82 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • AUGUST 2018
PRESS BUZZ: DESTINATIONS THE HAMPTONS:
By BRENDAN MANLEY
Like its neighboring North Fork
communities, the South Fork of Long
Island — or as more popularly known,
“the Hamptons” — started out as a colonial
haven for agriculture and fishing,
with close ties to New England,
as is still seen in its surviving period
architecture. That all changed in the
late 1800s, though, when the region
began its transformation into a summer
playground for the wealthy — a
distinction that continues to this day.
It’s easy to see why the rich and
influential have been flocking to the
Hamptons for more than a century:
The area is an oceanfront paradise,
with miles of exquisite coastline. And
these days, there’s a wealth of other
attractions too, from historical sites
to fine dining to a robust local arts
community.
“We’re close to New York City, we
have great beaches, great schools,
great theater and a summer and winter
community that has supported my
businesses for over 32 years,” says
Elyse Richman, who owns several
Westhampton businesses under the
“Shock” moniker. “Raising my son in
a small community where everyone
knows your name is a step back in
time. It’s a warm and friendly family
oriented community.”
Unlike Richman, not all of us are
lucky enough to live in the Hamptons,
but we can certainly still visit.
So, for an unforgettable South Fork
experience, here are some can’t-miss
starting points:
THE SALT LIFE
As you may have heard, the Hamptons
are world famous for pristine
beaches, where countless visitors
and residents flock every summer.
There are enough in the Hamptons
area to fill an entire travel column
on their own, but in Westhampton,
one perennial favorite is Cupsogue
Beach County Park (906 Dune Road,
Westhampton Beach, 631-852-8111,
suffolkcountyny.gov), a 296-acre barrier
beach park ideal for swimming,
sunbathing, surfing and striped bass
fishing. There’s frequently live music
to enjoy during the summer, as well
as a tiki-themed food bar.
Also high on the list of East End
beachgoers is Ponquogue Beach
(Dune Rd., over Ponquogue Bridge,
Hampton Bays, Southampton, 631-
283-6011, southamptontownny.gov),
known for its gorgeous scenery, clean
and well-maintained public facilities
and walk-up snack bar. A non-resident
day parking pass will run you
$25, which is a bargain, considering
the cost of full-time residency.
Further down Dune Road, another
popular beach choice is Pike’s Beach
(765 Dune Rd, Westhampton Beach,
631-288-0143) with parking available
to residents with permits or visitors
who spring for a $40 day pass. It tends
to be one of the quieter Hamptons
beaches, since it is located past some
of the more highly frequented spots
on Dune Road. The beach offers only
basic services (bathrooms, showers
and lifeguards), but maximum
relaxation.
NATURAL SPLENDOR
The beaches aren’t the only worthy
outdoor excursion on the South
Fork. There’s also idyllic scenery to
Sea fog rolls into Southampton
Intersection at Main Street in Southampton