Dan's Papers - July 27, 2007 -

Sag Harbor was founded in 1730. Soon after the Village's founding, the whaling industry grew in the seafaring Village, thriving from 1760 until some time in 1850. The whales were plentiful in the waters surrounding Sag Harbor in those days, and soon the prosperous industry brought fame and fortune to the little Village. In 1777, Colonel R.J. Meigs led a raid on the British troops who had been sent to crush and capture Sag Harbor, defeated them and became the first Revolutionary War hero in the East End, adding military victory to Sag Harbor's already impressive list of accomplishments.

Today, Sag Harbor has become a haven for celebrities and artists in search of a peaceful Village laden with history and charm due to its small size and exquisite beauty. Perhaps the most unique characteristic of this little whaling town is its picturesque architecture, which has survived for centuries as a testament to the Village's commitment to its historical charm. As soon as you drive into Sag Harbor, its graceful waterfront unfolds before you and the houses begin to change from the mansions of the other Hamptons to historic shingled whalers' homes and white-trimmed Victorian town homes.

Within the Village itself, history buffs, shoppers and gourmands are equally pleased and surprised to find sites, sounds and tastes to fulfill their every desire. For those interested in chasing down the stories of Sag Harbor's early days, a visit to the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum or John Jermain Memorial Library will surely yield some interesting tales and artifacts and maybe even a ghostly spirit or two, if you happen to be one of the lucky few to see one of Sag Harbor's many mysteriously lingering souls.

For some more modern amusement, head down Main Street to the Bay Street Theatre, where the great talents of stage and screen gather to perform new works and old favorites for their fans and peers in an intimate setting. Of course, theatre is not the only art that thrives in Sag Harbor, as artists of all mediums have chosen to make Sag Harbor their home. The Über House, Winter Tree Gallery and The Gallery Sag Harbor always display a wide variety of works created by local, national and international artists.

In Sag Harbor, as in most cultural centers, the art of dining is taken no less seriously than that of painting, sculpture and architecture. And with so many high-profile patrons, Sag Harbor restaurants go above and beyond culinary expectations, taking advantage of their residents' more adventurous palates and the bounty of the sea, which is only a few steps away from most of the Village's restaurants. On any sunny day in the summertime, B. Smith's restaurant on the dock will be filled to capacity with Hamptonites from all over the East End sampling their soft, fresh lobster rolls and overwhelming array of cool summer fare. At night, B. Smith's is transformed into the most elegant of dining experiences, serving up perfectly grilled meats and fish alongside imaginative appetizers and delectable desserts. And for a romantic meal you will never forget, take your sweetheart to Il Capuccino. Not only has the restaurant been awarded the Zagat Survey's Award of Distinction for its impeccable service and delicious food - it has also been named as one of the most romantic eateries in the Hamptons time and time again by local foodies and seasonal visitors.

With so many artists and celebrities in town, it is no wonder that the shops in Sag Harbor carry more than polo shirts and chinos. At Around Again, fashionistas are treated to a carefully selected array of hard-to-find vintage pieces and new clothes with antique flair. And for the home, Fishers Home Furnishings has it all, from sleek, modern pieces to more traditional and nautically inspired furnishings ideal for your home or yacht.

Once you have walked the length of Main Street and reached Sag Harbor's famous windmill, the Village's most striking feature comes into view - a sprawling deep-water dock glittering with yachts overlooking the sapphire blue ocean. As the only true deep-water dock east of Hampton Bays, Sag Harbor's marina is home to each and every large-scale boat that comes to the Hamptons. From vintage motorboats and wooden-hulled sailing vessels to refurbished steel trawlers and fiberglass pleasure boats complete with helipads and all the other trappings of a luxury yacht, the Sag Harbor Marina has them all, kept in perfect condition and close enough to observe from your table at B. Smith's.

Whether you are a whaling history buff or a savvy shopper, the little Village of Sag Harbor is the perfect place to drink in the sunset and the sea air while you pursue your own version of the perfect day in the Hamptons.