East Hampton is a top contender in the global real estate market for several reasons, one being its close proximity to New York City and the ease of getting back and forth by Hampton Jitney, limousine, or helicopter. There is even the option of taking an amphibious seaplane, via Aquatica Aviation, directly from East Hampton to the East River in only 45 minutes! Another reason is the sheer beauty of East Hampton's landscape, with its nearby ocean beaches and surrounding farmlands, where visitors are reminded that there really is a kinder, gentler life. National Geographic named East Hampton "America's Most Beautiful Village," in part because of its charming Norman Rockwell-like backdrop: centuries-old buildings line the streets, one after the other, and the beautiful town pond has the ever-present swans during the warm days while winter evenings there provide a romantic setting as ice skaters gracefully spin and twirl under the soft glow of the streetlights.
The area's history started with the Native Americans who lived here, followed by settlers in the 1600s; not too many years passed before the wealthy discovered this gem and soon summer cottages sprung up, dotting the landscape and making a perfect venue for the many writers and artists who flocked here over the years. Famous artist Jackson Pollock made a home here with Lee Krasner, and their Pollock-Krasner House is open to the public to this day. A current artist living here is sculptor James DeMartis (also known for his blacksmith designs), who creates indoor and outdoor sculptures, both practical and whimsical. Artisans from Smith River Kitchens, as strange as it may sound, create kitchens (and bathrooms) that are works of art, using unique architecture and craftsmanship. They have offices in East Hampton; New York City; Fair Haven, New Jersey; and Greenwich, Connecticut. Of course, the Vered Art Gallery is the place to go to see works in various mediums by famous artists such as Matisse, Picasso, Mapplethorpe, and more. The Vered Art Gallery has sold works to The Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The J. Paul Getty Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, and Musée d'Orsay.
Over the years, celebrities and the extremely wealthy started building mega-mansions here, and one organization that kept an eye on preserving the village's integrity in the midst of all the changes was (and still is) the Ladies' Village Improvement Society, established in 1895. This group was never a "Timid Little Ladies' Society" only interested in planting pretty plants here and there. In 1925, according to the LVIS website, www.lvis.org, they "advocated for village zoning, the prohibition of gas stations on Main Street, and the elimination of billboards on any village street." (Thank you, ladies!) In the 1950s they began a scholarship awards program; this year they raised enough money to award eight $10,000 scholarships, plus an additional $3,000 scholarship. This year also marked their 114th annual fundraising fair!
Another local institution intent on preserving the village is the East Hampton Historical Society. It has a wide array of exhibits, collections, programs, events, and gardens, in addition to operating six local historical sites and museums: Mulford Farm (circa 1680), the Town House (circa 1731), the Osborn- Jackson House (circa 1740), the Clinton Academy (circa 1784), the Town Marine Museum in Amagansett, and the Boat Shop in Three Mile Harbor.
There are three windmills in East Hampton: Hook Mill, the Gardiner Mill, and Pantigo Mill, which is on the grounds of the Home Sweet Home Museum, a fully furnished saltbox-style house (circa 1680). Hugh R. King, director of Home Sweet Home, is an interesting and lively guide, and his wife, Loretta Orion, lovingly tends to the outdoor gardens that are not only beautiful but warm and inviting.
Another popular museum is Guild Hall. This fine arts museum has changing exhibitions, and is home to the John Drew Theater, where celebrities perform on a regular basis, the most recent being Alec Baldwin in Equus.
The town's stores have changed and morphed throughout the years and now this small village is dressed to the nines, with shops like Tiffany & Co., Hermès, Calypso, Côte d'Azur, and Ralph Lauren. Jewelry by Jennifer Miller is consistently being written about in national magazines and worn by celebs (Bethenny Frankel being one of the latest).
Bold-faced names are regulars at local restaurants, as well. Spotted recently at Philippe by Philippe Chow: Paul McCartney, NFL superstar Marcus Allen, and Betsey Johnson. (Philippe shares a space with nightclub hotspot Lily Pond.) You never know who you'll be rubbing elbows with at Nick & Toni's (Mediterranean cuisine), Della Femina (rated three stars by both The New York Times and Newsday), or Blue Parrot (numerous Bon Jovi sightings!). Other places that celebs have been known to visit include the Zagat-rated Nichol's Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, has lobster sliders as well as nine draft beers, and offers both indoor and outdoor seating; Serafina, with its sidewalk café and an outdoor patio; Turtle Crossing, which specializes in some of the best BBQ on the East End, and offers eat in, take out, and a catering service; Rowdy Hall, a lively English pub bistro that has open instrumental nights late on Sundays; and two places that are also favorites with the locals: Goldberg's Famous Bagels and Bucket's Deli.
Other popular spots include: East Hampton Point, a restaurant and an inn, offers a marina, cottages and suites, a gym and playground, and is a go-to place for weddings or corporate events. The Living Room at the Maidstone has "new American cuisine with a Scandinavian twist" and an extensive wine cellar with over 200 vintages. The Huntting Inn at The Palm Restaurant is popular with celebrities, socialites, and politicians, while 1770 House Restaurant & Inn has been serving a variety of guests for 235 years!
A nice way that the community and local restaurants join together is through the East End Community Organic Farm (EECO Farm). According to their website, www.eecofarm.org, theirs is "an all-volunteer organization that provides over 100 organic gardens for individuals and families, and 40 acres for farmers." EECO Farm sells a lot of its products to the area restaurants. They have a unique way to raise money, too. When wine is purchased online through AOC Fine Wines, 15% of the total net sales is contributed to EECO Farm.
Times, they are a-changin' though and while "girls just wanna have fun," they also wanna have tans. If you are going to get a spray tan or go into a tanning bed, go organic! Hamptons Tan has organic tanning beauty products and organic spray tans. They have private airbrush parties (fun!), and have locations in both East Hampton and Southampton. A place that joins centuries-old techniques with the latest scientific discoveries is Naturopathica, a holistic health spa. The result? All-natural products, found at top spas around the world.
East Hampton is the crown jewel of the Hamptons. Through the efforts of the people who love this village, the small-town look has been preserved yet it's all grown up now. It has a sophisticated New York vibe, and its rich history, beauty, and wealth make this a unique spot that attracts people from around the world.
