The Hamptons: East Hampton

The high-end shops on Main Street

With this traveler's guide to East Hampton, visitors can take in the usual whirl of sunning, shopping, dishing and noshing, in addition to star-gazing and museum-hoping.

Restaurants

• Almondito, 290 Montauk Highway, 631-329-6700
• Babette's, 66 Newtown Lane, 631-329-5377
• Bamboo, 47 Montauk Hwy., 631-329-9821
• Cafe Max, 85 Montauk Highway, 631-324-2004
• Cittanuova, 29 Newtown Lane, 631-324-6300
• CoCo Restaurant, 207 Main Street, 631-324-5008
• Della Femina, 99 N. Main St., 631-329-6666
• East Hampton Point, 295 Three Mile Harbor Rd., 631-329-2800
• Fresno, 8 Fresno Place, 631-324-8700
• Harbor Bistro, 313 Three Mile Harbor Rd., 631-324-7300
• James Lane Cafe, 74 James Lane, 631-324-7100
• Nichol's of East Hampton, 100 Montauk Highway, 631-324-3939
• Nick & Toni's, 136 N. Main St., 631-324-3550
• Rowdy Hall, 10 Main St., 631-324-8555
• The Laundry, 341 Pantigo Rd., 631-324-3199
• The Palm at the Huntting Inn, 94 Main St., 631-324-0411
• Turtle Crossing, 221 Pantigo Road
• Wei Fun, 203 Pantigo Rd., 631-329-2600

Beaches & Parks

Village beaches stretch almost 5 miles from Georgica Pond to Two Mile Hollow Road. Main Beach and Georgica Beach provide lifeguards in season and are accessible with seasonal parking permits. ($225 for non-residents)

Daily parking ($15 Mon.-Fri., except holidays) is accepted at Main Beach only. Parking areas at Two Mile Hollow Beach, Wiborg Beach and Egypt Beach require seasonal resident and nonresident parking permits, but are not lifeguard-protected and bathing is prohibited.

Permits are issued at Main Beach in season and Village Hall (weekdays). Information: 631-324-4150.

Georgica Beach
End of Apaquogue Road and Lily Pond Lane
631-324-4150
Beachfront: 300 feet on ocean.
Lifeguards: May 25 -June 30 weekends only, then daily June 30-Sept. 3; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Main Beach
End of Ocean Avenue off Montauk Highway
631-324-0074
Beachfront: 300 feet on ocean.
Facilities: Lifeguards, food stand, pavilion, lockers (fee), showers.

Maidstone Park
End of Flaggy Hole Road off Three Mile Harbor Road and Hog Creek Highway
631-324-2417
Beachfront: 400 feet on Gardiners Bay.
Facilities: Lifeguards, picnic areas, ball field, pavilion, rest rooms.

Cedar Point County Park
Stephen Hands Path
631-852-7620
Facilities: 608 acres; individual and group campsites (groups must reserve), 1 1/2-mile self-guided nature trail, outer beach area for saltwater fishing (permit), waterfowl hunting (fee, license), rowboat rentals, picnic area, rest rooms, bike hostel area, disabled accessible.
Fee: Call for fees.

Bars & Clubs

The Star Room
378 Montauk Hwy., Wainscott
631-537-3332
The room is packed and it's loud. "This is why I'm hot, This is why I'm hot" booms from the speakers in one of the club's two rooms. There's little space left for someone to join in the summer madness if they're not already dancing to the hit rap song from Mims. That is why The Star Room is hot. A celeb favorite.

Flirt Bistro and Cabaret
44 Three Mile Harbor Road
631-329-6000
Dancing into the small hours all weekend long.

JL Jean Luc Restaurant
103 Montauk Hwy., 631-324-1100.

Maidstone Arms Inn & Restaurant
207 Main Street, 631-324-5006.

Hotels

The 1770 House, 143 Main St., 631-324-1770
1770house.com
At this sumptuous inn, no detail is forgotten. With six rooms and a carriage house, reservations are recommended way in advance. A full breakfast is served on weekends. Expect fine dining in the acclaimed restaurant, or enjoy traditional pub fare in the tavern. Or never leave your room. Each is equipped with a 40-inch plasma TV and wireless internet connection. Sleep on pillow-top mattresses in beds dressed in Frette linens. Don the robe and slippers and relax, especially if you choose a room with a fireplace. $$$

The Baker House 1650, 181 Main St., 631-324-4081
bakerhouse1650.com
This inn has all the warmth of an English manor with none of the stuffiness. Paneled walls, exposed beams, low ceilings and bookcases loaded with classic hardbacks will remind you of your Oxford days (if you had them). All five rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, Bose sound systems, mini bars and beds with Frette linens. A lap-pool and spa in the basement, completes this civilized retreat. $$$

East Hampton Village Bed and Breakfast, 172 Newtown Lane, 631-324-1858
easthamptonvillagebandb.com
Family-owned and operated, this bed and breakfast was once the home of a whaling captain. The family managed to modernize each of the four guest rooms without robbing them of their charm. Request the Captain's Room and bathe in the home's original claw-foot bathtub. Each room has a private bath, air conditioning and wireless internet access. Best yet, it's a short stroll to East Hampton village, so you can dodge the hassles of driving downtown. $$

The Hedges Inn, 74 James Lane, 631-324-7101
thehedgesinn.com
Genteel but breezy, this inn was recently renovated inside and out. The public areas are gorgeous, but the inattentive desk clerk on duty when we arrived could use a bit of polish in area of customer service. Companies sometimes book the entire inn for special events -- a Victoria's Secret corporate function, a Hanes photo shoot - so reserve far in advance. The 12 guest rooms have private baths, and the flagstone patio is a popular destination for evening refreshments. $$$

Huntting Inn, 94 Main St., 631-324-0410
hunttinginn.com
With only 19 rooms, the inn is cozy and intimate. Eight bathrooms were recently renovated, and all the rooms have beds with pillow-top mattresses. Continental breakfast is included, and at dinner, The Palm restaurant serves fish, steaks, chops and hearty Italian fare. $$$

Maidstone Arms, 207 Main St., 631-324-5006
maidstonearms.com
A grand dame of the Hamptons, the Maidstone Arms may someday be converted into condos, but until then, the 16 rooms and three cottages are available for overnight guests. Manicured lawns and gardens invite guests to enjoy breakfast outdoors. Inside, colorful murals adorn the tap room that adjoins a cozy dining room. The guest-room décor makes liberal use of florals fabrics and lace. Breakfast is included, and the restaurant is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Complimentary beach passes and towels are available to guests. $$$

East Hampton House
226 Pantigo Road
631-324-4300 or 1-800-698-9283
This two-story inn is a classic-looking motel, but it's been spiffed up to go with its surroundings.
Web site: duneresorts.com

The Bassett House Inn 128 Montauk Highway
631-324-6127
A traditional-looking white-clapboard structure that dates to 1830. Its white picket encloses a garden, and the 12 guest rooms are furnished in an eclectic style.
Web site: bassetthouseinn.com

The Dutch Motel and Cottages
488 Montauk Highway
631-324-4550
Simple, straightforward motel rooms at a price that's a bargain for this town.
Web site: thedutchmotel.com

East Hampton Point Cottages
295 Three Mile Harbor Road
631-324-9191
A lovely resort on the waterfront with cottages and suites.
Web site: easthamptonpoint.com

• All hotels in the Hamptons

Shopping

John Varvatos
54 Newton Road
631-324-4440
Clothing, accessories and furnishings from this well-known menswear designer who has dressed the likes of Tom Cruise and Seal will debut as the sixth Varvatos free-standing store opens officially on Memorial Day weekend. The 1,800-square-foot space that fuses industrial, vintage, bohemian and rock 'n' roll elements will house, among other things, John Varvatos Collection, Converse by John Varvatos (clothes for guys and gals), select vintage pieces, antique lighting and furniture, books and music including vintage vinyl records.
Web site: johnvarvatos.com

Ralph Lauren Children
45 Main St.
631-907-9120
From teeny ones to teenagers, Ralph Lauren's new kids' store has it all. Opened since April, the 2,532-square-foot store offers Lauren's particular styling for layette, toddler, girls 7-16, boys 8-20, gift items and children's books. Nothing looks more Hamptons than a kid in a crisp, new Ralph ensemble.
Web site: polo.com

Tory Burch
48 Newtown Lane
631-907-9150
Burch's ultra-hot collection of Grace Kelley sophistication meets an Edie Sedgewick '60's vibe will be edited for the beach at this 528-square-foot store. Find the designer's signature mini tunic dresses, swimsuits, caftans and flip-flops.
Web site: toryburch.com

Gail Rothwell
66 Newtown Lane
631-324-6666
For sophisticated, stylish women who don't necessarily follow the trends, but like it luxe, this eponymous 2,000-square-foot space is the place. The owner's sharp eye includes gorgeous ready-to-wear from Lanvin, Marni, TSE and Rick Owens and there's a glorious stock of accessories from the likes of Lambertson Truex and Bottega Veneta.
Web site: gailrothwell.com

J. Roaman
48 Newtown Lane
631-329-0662
Owner Judi Roaman says her new home furnishings store that opened at the end of April is "the exact opposite of beige." Featuring dishes, bedding and great furniture, the joyous 2,000-square-foot space is "a mÃ©lange of color."

• More shopping in East Hampton

Museums & Galleries

Guild Hall,
158 Main Street
631-324-0806
Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun., Memorial Day-Labor Day.
Fee: $5.
Many of museum's 1,900 works are shown in exhibits in 4 main galleries. Concerts, plays, readings, film and children's theater in John Drew Theatre (see Music and Theater listings). Art classes for adults and children, meeting place for local organizations, gift shop.
Web site: www.guildhall.org

Home Sweet Home
14 James Lane
631-324-0713
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 2-4 p.m. Sun., May-September.
Fee: $4, $2 children.
This 18th century saltbox house may have inspired John Howard Payne's lyrics to the song "Home Sweet Home." Guided tours. View antique furniture, lusterware, other ceramics; 1804 Pantigo Windmill on site. Tape of tour available for disabled visitors.
Web site: easthampton.com/homesweethome

Old Hook Windmill
North Main Street
631-324-0713
Hours: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Mon., Wed.-Sat.; 2-4 p.m. Sun., June-August. Closed Tue.
Fee: $2, $1 ages 4-10.
Built by Nathaniel Dominy, the 1806 windmill ground wheat and corn.

Pollock-Krasner House
830 Fireplace Rd.
631-324-4929
Guided tours on the hour, by appointment 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thur.-Sat., May, September and October and 11 a.m. June-August; general admission 1-5 p.m. Thur.-Sat., June-August.
Fee: $5, free for children younger than 12 and SUNY/CUNY students, faculty and staff; $10 for guided tours.
This was the home and studio of abstract expressionist painters Jackson Pollock and his wife, Lee Krasner. Exhibits, Sun. summer lectures and an art-reference library.
Web site: www.pkhouse.org

Vered Gallery
68 Park Place
631-324-3303
Features: Modern and contemporary master works, 19th and 20th century paintings; photographs, sculpture.
Hours: Winter: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thur., Sun. and Mon., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat.; summer: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.
Web site: www.veredart.com

Wallace Gallery
37A Main St.
631-329-4516
Features: 19th and early 20th century American paintings.
Hours: Summer: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun.-Thur., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Off-season: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.-Mon., and by appointment.
Web site: artnet.com/wallace.html

About East Hampton

• The star appeal of East Hampton