Spring is here and we have a great map of our favorite things to do and see in the area: the places and things that absolutely make the Hamptons the Hamptons in spring. Enjoy the "blue and golden warmth of Indian summer," as Peter Matthiessen once put it.
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Curbed Hamptons Pocket Guide: Spring 2017
Everything you need to know
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Walking Dunes
This unique ecological site offers fascinating land forms, a wide variety of plants, animal tracks, and great views. The area is made up of three parabolic dunes that are continually shifting ("walking"), swallowing up trees and plants as they progress towards the southeast.
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Montauk Point Lighthouse
The oldest lighthouse in New York State, Montauk Lighthouse was authorized by the Second Congress, under President George Washington, in 1792. The lighthouse still serves as an active aid to navigation; after the climb up the tower, you'll be rewarded with great views.
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Main Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in America--forget that, the world. Pack a lunch and some suncreen and relax. You've made it.
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Guild Hall
Guild Hall offers performances and movies all year around in the beautiful John Drew theater, as well as art exhibitions.
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Clinton Academy
Clinton Academy, built 1784, was one of the first academies in New York State. Local citizens contributed to its construction at the request of the Rev. Samuel Buell, the pastor of the East Hampton Presbyterian Church. The school was co-ed. Instruction was in Latin with some Greek and French.
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South Fork Natural History Museum
Learn about the rich natural history of our area via the museum’s scientifically accurate galleries, featuring live and recreated natural habitat exhibits, a Marine Touch Tank, terrariums and aquariums featuring local wildlife, and a Nature Library; the museum also offers a variety of outdoor nature walks and programs.
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Parrish Art Museum
In its beautiful home by Herzog & de Meuron, the Parrish Art Museum focuses extensively on artists from the East End of Long Island, including contemporary artists such as Chuck Close and April Gornik, as well as past masters such as Roy Lichtenstein, Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, and Willem de Kooning; American Impressionist William Merritt Chase and American realist painter Fairfield Porter.
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Southampton Historical Museum
The beautiful Rogers Mansion Museum Complex contains the original building (owned by the Rogers family from 1648 to 1880) and, on the grounds behind the house, Southampton historic structures, including a 19th century paint store, a blacksmith’s shop, a cobbler’s shop, a one-room schoolhouse, and a colonial era barn that was seized by British soldiers to lodge their horses during the Revolutionary War.
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Watermill Center
The Watermill Center, founded by theater and visual artist Robert Wilson, is a “laboratory for performance.” Drawing inspiration from all areas of the arts and cultures, Watermill puts on interdisciplinary performances throughout the year as well as tours. Outside there are eight-and-a-half acres of artist-designed and landscaped grounds.
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Children's Museum Of The East End
Don't miss the physics-themed mini-golf, and then herd the kids inside to look at the fun interactive exhibits. CMEE also presents frequent family events and classes.
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Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum
Come learn about the fascinating history of the industry that made Sag Harbor an economic powerhouse. The museum is housed in an 1845 mansion.
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Lazy Point
Any time of year, this land of ponds, fields, salt marshes, and water holes is picturesque. You'll easily see birds of prey here.
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Camp Hero State Park
Originally commissioned by the Army in 1942, Camp Hero was a coastal defense station disguised as a fishing village. Much of the old gun emplacements, etc, remain; the area is also home to rare salamanders.
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Conscience Point National Wildlife Refuge
Conscience Point is part of a unique wetland network known as the Cow Neck Complex, which includes about 300 acres of open water, salt marsh, irregularly exposed tidal flats, and aquatic beds.
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Longhouse Reserve
The 16 acres of gardens at Longhouse Reserve are at their best this time of year, complemented by the many outdoor art installations.
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Antiquing in Sag Harbor
Within easy walking distance in downtown Sag Harbor are several notable antique shops, including Black Swan at 26 Main St, Ruby Beets at 25 Washington St, and La Maisonette at 34 Bay St among others.
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Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course
With low greens fees, Montauk Downs is sometimes called the best public course in the US. Other accolades include “as close to Scottish golf as you can get” and “Shinnecock Hills for the poor unwashed.” Fore!
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Georgica Pond
Rent a kayak from Main Beach Surf & Sport and get on out there. Main Beach also offers lessons. Or dig out your stand-up paddleboard and peace out.
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Bonfire on Kirk Park Beach
Beach fires are very special, even in autumn. Bundle up with your honey, bring some wine, and enjoy the ambiance. Make sure to completely extinguish it before you leave, though.
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Wölffer Estate Vineyard
Fall harvest season is the best time to visit a vineyard, and we tend to think Wolffer is the most interesting places to take a tour. Enjoy a wine flight along with charcuterie.
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The Old Burying Ground
The Old Burying Ground’s first interment was in 1767, and it’s the resting place for at least 19 Revolutionary War soldiers, as well as whaling captains, seamen, and their families. The last burial was in 1870.
Ghost Town Trail Walk
Hike through the former flourishing settlement of East Hampton's Northwest, began in 1653, and now completely gone.
Fish the Fall Blitz
This time of year, striped bass, false albacore, and bluefish are plentiful in the area before migrating south. Try the Viking Fleet for fishing excursions.
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Southampton Arts Center
The Arts Center’s main goal is to provide programming to the community. They’re constantly host to artists, performers, educators, and partner with other institutions to bring the East End great events. Something to check out this spring is their sustainability sculpture workshop.
East Hampton Historical Farm Museum
Though the East End is known for its wineries now, it wasn’t too long ago that Long Island was a major source of farming. Potato farms littered the Hamptons before the vineyards opened. The East Hampton Historical Farm Museum allows people to experience the farming culture from the 1880s-1930s.
Gurneys Inn
While Gurney’s is a popular tourist destination, it’s also a local favorite. At Gurney’s, you can, yes, have dinner and head to the bakery for their killer cheesecake, but a great way to feel like you’re on a vacation is to do a spa day.
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