Get to know East Hampton
In the long, enduring tradition of slightly confusing Long Island naming conventions, East Hampton is located in a town also called East Hampton. With the Atlantic Ocean splashing onto its shores, the village of East Hampton carries a reputation that puts it close to, if not at, the very pinnacle of all Hamptons locales. Why are people so drawn to this place? Because it’s utterly stunning, a state of being only strengthened by undeniably beautiful white sand beaches. Near the western border, Georgica Pond doubles down on East Hampton prestige. This community has counted film directors, business magnates, and presidents among its high-society residents. East Hampton’s name carries such a weight that even something as trivial-seeming as a windmill is recognized as historic. To be fair to Hook Windmill, however, it was built in 1806 and presently stands preserved and bedecked in its Hamptons-chic shingle style.
Nearby Neighborhoods:
Sagaponack, Sag Harbor, Amagansett, Bridgehampton
History & Culture
East Hampton has undoubtedly come a long way from its c.1648 farming community roots. Like many of its neighbors, East Hampton’s trajectory toward summer resort destination began with the railroad. As the system extended deeper into the East End, new worlds were opened up to more westerly visitors. But despite being readily accessible today by anyone with a train ticket to the local station, East Hampton still carries itself as an invitation-only destination. Overcrowding is held at bay by limits on everything from the sizes of homes to the amount of beach parking passes. Still, East Hampton is light-years away from being a ghost town. Soaking up the sun from pristine sands, indulging in a world-class dinner, turning to your right to spot a celebrity — whatever path you choose, immersing yourself in East Hampton life is absolutely exhilarating.
Dining & Shopping
As the real estate in East Hampton stands above the rest in desirability, so do its restaurant prospects. Indeed, reservations may be needed to snag a table at your preferred eatery. Top-notch prix fixe meals from celebrated chefs abound, but worry not if tasting menus aren’t your fancy. Even with menus featuring cuts of meat and fish preparations you’ve never heard of, East Hampton makes room for more low-key diner and pub-type fare. Options for seafood are, of course, a guarantee as well. Clams, oysters, scallops — if it comes from a shell, you’ll probably find it. Like seemingly everything else does, so do East Hampton’s shopping options rank at or near tops in the region. Though Main Street is home to its share of familiar brands and luxury names, it is the boutiques where the village makes its stamp.
