Dan's Papers - May 29, 2009 - Shop 'Til You Drop

The Memorial Day weekend officially kicked off our summer season on the East End. The shops were overflowing with shoppers, tourists, strollers and day-trippers enjoying the new stores' grand openings this weekend. Check out my New Kids on the Block column for the up-to-date info on the new stores. Meanwhile, let's do some fun shopping!

Don't feel the guilt when you stop at Ben & Jerry's Scoop shop on Main Street in Westhampton Beach to satisfy your sweet treat craving. Cool down this summer with a refreshing smoothie that is not only healthy but tastes great, is non-fat, lo cal (250 calories or less) and comes in all natural 10 delicious summertime flavors. And the best part is the smoothies will actually help you fit into last year's bathing suit!

Guess what Hildreth's on Main Street in Southampton, is carrying this summer. It is the jewelry line of Ramona Singer from "The Real Housewives of New York." There is quite a selection of beautiful necklaces, bracelets and earring to choose from - or just purchase one of each. You can take a peek on the Hildreth's Web site under the "What's New" section!

The Elegant Setting, 31 Main Street, Southampton will be hosting a "Trunk Show" featuring The Printery on May 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Printery is a distinguished fine printing company established in 1881. They will be taking orders for custom invitations for parties, weddings, clambakes, etc. Its full line of boxed items will also be available and they will be glad to offer any custom assistance and consultations. The Printery trunk show will be offered every other Saturday through the summer season. Call 631-283-4747 for info.

Start thinking about Father's Day gifts for the best dad in the world - yours! I found a funky, cute fireplace/bbq lighter that really works. Zippo, Outdoor Utility Lighter (OUL), is refillable with Zippo butane and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Just in case it gets left outside on top of the bbq, it is waterproof and available for $29.95 at Besim's Fine Cigars (across from Ralph Lauren at 46 Jobs Lane in Southampton.) You can have it shipped for any occasion. Call 631-287-9230.

In celebration of its relationship with the East Hampton Historical Society (EHHS), Polo Ralph Lauren introduces a new collection of EHHS apparel for summer 2009. This is the company's second year offering this special collection, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the EHHS. The new collection will feature apparel and accessories in a variety of colors ,and the styles include men's waffle T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts and T-shirts adorned with archival imagery from the EHHS, baseball caps and canvas beach totes. The product will be showcased in the East Hampton Country Store, Children's Store and RRL store.

If you are planning a Father's Day gathering and need to order anything under the sun, call Amber Occasions in Sag Harbor at 516-527-9493. This is a full service catering and event planning specialty company that provides unique culinary creations, inventive foods and exceptional service for both grand events and intimate gatherings. Whether it is a wedding or a clambake at the beach, Amber Occasions helps to create memories to cherish forever.

I would like to share with you a note from an avid reader, Georgiana Reese of Manhasset, N.Y.:

Q: Have you been to the Graceful Swan in East Quogue? The store is beautiful and elegant, and filled with bedding, curtains, china, lamps, chandeliers, decorative pillows, walking canes etc. It is a must see shop.

A: Thank you for your email Georgiana. Yes, indeed, I have been to the Graceful Swan, 536 Montauk Highway, East Quogue and agree, it is definitely a must-stop shop for home furnishings and accessories.

Until next week, ciao and happy shopping!

Having a sale, getting new inventory, are you a new kid on the block? Comments or questions? Please e-mail me at: shoptil@danspapers.com or via fax: 631-726-0189.