Winter activities to enjoy in East Hampton

Here's a cold-weather secret that might have escaped all the summer folk who flock to East Hampton in July, then flee in September: There's still plenty of life in the old town when Main Street and Main Beach are both dusted with snow.

Come January, East Hampton becomes a winter wonderland for ice-skaters, nature lovers and pub-and- restaurant crawlers. Like your meals hearty and your drinks steamy? Munch meatballs and sip hot cocoa -- or a winter warmer cocktail -- by the fire. Or escape the cold in a trendy Main Street shop.

"You are going to find mulled cider in all the village high-end stores," says Marina Van, executive director of the East Hampton Chamber of Commerce.

Here are a day's worth of cold weather pleasures in a summer enclave that also does winter right.

SKATING AT THE CLUB -- OR ON THE POND

Does the notion of a private club send shivers down your spine? Not to worry. You'll find a warm reception and plenty of ice for figure eights on the regulation-size rink at the Buckskill Winter Club. It opens every morning at 7:30 for folks who like to ice-skate "as Mother Nature intended -- outside on the frozen ice breathing the fresh air," says Doug DeGroot, who owns Buckskill with his wife, Kathryn. The rink is ringed by national flags, and after dark, twinkly lights are turned on for "firefly" skating until 9:30. Defrost those Popsicle toes by the clubhouse fireplace, with a hot chicken Parmesan sandwich ($9.50) and hot chocolate ($4) from the snack bar. Skating starts at $17 ($8-$19 younger than 15) and skate rentals are $7-$9 (178 Buckskill Rd., 631-324-2243, buckskillwinterclub.com).

Looking for something a bit more Currier & Ives? When the temperature plunges below freezing for a week or more and thick ice forms on the Town Pond and Hook Pond, visitors can skate amid some of the village's prettiest scenery. Bring your own skates, and watch out for thin ice.

COZY UP BY THE FIRE

The Living Room Restaurant at The Maidstone hotel continues its winter tradition of Meatball Fridays. Owner Jenny Ljungberg, who is Swedish, sets out an authentic Nordic dinner plate: lamb and pork Swedish meatballs with creamy potato mash, lingonberry jam, gravy and pickled cucumbers on the side ($20). "We light the fireplace and make it very friendly and cozy," says restaurant manager Adam Lancashire (207 Main St., 631-324-5006, themaidstone.com).

Meanwhile, there are three fireplaces at The 1770 House, a historic inn with a small travern with a wood beam ceiling downstairs. On Thursdays, hearty entrees -- hamburgers, meat loaf -- cost $17.70 (143 Main St., 631-324-1770, 1770house.com).

The hot chocolate ($3) at Rowdy Hall is house-made at Nick & Toni's, says the Hall's general manager, Theo Foscolo. Something stronger? The Peppermint Patty, a "winter warmer" cocktail ($12) made with hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps, will help you shake off the deep freeze outside (10 Main St., 631-324-8555, rowdyhall.com).

OVER THE HILLS AND THROUGH THE WOODS

East Hampton Trails Preservation Society hikes

INFO ehtps.org

COST Free

The intrepid outdoorsmen and -women of the East Hampton Trails Preservation Society run free guided hikes during the winter months, says hike leader Eva Moore. "Basically, it's not difficult walking," Moore says, "and there's always the possibility that there will be some snow." Treks are best for hikers older than 9, and you'll want to bring your own snacks and liquids. Upcoming excursions:

Springs Woodblock Walk (four miles) Jan. 17, 10 a.m. Meet on the east side of Three Mile Harbor Road about 100 yards north of Flaggy Hole Road (just north of Maidstone Market). Moderate pace to Accabonac Harbor and back. Info: 631-267-6608 or 631-275-8539.

Cedar Point Park (two miles), Jan.18, 10 a.m. Meet at the log cabin park office building just inside Cedar Point County Park in northwest East Hampton. Hike through woods to Hedges Banks overlooking Gardiners Bay. Some hilly areas. Info: 631-324-9389.