Bridgehampton is one of the quieter Hampton communities. Antique shops and art galleries dot the quaint village, named for the bridge built by Wzeikel Sandford in 1686 that connected Sagaponack with Mecox. During the summer and fall, farmstands galore share their bountiful harvests. There is also tennis, golf and horseback riding for those who seek recreation, as well as local beaches and some of Long Island's finest wineries.
WATER MILL
History buffs are drawn to the simple workings of Long Island's oldest operating water mill in a community appropriately called Water Mill. The mill, ever a focal point of the community, was built in 1644, and was initially used to grind grain into flour for the settlers and feed for the livestock. Later it was used to spin yarn, weave cloth and manufacture paper. At other points in its history it was an ice cream factory, a tea room, a post office and an outlet shop. Today, visitors to the Old Water Mill Museum can try their hand at working the lathe and learn the art of quilting and weaving at the fully functioning mill.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Duck Walk Vineyards Montauk Highway, Water Mill.
56 Acres, with a Normandy style chateau. retail sales, tours and tastings. (726-7555)
Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church Montauk Highway.
Built in 1670, the church still holds Sunday morning worship. (537-0863)
Bridgehampton Polo Club. Hayground Road.
On six consecutive Saturdays in July and August, thousand of spectators in recreation congregate to watch some of the world's most prestigious and celebrated polo teams compete in a distinctive social and sporting event. (212-421-1367)
Bridgehampton Historical Society.
The Historical Society manages a number of historical buildings in the village. The Corwith House is a two-story home built in 1775 furnished with items from the Victorian era. Nearby are two barns with turn-of-the-century steam engines, and a building with a blacksmith shop. The complex also features a 1902 jailhouse. Open June-Labor Day. (537-1088)
Water Mill Museum Old Mill Road, Water Mill.
Long Island's oldest operating water mill dating back to 1644. The museum features early grain grinding tools, colonial crafts, special exhibits, art gallery and craft shop. Open from Memorial Day to mid September. (726-4625)
RECREATION
Mecox Beach. Jobs Lane, Bridgehampton.
250 feet on the Atlantic Ocean. Lifeguards, showers and restrooms, food stand, volleyball court. Seasonal and daily permits holders. (283-6011)
Flying Point Beach. Flying point Road, Water Mill
250 feet on the Atlantic Ocean. Lifeguards, showers and restrooms, food stand, volleyball court. Seasonal permits holders only. (283-6011)
Poxabogue County Park. Poxabogue Lane, off Montauk Highway, east of Bridgehampton.
26 acres, with a half-mile nature walk. (854-4949)
John E. Berwind Memorial Park. Ocean Road, Bridgehampton.
Feature Beebe Windmill, built in 1800.
Sagg Swamp Preserve. Sagg Road
Less than a mile of hiking trails maintained by the Nature Conservancy. (329-7689).
For more information, call the Southampton Chamber of Commerce at 283-0402