where I stand with all the others. My first visit would have been 1974, and the last in 2010. I’ll figure it out eventually.

Lovely spot and a real hidden gem that I'm sharing. It's a nice contrast to the long endless beaches of the "shore" where you might not get to park without a town permit.

You can watch sailboats go in and out of the small harbor. There is a tiny secluded beach area. You can comb the beach for shells and wander through the reeds. Try you hand at clamming or fishing.

Please keep it clean! Carry in, pack it out.

I've seen some fantastic films here. And you can be the envy of your friends when the film becomes a block buster. You can say you've already seen it.

Don't gawk, you'll likely be sitting next to someone famous! Many celebs live in teh Hamptons and usually make the film fest.