A Southerner's Guide to The Hamptons - Part 3 - Sag Harbor
What to do in Sag Harbor....
Sag Harbor Visitor's Center
One of my favorite places in The Hamptons is Sag Harbor, where I first fell in love with this area for the Easter Bonnet Parade. My children and I made beautiful memories in our homemade bonnets and even graced the covers of some local newspapers the next morning. History buffs will love this charming coastal city as most of the town is on the National Register of Historic Places. With a history rich in sailing and whaling, there are a lot of cruises and nautical attractions to see.
2017 Sag Harbor Easter Bonnet Parade
I particularly love Sag Harbor for Main Street...this is a centuries old street lined with restaurants, boutiques and galleries and it leads to the wharf which has very much served as the heart of this community. The windmill in the harbor is home to the Sag Harbor visitor center and although they won't provide a map to Jimmy Buffet's Sag home, several other celebrities like Christie Brinkley and Richard Gere also live here. ( I may or may not have driven by and learned that Jimmy and Richard are neighbors.)
With five children under 7 years old, I admit that buying kids' clothes is a guilty pleasure that often gets me in a wee bit of trouble with the husband. If you have small children or are in need of a gift, do yourself a favor and stop by one of the most fabulous children's boutiques I have ever come across. Stella and Ruby is filled with whimsical children's clothes, from newborn to 14 and features established designers like Tutu Dumonde as well as independent designers like Oh Baby. They have green and eco friendly toys as well as unique and fashionable accessories, gifts and shows. The owner could not have been more gracious or accommodating when I asked for a discount in buying multiple dresses. Do not miss this boutique if you are a parent or grandparent.
The Dock House is a homey little restaurant that specializes in seafood, prepared how you like it and award winning chowders. Bay Burger serves up thick burgers on buns made fresh daily while LT Burger, not only serves breakfast and burgers all day, but has my children’s favorite milkshakes..complete with homemade whipped cream and a cherry on top. If you’re a milkshake fan, try one of their specialty shakes like their award winning French Toast shake, the Death by Oreo shake or their tasty S’Mores shake. If you’re looking for some kick to your shake, try one of their “Rated R” alcohol infused shakes. Big Olaf is a sweet little ice cream shop located right across from the windmill. Enjoy a frozen treat while you sit on a bench over looking the water.
LT Burgers Award Winning Shakes
Finally, be sure to check out the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum if you're a history buff or Bay Street Theater if you enjoy a good play or performance. The museum is great for a short visit and really provides an interesting tour detailing the importance of whaling in Sag Harbor's establishment. The theater, which seats 299, has produced numerous plays that premiered or were developed at Bay Street have since moved to Broadway and off-Broadway including productions such as Nobody Don’t Like Yogi, Hedda Gabler, Love Janis, If Love Were All, Full Gallop, Swingtime Canteen and Three Hotels.
