30 Places to Visit and Color
Jake Rose
Illustrations by Various Artists
2. Westhampton beach performing arts center The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center has been part of Westhampton Beach for three generations. Opening in 1932 as Prudential’s Westhampton Theatre, the building was later bought by United Artists and was changed to a single-theater movie house. But by the mid-1990’s, the theater was set to be demolished. Yet in 1997, the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Inc. bought the movie theater for $300,000 to create a performing arts space. In just one year, volunteers raised $1.7 million to revitalize the building. During that time, Island Companies renovated the theater by installing a new stage, orchestra pit, and seating areas. In 1998, the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center reopened. Growing with each new season, their year-round program includes the World Cinema series and the Arts Education Program. As they have expanded their program, their reach has extended eastward and westward. From Montauk to Manhattan, their patrons agree that they have a jewel of a theater. Come and see for yourself!
6. Basilica parish of the sacred Hearts Built in 1907 using castaway marble blocks from the New York Public Library, The Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary has been a religious cornerstone for Southampton for over 100 years. When Pope Benedict XVI designated Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Roman Catholic Church as a minor basilica in 2011, it became the nation’s 70th minor basilica. Being named a minor basilica is quite an honor. For a church to be designated a basilica, it must stand out as a significant center of active and pastoral liturgy, while also having architectural, historical, and artistic worth.
Photo by Joe Trentacosti
7. Coopers Beach Used as the main beach for residents in Southampton, Coopers Beach has been considered to be one of America's best beaches for over a decade. In fact, Coopers was selected by Dr. Stephen Leatherman (Dr. Beach) as the Number One beach in the United States for 2010. Though it has been bested by other beaches in America since then–notably Grayton Beach State Park in Florida, Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach in North Carolina, and Hapuna Beach State Park in Hawaii–Coopers has consistently ranked in the top 10 for the Best Beaches in America, with it being ranked 8th in 2016, 5th in 2017, 4th in 2018 and 2019, 3rd in 2020, and 2nd in 2021. As part of the country’s first ‘Gold Coast’, Coopers Beach itself is hundreds of yards wide, made of grainy white quartz sand. Known for having the best beach access in the Hamptons, this spectacular beach is backed by large sand dunes covered by American beach grass, interspersed with large and extravagant mansions.
9. Water mill museum One of Long Island's oldest commercial buildings, the Water Mill Museum is a cornerstone for its namesake Hamptons village. The Water Mill’s history began with Edward Howell, who came to Southampton in 1640. Howell’s mill became operational by 1644, just north of its current site on Mill Creek. In 1726 and 1790, the town moved the mill south and built a dam and roadway at its present location. From the mid-1600s to the late 1800s, the Ludlam and Benedict families respectively operated the mill. But by the early 1900s, the building fell into disuse. However, the Water Mill Village Improvement Society had their subset organization the Ladies Auxiliary of Water Mill lease the building and make repairs to it beginning in 1921. In 1942, the Ladies Auxiliary bought the mill and in 1968 they began restoring it as a museum. In 1976, the historic water-powered gristmill was operational once again.
13... WOlffer estate vineyard Since 1988, WÖlffer Estate Vineyard has been committed to producing premium, distinctive wines, ciders and spirits through their dedication to quality, style and celebration of place. Founder Christian Wölffer was a man with vision and passion. Over time he applied both to create a place where people could visit, enjoy and take part in a memorable experience. That place–Wölffer Estate Vineyard & Stables–was the realization of Christian’s dream and a labor of love. Over 30 years later, Christian’s getaway on the East End’s South Shore spans over 170 acres and includes his 55-acre Wölffer Estate Vineyard as well as his home, stables, and grazing land for his thoroughbreds. The 100-acre Wölffer Estate Stables is an 80-stall facility with the largest indoor riding ring on the East Coast. After Christian’s passing in 2008, his children Joey and Marc Wölffer and his partner Roman Roth continue his legacy producing elegant, fashionable, food-friendly wines and keeping alive the style and creativity that was Christian’s trademark.
15. American hotel In 1824, Nathan Tinker began construction of a brick edifice to be used primarily as his residence. He added onto his original brick structure for the purpose of providing mercantile space and housing to the whale trade. Captain William Freeman and Addison Youngs bought the building from Tinker’s heirs in 1876, built a porch, installed a bar and dining room, and named it The American Hotel or “The American House.” In 1972, present owner Ted Conklin acquired the neglected building, which hadn’t taken guests since the early 1930s, hadn’t legally sold liquor since before World War I, and hadn’t served a meal in decades. Conklin proceeded to return the hotel to its former dignity by enlarging and modernizing the kitchen facilities, renovating the dining rooms, and restoring the guestrooms. The restaurant reopened in 1972, and The American Hotel has since been a mainstay of Sag Harbor’s Main Street. By 1981, the Hotel had been awarded the Wine Spectator Grand Award Wine list for the best in the world.
18. Sag Harbor Cinema Owned by Gerald Mallow since the 1970s, the Sag Harbor Cinema opened in 1910 as a venue for vaudeville and other types of entertainment. Acquired by the Glynne’s chain in 1927 and remodeled in 1936, the cinema served as a brilliant mainstay for Sag Harbor for nearly a century. Unfortunately in 2016, the cinema suffered from a major fire and thus had to be torn down. However, the Sag Harbor Partnership, an organization comprised of major Hollywood celebrities like Billy Joel along with local artists like April Gornic and Eric Fischl, have donated funds to repair the cinema towards its former glory days.
Photo by James Kirkikis
19. Main Beach east Hampton Picked as Stephen Leatherman’s best beach in America in 2013, Main Beach in East Hampton is known for its beautiful grains of tan sand, clean water, quiet atmosphere, and great lifeguards. Main Beach is also home to lovely visitor amenities like a delicious snack bar and a wide pavilion. With plenty of room for everyone to stretch out, swim, and relax, it's no wonder that Main Beach East Hampton is noted as one of the best places in the Hamptons to spot celebrities who come to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
22. Guild hall Guild Hall is an arts, entertainment, and education center for East Hampton that inspires their audiences by presenting quality programs, collaborating with Long Island artists, and providing a meeting place for all. In 1931, Mrs. Lorenzo Woodhouse dedicated Guild Hall as a cultural center for the community. Each year, over 60,000 visitors take advantage of the events offered by their three branches. The John Drew Theater stage provides dramas, comedies, musicals, films, lectures, literary series, and readings. The Guild Hall Museum features exhibits of noted visual artists and regional artists. The Museum’s directive is to collect, preserve and present the works of East End artists. They have a major permanent collection and archive 2,100 works of art. Their Education program serves the community by integrating arts education into those programs, which lends to creative learning. While Guild Hall is proud of their heritage, they remain committed to shaping a future that nurtures creativity and inspires innovation.
25. Stephen Talkhouse Since it opened in 1970, Stephen Talkhouse has always been a hip and wild nightspot. In 1987, Peter Honerkamp bought the Talkhouse and made it a place where musicians from all walks of life could play their tunes for cheap. That change cemented Talkhouse as a Hamptons nightlife institution. The Talkhouse is a kind of sanctuary where people can go when they feel fragile and alone, or to console, or to rejoice. The people who serve you here is part of the magic at the Talkhouse. With a 20-foot wide by 14-foot deep stage, Stephen Talkhouse can book many large bands. In 2012, Hillary and Bill Clinton went to see a Jimmy Buffett concert at the Talkhouse. Some noted musicians who have played at The Stephen Talkhouse over the years include Jimmy Buffett, Bon Jovi, Nancy Altus, Loudon Wainwright III, Taj Mahal, They Might Be Giants, Jefferson Starship, Inner Circle, Billy Joel, Mick Jagger, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, The Mama and the Papas, Scott McKenzie, Paul McCartney, Sting, Bo Diddley, Booga Sugar, Hot Lava, and The Allman Brothers.
26. Springs General Store Built in 1844 by David Dimon Parsons, the Springs General Store was the first post office in Springs. During the Civil War, it was the only place to get the news in Springs. Jackson Pollock once settled his grocery bill with a painting in 1948 with owner Dan Miller. Now owned by Kristi Hood, the store has great food, amazing service, an excellent location, wonderful people, and a delightful vibe.
Photo by Chip Elder
27. Ditch Plains Located two miles east of Montauk, Ditch Plains is incredibly popular with surfers. Once home to a U.S. Coast Guard Station, Ditch Plains also has great food from the Ditch Witch – a shack that serves tasty burritos, wraps, and salads. The super long break makes surfing ideal for newbies or veteran long-boarders. This iconic beach has beautiful cliffs rising at its western end at Shadmoor Park.
29. Gurney's Star Island Resort & Marina Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina is an award-winning Hamptons hotel that has brought relaxation, adventure and joy to guests for nearly a century. Gurney’s Star Island provides guests with exceptional vacations and the opportunity to live out the Montauk lifestyle of ease, elegance and escape. The historical Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina pioneered and created the Hamptons that people know today. In 1929, Carl Fisher stumbled upon Montauk. Fisher built the Montauk Yacht Club to attract the rich and famous. Some of the MYC’s original members included Vincent Astor, J.P. Morgan, Nelson Doubleday, Edsel Ford, Harold Vanderbilt, and Charles Lindbergh. The MYC also helped to legitimize the Star Island Casino. Formerly the area’s most popular speakeasy and casino, the MYC’s growing popularity and relationship with the Star Island Casino eventually grabbed the attention of many Manhattanites and as a result the focus turned towards Montauk. From this, the Hamptons developed and grew into the cultural niche it is today.
30. Montauk Point lighthouse museum Welcome to the world-famous Montauk Point Lighthouse, New York State’s oldest lighthouse. Located at the tip of eastern Long Island, the lighthouse provides 360° views of Block Island Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and beyond. No visit to Montauk is complete without experiencing the top of the Montauk Lighthouse. Authorized by Congress in 1792, Montauk Point Lighthouse was built in 1796 and first lit in 1797. The Lighthouse had an attachment to keeper’s dwelling completed in 1838, which is now referred as the 1838 Building. Over the next hundred years, the lighthouse added two Fresnel lens, a new dwelling, a fog signal, an incandescent vapor lamp, and electrified lights. During WWII, the US Army occupied Montauk Lighthouse as part of the Eastern Coastal Defense Shield. In 1987, the lighthouse was automated, its buildings were leased to Montauk Historical Society, and the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum opened. The Secretary of the Interior designated the Montauk Point Lighthouse as a National Historic Landmark in 2012.
Color The Hamptons, Second Edition is filled to the brim with the most iconic settings of Eastern Long Island, such as the Montauk Point Lighthouse, Coopers Beach, Long House Reserve, and the Sag Harbor Cinema, among many others.
Through its 30 beautiful black-and-white line drawings and detailed descriptions, “Color The Hamptons” masterfully highlights what makes these towns so special to its residents and visitors. ISBN 9781948286367
www.colorourtown.com