Celebrity playground

The Hamptons is the name given to certain areas in Suffolk County, in the east end of Long Island. East Hampton, the heart of the Hampton scene, is generally regarded as the most wealthy and exclusive, with notable celebrities and millionaires owning homes in the area. In reality the Hamptons are also home to a struggling working-and-lower-middle-class population, mostly migrant laborers from Colombia and Ecuador, working in the construction industry. Other areas included as the Hamptons are Southampton, Westhampton, East Quogue, Bridgehampton and Montauk all with their well known beaches.

A patio full of potted flowers and signs for various neighborhoods in the Hamptons on Long Island New York

Exciting restaurants add color to the nightlife. The term "Hamptons" now is regarded not merely a geographical area, but more of a state of mind.

The originally settlers of East Hampton came from Connecticut in 1648 and were farmers and fishermen. This continued to be the way of life till the early twentieth century when artists, writers and millionaires discovered it and came here as a getaway from the city. There are families who can trace their ancestry back 12 generations in East Hampton. It has over the recent years become a playground of the rich and famous. This diversity in background and temperament between the original residents and the vacation home owners has often led to legal clashes between the nouveau rich residents and the town trustees adding spice and excitement to the life in East Hampton! However for the casual visitor and the vacationer it is paradise with its pristine beaches, quaint New England villages, fashionable restaurants, exciting nightlife and great shopping, particularly for antiques.Fashionable Main Beach is popular with surfers thanks to its impressive swells. Main's other diversions are volleyball and biking. The beach hosts a terrific fireworks display each Independence Day.

The Westhampton area comprises of Westhampton Beach, Quogue, East Quogue, Remsenburg and Hampton Bays. Westhampton features world-class beaches and warm Gulf Stream currents, luring visitors from around the world to make Westhampton their summertime destination! The small, quiet towns have retained their attractive qualities that make any visitor immediately feel at ease. Vacation homeowners and visitors alike, covet the beauty and luxury that Westhampton offers spectacular summer activities, including craft shows, art exhibits, outdoor concerts, weekly children programs, golf and fishing. Westhampton Beach offers live theater productions for adults and children at the Westhampton Performing Arts Center.

Celebrity spotting is a favorite pastime but have a look at the Whaling Museum in Sag Harbor, the impressive Parrish Art Museum in Southampton or play a round on the fine Montauk Downs golf course. Montauk is a narrow stretch of land, heavily wooded as it reaches the Atlantic to form Long Island's eastern tip. Here, seals gather and frolic on the shore. Montauk Point offers the island's best surf-fishing waters. Picnic shelters are available, and the Point has hiking trails that become cross-country skiing paths in the winter.

But what's so special about the Hamptons? Its beaches, where most of the “action” takes place. And of all the beaches in the Hamptons, Georgica Beach is the best of the best. It's so hard to get in, you'll need a resident's parking sticker just to see what it looks like.

There's also the Devon Yacht Club and the Amagansett's Springs public beach. Or check out Bridgehampton and Water Mill, known as the Hamptons' hippest and least crowded beaches.

Lastly, your stay at the Hamptons wouldn't be complete without going to one of several wine-tasting event.
Wine-tasting has become a tradition in the Hamptons, due to the vineyards at South Fork, where the real wine-tasting trail is found. The the Hamptons is definitely about the good life. Live it!

Hamptons.com - Guide to the Hamptons and the East End of Long Island