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Daytrip: To Bridgehampton, with kids

By Aimee Fitzpatrick Martin | Special to Newsday

October 5, 2008

Anne Moore's hat shop on Main Street in Bridgehampton. (Photo by Ellen Watson)

In the Hamptons, every town has its own personality; Bridgehampton is no exception. While Southampton stands behind its blue-blooded privet hedges, and East Hampton drips with Hollywood East money, the hamlet of Bridgehampton (population 1,381) oozes more rustic, laid-back charm - especially in the fall. Now that the "summer people" and horsey set from the Hampton Classic have gone, Bridgehampton's wineries, farm stands, museums, shops and restaurants are a breeze to get into. It takes a day to explore them all, but the experience will stay with you for many others to come.

getting there

Take 495 East to Exit 70 (Route 111, Manorville), go south to Route 27 East. In Southampton, the highway turns into County Road 39. Follow for seven lights, then turn left onto Route 27 (Montauk Highway) and head east.

A half-mile west of Bridgehampton, kids can enjoy Hank's Pumpkintown, 149 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill, hanks pumpkintown .com). Kids can play on wooden structures (for free), pick pumpkins and explore a Maze Park ($9) with a 50-foot tube slide.

Meander to Water Mill's business district with its historic windmill. Check out the water-powered grist mill (circa 1644) at the Water Mill Museum (41 Old Mill Rd., 631-726-4625, hamptons.com, closed Tuesday and Wednesday).

what's nearby

Sag Harbor

Only four miles away, the "un-Hampton" town of Sag Harbor is home to artsy Main Street shops, the gracious American Hotel, Bay Street Theatre, the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum, a Fireman's Museum and fine examples of Federal and Greek Revival architecture.

Sagaponack

According to Forbes Magazine, Sagaponack is the most expensive ZIP code (11962) in America, which is not surprising since the largest privately owned home in the United States - the 110,000-square-foot mansion owned by Ira Rennert - can be found here. But even if you're not rick, you'll enjoy a drive down tree-lined Sagg Main Road, which ends at Sagg Main Beach, one of the nicest stretches of sand in the Hamptons - especially in the fall.

where to shop

Out of the Closet, 2401 Montauk Hwy., 631-537-2470, lucyscloset.com

Vintage clothing for today's times can be found at this funky store that's filled to the brim with retro dresses and duds, Edwardian wedding gowns, handbags, shoes, jewelry and more. The cool sculptures on the lawn are also for sale.

Blue Provence, 2487 Montauk Hwy., 631-237-4984

Tiny specialty gourmet store offering dozens of cheeses, breads, crème fraiche, terrines and pates, dark chocolate coffee beans, and pottery from Provence.

A Mano Beach House, 2418 Montauk Hwy., 631-537-5021

For cool hostess gifts (or a treat for your own home), this gift emporium has everything from napkin rings and seashell picture frames to funky jewelry and birdbaths.

C&W Mercantile, 2385 Montauk Hwy., 631-537-7914

High-end children's clothes and toys, lovely bed linens, lingerie, tabletop designs and great candles can be found at this charming store.

English Country Antiques, 26 Snake Hollow Rd., 631-537-0606, ecantiques.com