The Essence of East Hampton
One of the prized jewels of the Town of East Hampton, the Village of East Hampton remains much as it did when English settlers modeled it after their homeland’s countryside in 1648. Their agrarian society lives on through romantic windmills, family farms and ponds, with a string of beaches along the Atlantic capping off the picture-perfect setting. Beyond natural beauty, many people relate the Village to luxury shopping and gray cedar-shingled homes epitomized by legendary residence Grey Gardens. The grand estates propagated when society arrived in the 19th century, followed by artists and writers who buoyed a vibrant cultural scene that exists to this day. Despite famous faces at café tables and boutiques around town, residents value respected traditions and community spirit. This rare balance has resulted in an everlasting demand for a home here.
Nearby Neighborhoods:
Amagansett, Wainscott, Sag Harbor
Culture & Attractions
Many of East Hampton’s institutions have strong ties to the inception of the Hamptons and benefit from the region being an artists’ haven. Guild Hall, a multidisciplinary, cultural center founded in the 1930s, has been fully upgraded for a new era of major art exhibitions, premier performances and community events. East Hampton Historical Society oversees historic sites, including Mulford Farm and Dominy Shops Museum, and hosts annual events like the Antiques & Design Show. Many visitors snap photos by the historic Hook and Pantigo windmills and throughout LongHouse Reserve sculpture garden. Onna House is another private residence-turned-art space, while art galleries in the village center flourish. The Ladies’ Village Improvement Society and Herrick Park host several community traditions from fairs to holiday festivities.
Dining & Shopping
As one of the hubs of the Hamptons, the Village of East Hampton brims with cosmopolitan options. Vestiges of English settlers like the 1770 House Restaurant & Inn with a homey parlor and tavern, and the recently renovated LDV at the Maidstone from Scarpetta’s masterminds continue to welcome guests. A couple with hospitality cred reinvented the Hedges Inn with hobnobbing haunt Swifty’s. East Hampton Grill and Village Bistro serve classic American fare, while Sant Ambroeus and Tutto Caffè sate Italian cuisine cravings. Newcomers Crazy Pizza and Lucky’s steakhouse are gaining traction. Branches of New York-based seafood purveyor Citarella, as well as Hamptons-born Carissa’s the Bakery, Farm & Forage market, and the Golden Pear Café with catering garner high traffic; select a bottle for dinner at Park Place Wines & Liquors. Globally-influenced dishes are on the menu at Highway Restaurant & Bar and Hampton Chutney Co. Just outside of village limits lie Nick & Toni’s, which stays open year-round, and seasonal Moby’s and Bostwick’s Chowder House. Summer leads to scoops and sundaes from A La Mode Shoppe. Resembling a mini-Manhattan, designer brands line Main Street and Newtown Lane: Brunello Cucinelli, Gucci, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Rolex and Todd Snyder are just the tip of the iceberg. Multi-brand boutiques Aerin, Kirna Zabête and Blue & Cream add to the mix, while cosmetics to skin care from Jones Road Beauty and Bluemercury complete looks. Home showrooms RH and Room & Board aid design projects, while generations of East Enders rely on BookHampton for hot titles and the Monogram Shop for souvenirs and gifts.
Leisure, Nature & Wellness
Beach to the more public-friendly Main Beach. Two large ponds, Georgica Pond and Hook Pond, lend to its Old-World quaintness. Whereas Herrick Park is used more for recreation and events, East Hampton Village Nature Trail and Wildlife Sanctuary invites a quiet moment in nature. Golf and racket sports are an integral part of the lifestyle. Coore & Crenshaw golf course architects renovated the historic Maidstone Club and designed the much newer East Hampton Golf Club, while tennis, pickleball and padel are played at East Hampton Tennis Club, Hampton Racquet, Buckskill Tennis & Winter Club and Future Stars East Hampton. Fitness venues grow every year, with the state-of-the-art YMCA East Hampton RECenter and outposts of New York’s ID Hot Yoga and Kevyn Zeller Pilates+. Since opening here in 1995, Naturopathica Spa & Healing Center has pampered guests with treatments and products. The Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department set a new standard in local health care when it debuted in 2025.
