Summer in Bloom
By Emily Toy
Dubbed as where the Hamptons begin, it’s been five years since downtown Westhampton Beach underwent a significant revitalization project, morphing into one of the most refreshed and desirable town centers on the East End.
“It’s become a destination town, says resident Paige Salata, a bartender at two popular downtown eateries, Flora and Ivy on Main. “It’s become much easier for more people to visit.” So, as you’re strolling around, be sure to check out some of our favorite spots that thrive during the summer months.
Smack dab in the center is Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (76 Main St., 631-288-1500), a 425-seat theater that hosts film screenings, concerts and comedy shows. With about 60 performances held each year from some of the leading stars of stage and screen, it’s grown to be a premiere venue for live entertainment on Long Island.
The Village Green (on the corner of Main Street and Mill Road) plays host to an outdoor farmers market every Saturday, rain or shine. Local goodies run the gamut, ranging from fresh produce to prepared dishes from local culinary pros. This Memorial Day Weekend, the Maggie Burbank Arts and Crafts Show is on the Great Lawn (located on the corner of Potunk Lane and Main Street), featuring over 50 hand selected artists and craftspeople showcasing their work, ranging from art to jewelry to photography. In August the Mary O. Fritchie Juried Fine Arts and Crafts Show comes to the Great Lawn. Proceeds provide scholarships to graduating Westhampton Beach High School seniors who display a talent in fine arts. In June the Village Green hosts the 36th Annual Gazebo Concert Series on Wednesday nights.
Feeling artsy yourself? Pawcasso Art Studio & Pet Boutique (3 Sunset Ave., 631-887-6705) can help. Owners Ron Shapland and Barbara Marotelli offer pet-friendly paint nights and art camps. “It’s done in the style of a paint and sip,” Shapland says. “It’s a lot of fun.” Participants (both adults and children) are given brushes, paint and a canvas with an image. $50 for an hour and a half session, includes a snack and a drink. Don’t forget to grab some handmade treats for your furry friends!
On the food front, the popular, old-fashioned Donohue’s Steak House, of New York City-fame, will move into the former Post Stop Café, slated to open in June. Save room for ice cream at Shock Ice Cream (99 Main St., 631-553-0155), located behind Baby Shock clothing store. Their signature item, the Carnival Cone — a generous portion of house-spun cotton candy topped with ice cream and whatever toppings your little heart desires — is a must-try.
One Trick Pony (59 Main St.) is the café-by-day, bar-by-night combo of a spot you need in your life. Serving classic lunch and breakfast items, the ample coffee bar beverage program is sure to keep you contently caffeinated. At 5:30 Thursdays through Sundays, pony up for some carefully crafted cocktails and light bites perfect for accompanying any summertime sipper. If beer is on the brain, pop over to the tasting room at Westhampton Beach Brewing Co. (220 Rogers Way, 631-998-0800) located inside the industrial park at Gabreski Airport. The laidback, surf’s up brewery offers 12 tap options from brewer Mike Rizzo. Local wine and ready-to-drink canned cocktails are also available.
An asset of the East End, Cupsogue Beach County Park (975 Dune Road), situated at the end of West Hampton Dunes, is a nearly 300-acre barrier beach complete with lifeguard-supervised ocean swimming. When 5 o’clock hits, head to Tiki Joe’s, (631-333-1781) the beachside bar that calls Cupsogue home for the season, offering live music all summer long. If the crowd’s too much, the neighboring Pike’s Beach, a quieter sandy spot, is one of the South Fork’s best kept secrets.
