SAG HARBOR

Since Sag Harbor's days as a bustling whaling port, visitors have been enchanted with the village's gracious accommodations, centuries-old streets lined with ancient trees and inviting homes and restaurants and shops which offer food and fare from around the corner to around the world. Many of the homes and shops have changed little in appearance in the past three centuries, and Sag Harbor's rich history is evident throughout the village.
With its attractive harbor spread out at the north end of Main Street, Sag Harbor is one of the East End's loveliest villages, and the only village with its own port as a main shopping area. Nestled on a bay in the heart of the Hamptons, Sag Harbor has welcomed vacationers for centuries.
The forest of mast rising from the harbor and the profiles of motor yachts that ply the coast create a skyline that recalls the village's maritime history. And while whale oil and lumber no longer move in and out of the harbor, one can almost imagine the tall ships sidling up to the Long Wharf as halyards slap against the mast and water laps against the proud bows.
A good place to begin a visit to Sag Harbor is the Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce located at the windmill at the north end of Main Street. In addition to some friendly help, a visitor may obtain a map detailing the architectural and historicl treasures of the village as well as its museums, shops and eateries.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Old Custom House. Main Street.
Built in 1789 when Sag Harbor and New York City were designated the first ports of entry in the U.S.. The museum is in the 18th-century home of the port's first U.S. Custom Master and displays historical documents and period furnishings. (725-0250)
Suffolk County Whaling Museum
Built in 1845, this mansion features a historical boat collection, ship models, whaling tools and artifacts, period furnishings, oil paintings, scrimshaw, toys and documents. (725-0770)
Sag Harbor Fire Department Museum. Sage and Church Street
The Sag Harbor Fire Department was created in 1803 and is the oldest volunteer fire department in the state. The building, built in 1833, was once both the village hall and the fire department headquarters. The museum displays equipment dating back to the 19th century and a mural depicting early fires.(516) 725-0779.
Barcelona Neck. Route 114.
523-acre wildlife sanctuary, with 4 miles of marked hiking trails traversing upland oak and hickory forest, swamp and marsh. Hunting, and bird watching. Access by free seasonal permit. (Permit information 444-0273)
Bay Street Theater
Home to exciting productions of comedies, dramas and musicals, many of which have gone on to successful runs off-broadway and throughout the country. (725-9500)
The Sag Harbor Community Band
plays a concert every Tuesday evening after July 4 until Labor Day on the waterfront at 8 p.m. Bring a folding chair and enjoy a bit of Americana with music from Strauss to Sousa. This is the band's 40th year.

Walking Tour of historical Main Street.
Tour Main Street and surrounding streets with a stroll through the roads lined with homes of early colonist, whaling captains, and wealthy industrialist.

For more information, call the Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce at 725-0011