Curbed Hamptons Pocket Guide: Spring 2017

Everything you need to know

By Laura Euler and Grace Cassidy Updated Apr 3, 2017, 5:53pm EDT

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By Laura Euler and Grace Cassidy Updated Apr 3, 2017, 5:53pm EDT

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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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1. Walking Dunes

Napeague Harbor Rd
Napeague, NY

Visit Website

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.

Open in Google Maps

2. Montauk Point Lighthouse

2000 Montauk Hwy
Montauk, NY 11954

(631) 668-2554

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.

Open in Google Maps

3. Main Beach

104 Ocean Ave
East Hampton, NY 11937

(631) 324-8158

Visit Website

One of the most beautiful beaches in America--forget that, the world. Pack a lunch and some suncreen and relax. You've made it.

Open in Google Maps

4. Guild Hall

158 Main St
East Hampton, NY 11937

(631) 324-0806

Visit Website

Guild Hall offers performances and movies all year around in the beautiful John Drew theater, as well as art exhibitions.

Also Featured in:

5. Clinton Academy

151 Main St
East Hampton, NY 11937

(631) 324-6850

Visit Website

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.

6. South Fork Natural History Museum

377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike
Bridgehampton, NY 11932

Visit Website

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.

Open in Google Maps

7. Parrish Art Museum

279 Montauk Hwy
Water Mill, NY 11976

(631) 283-2118

Visit Website

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.

Also Featured in:

8. Southampton Historical Museum

17 Meeting House Ln
Southampton, NY 11968

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.

9. Watermill Center

39 Water Mill Towd Rd
Water Mill, NY 11976

Visit Website

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.

Open in Google Maps

10. Children's Museum Of The East End

376 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike
Bridgehampton, NY 11962

Visit Website

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.

Open in Google Maps

11. Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum

200 Main St
Sag Harbor, NY 11963

Visit Website

Come learn about the fascinating history of the industry that made Sag Harbor an economic powerhouse. The museum is housed in an 1845 mansion.

Open in Google Maps

12. Lazy Point

Lazy Point Rd
Napeague, NY

Any time of year, this land of ponds, fields, salt marshes, and water holes is picturesque. You'll easily see birds of prey here.

Open in Google Maps

13. Camp Hero State Park

Camp Hero Rd.
Montauk, NY 11954

Visit Website

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.

Open in Google Maps

14. Conscience Point National Wildlife Refuge

N Sea Rd
Southampton, NY 11968

Visit Website

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.

Open in Google Maps

15. Longhouse Reserve

133 Hands Creek Rd
East Hampton, NY 11937

Visit Website

The 16 acres of gardens at Longhouse Reserve are at their best this time of year, complemented by the many outdoor art installations.

Open in Google Maps

16. Antiquing in Sag Harbor

26 Main St
Sag Harbor, NY 11963

Visit Website

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.

Open in Google Maps

17. Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course

Visit Website

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!

Open in Google Maps

18. 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.

Open in Google Maps

19. Bonfire on Kirk Park Beach

95 S Emerson Ave
Montauk, NY 11954

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.

Open in Google Maps

20. Wölffer Estate Vineyard

139 Sagg Rd
Sagaponack, NY 11962

Visit Website

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.

Open in Google Maps

21. The Old Burying Ground

Union St
Sag Harbor, NY 11963

Visit Website

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.

A photo posted by Allison Meier (@allisoncmeier) on Jun 16, 2016 at 3:56pm PDT

Open in Google Maps

22. Ghost Town Trail Walk

S Pond Rd
East Hampton, NY 11937

Visit Website

Hike through the former flourishing settlement of East Hampton's Northwest, began in 1653, and now completely gone.

A photo posted by Amanda Iacono (@feraltime) on Jan 18, 2015 at 3:52pm PST

Open in Google Maps

23. Fish the Fall Blitz

462 W Lake Dr
Montauk, NY 11954

Visit Website

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.

Open in Google Maps

24. Southampton Arts Center

25 Jobs Ln
Southampton, NY 11968

(631) 283-0967

A post shared by Jill Malusky (@museumjilt) on Mar 26, 2017 at 1:12pm PDT

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.

Open in Google Maps

25. East Hampton Historical Farm Museum

131 N Main St
East Hampton, NY 11937

A post shared by Amy Sullivan (@amysul123) on Dec 28, 2016 at 3:36pm PST

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.

Open in Google Maps

26. Gurneys Inn

290 Montauk Highway
Amagansett, NY 11930

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.

A post shared by Martha Miller (@martyymills) on Jun 14, 2015 at 8:13am PDT

Open in Google Maps

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1. Walking Dunes

Napeague Harbor Rd, Napeague, NY

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.

Napeague Harbor Rd
Napeague, NY

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

2. Montauk Point Lighthouse

2000 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954

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.

2000 Montauk Hwy
Montauk, NY 11954

Open in Google Maps

3. Main Beach

104 Ocean Ave, East Hampton, NY 11937

One of the most beautiful beaches in America--forget that, the world. Pack a lunch and some suncreen and relax. You've made it.

104 Ocean Ave
East Hampton, NY 11937

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

4. Guild Hall

158 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937

Guild Hall offers performances and movies all year around in the beautiful John Drew theater, as well as art exhibitions.

158 Main St
East Hampton, NY 11937

Visit Website

5. Clinton Academy

151 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937

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.

151 Main St
East Hampton, NY 11937

Visit Website

6. South Fork Natural History Museum

377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11932

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.

377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike
Bridgehampton, NY 11932

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

7. Parrish Art Museum

279 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976

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.

279 Montauk Hwy
Water Mill, NY 11976

Visit Website

8. Southampton Historical Museum

17 Meeting House Ln, Southampton, NY 11968

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.

17 Meeting House Ln
Southampton, NY 11968

9. Watermill Center

39 Water Mill Towd Rd, Water Mill, NY 11976

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.

39 Water Mill Towd Rd
Water Mill, NY 11976

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

10. Children's Museum Of The East End

376 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11962

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.

376 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike
Bridgehampton, NY 11962

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

11. Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum

200 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963

Come learn about the fascinating history of the industry that made Sag Harbor an economic powerhouse. The museum is housed in an 1845 mansion.

200 Main St
Sag Harbor, NY 11963

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

12. Lazy Point

Lazy Point Rd, Napeague, NY

Any time of year, this land of ponds, fields, salt marshes, and water holes is picturesque. You'll easily see birds of prey here.

Lazy Point Rd
Napeague, NY

Open in Google Maps

13. Camp Hero State Park

Camp Hero Rd., Montauk, NY 11954

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.

Camp Hero Rd.
Montauk, NY 11954

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

14. Conscience Point National Wildlife Refuge

N Sea Rd, Southampton, NY 11968

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.

N Sea Rd
Southampton, NY 11968

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

15. Longhouse Reserve

133 Hands Creek Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937

The 16 acres of gardens at Longhouse Reserve are at their best this time of year, complemented by the many outdoor art installations.

133 Hands Creek Rd
East Hampton, NY 11937

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

16. Antiquing in Sag Harbor

26 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963

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.

26 Main St
Sag Harbor, NY 11963

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

17. Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course

Montauk, NY 11954

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!

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

18. Georgica Pond

East Hampton, NY

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.

Open in Google Maps

19. Bonfire on Kirk Park Beach

95 S Emerson Ave, Montauk, NY 11954

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.

95 S Emerson Ave
Montauk, NY 11954

Open in Google Maps

20. Wölffer Estate Vineyard

139 Sagg Rd, Sagaponack, NY 11962

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.

139 Sagg Rd
Sagaponack, NY 11962

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

21. The Old Burying Ground

Union St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963

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.

A photo posted by Allison Meier (@allisoncmeier) on Jun 16, 2016 at 3:56pm PDT

Union St
Sag Harbor, NY 11963

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

22. Ghost Town Trail Walk

S Pond Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937

Hike through the former flourishing settlement of East Hampton's Northwest, began in 1653, and now completely gone.

A photo posted by Amanda Iacono (@feraltime) on Jan 18, 2015 at 3:52pm PST

S Pond Rd
East Hampton, NY 11937

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

23. Fish the Fall Blitz

462 W Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954

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.

462 W Lake Dr
Montauk, NY 11954

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

24. Southampton Arts Center

25 Jobs Ln, Southampton, NY 11968

A post shared by Jill Malusky (@museumjilt) on Mar 26, 2017 at 1:12pm PDT

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.

25 Jobs Ln
Southampton, NY 11968

Open in Google Maps

25. East Hampton Historical Farm Museum

131 N Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937

A post shared by Amy Sullivan (@amysul123) on Dec 28, 2016 at 3:36pm PST

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.

131 N Main St
East Hampton, NY 11937

Open in Google Maps

26. Gurneys Inn

290 Montauk Highway, Amagansett, NY 11930

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.

A post shared by Martha Miller (@martyymills) on Jun 14, 2015 at 8:13am PDT

290 Montauk Highway
Amagansett, NY 11930

Open in Google Maps

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