Westhampton
Photo credit: Photo by Kirsten Luce | John Scott's Surf Shack is a bar and restaurant located on the bay just outside Westhampton.
Sure, Westhampton is often dismissed by East Hampton's glitterati for its dearth of star-studded homes. It's not as "old money" as Southampton or even as cheap-chic as Montauk - but it holds its own appeal. From mornings at serene beaches followed by daytime revelry at outdoor spots like Neptune Beach Club to glitzy shopping and bustling restaurants, there are enough adrenaline-filled activities to make you forget every last remnant of your stressful workweek.
BEACHES
Unlike most East End beaches, Cupsogue Beach County Park doesn't require a seasonal fee, nor is it restricted to Westhampton residents. Just pay $12 for your daily parking permit ($5 for Green Key card holders) and you can relax on one mile of luscious beachfront sand. Lifeguards are on duty 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in season and there's a boardwalk restaurant/bar (west end of Dune Road, 631-852-8111). College-age beachgoers flock to Neptune Beach Club, right on the beach, for music, dancing and drinks ($20 cover).
AROUND TOWN
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, load up on local organic veggies, fruits, cheeses and flowers when the Westhampton Historical Society hosts its farmers' market in the Mill Road parking lot in Westhampton Beach. While you're there, get an overview of the community's attractions at a summerlong exhibit at the Tuthill House Museum that features the work of Liz Duerschmidt, known for painting local sights (115 Mill Rd., 631-288-1139, whbhistorical.org). The Hampton Synagogue hosts notable free activities, including a Monday night film series and Thursday night discussions with authors (154 Sunset Ave., 631-288-0534, thehamptonsynagogue.org). Joan Rivers (July 31) and Rufus Wainwright (Aug. 8) are among the headliners at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center ($60-$250, 631-288-1500, whbpac.org ).
WHERE TO SHOP
Calypso St. Barth, 123 Main St., 631-288-7208, calypso-celle.com
Leave the black at home - nothing says Hamptons like the colorful, flowy dresses that fill this fashionable boutique. Don't be fooled by Calypso's bohemian-style - prices are far from cheap.
M D Tennis, 122 Main St., 631-898-0200
Get the athletic juices pumping by picking out perfect tennis outfits, shoes and rackets for the whole family. Novice? No problem - rackets are rentable.
Fahrenheit 451, 105 Main St., 631-288-5724
A woman could spend all day sorting through Fahrenheit 451's clothing racks, which are full of glitzy labels like Marc Jacobs and True Religion. For tots, they've got Fahrenheit 4 Kids (119 Main St., 631-288- 5795), which stocks designer goodies from the likes of Petit Bateau and Michael Kors.
Excentricities, 83 Main St., 631-288-0258, excentricities.com
This home decorating and furnishing mecca stocks everything from hand-embroidered pillows to exotic antiques.
WHERE TO EAT
Tierra Mar, 231 Dune Rd., Westhampton Bath & Tennis Hotel, 631-288-2700.
Cost: $$$
Celebrating something? Fete in style at Tierra Mar where chef-owner Todd Jacobs uses local ingredients. The oceanfront spot's extensive menu changes daily, but expect the likes of charbroiled dry aged certified Angus beef and whole boneless local flounder. Celebrity clientele includes Jerry Seinfeld and Mel Brooks.
Magic's Pub, 113 Main St., 631-288-6105
Cost: $$
This casual, but bustling joint has got seven juicy burgers to choose from (including diet and chili varieties).
John Scott's Surf Shack, 540 Dune Rd., 631-288-5810
Cost: $-$$
Locals say it's got the best bar on the East End. Refuel on expertly crafted piña coladas, generous portions of steamers, popcorn shrimp and other seafood while delighting in bay views.
Sunset Cafe, 49 Sunset Ave., 631-998-0372
Grab a snack at this health-conscious spot, which serves organic coffee and offers free wireless Internet service. There's a children's corner, television and a full-service bar for adults.
TAKE A BREAK
Beach Bakery Cafe, 112 Main St., 631-288-6552, beachbakerycafe.com
Brush away thoughts of your summertime diet because indulging in one of Beach Bakery's confections is a must. Plus, with frequent live performances taking place in front of the cafe, you can burn off some of that mousse cup's calories by bopping to the beat.
WHAT'S NEARBY
The Big Duck: 1012 Flanders Rd., Flanders, 631-852-3377 (Tuesday-Saturday, 10a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 2-5 p.m.)
Built in 1931 by a duck farmer as a place to sell ducks and duck eggs, the Big Duck is a striking folly. It is only a 20 minute drive from Westhampton's Main Street and now houses a tchotchke-filled gift shop.
With warm, sunny weather, it's the perfect time to explore the best parks for kids.
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