Get to know Quogue
Surfers, literary folks, lovers of historic homes, and seekers of peace and quiet will find much to enjoy among the endless dunes and tall grasses of Quogue. There are fewer than 1,000 residents holed up in the 5 square miles of this high-status Southampton village. Locals cherish the legacy of Quogue’s literary cache, which includes midcentury legend Arthur Laurents, who wrote the books for the musicals West Side Story and Gypsy as well the screenplays for The Way We Were and The Turning Point. If it’s the time of life when you want to take a notepad to the dunes to pen the Great American Novel after you strip off your wetsuit, quiet Quogue just might be the perfect place.
History & Culture
Quogue has a long, sleepy history, dating from its 1659 purchase from the Montauk tribe. Coastal farmlands eventually gave way to a resort atmosphere, when shingle-style homes were erected by prominent families. Nearly 250 structures, built over the past several centuries, helped the Quogue Historic District land a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. Excitement comes in the form of tasty waves and nature pursuits: Though the East End of Long Island isn’t as identified with hanging ten as, say, the North Shore of Oahu, Quogue homeowners know that local and visiting surfers alike enthuse over one of the world’s best right-hand breaks. Though Quogue has been referred to as the un-Hamptons, it’s still a pretty exclusive place; it can take years to break in to the family-friendly Surf Club. The bald eagles, falcons, foxes, and owls of the Quogue Wildlife Preserve are less discerning; the 7 miles of trails are open 365 days a year.
Dine & Shop
Membership is also tight at the Quogue Beach Club, but there’s always the refuge of the gorgeous and comfy Quogue Club at Hallock House, the 5-year-old inn designed by the beloved Alexa Hampton. With a wine list courtesy of sommelier Joseph Reinis and a farm-fresh menu by the inn’s founding executive chef, Matt Birnstill, Quogue residents may want to look into a membership after an overnight and dinner (dining is available to members and hotel guests). Far more casual is Beth’s Café, Quogue’s version of the country-cute spot that’s an essential go-to for any Hamptons town. Open for breakfast and lunch, this is the place to get your gluten-free pancakes or huevos rancheros on, or to wash down your crab cake sandwich with a Peanut Stallion smoothie. Given Quogue’s small size, locals spill over into East Quogue and Westhampton Beach to eat and browse, though the Quogue Shop is the closest resource for local gifts, menswear, totes, beach art, and even dog collars.
