Southampton Village: A Haven on Earth

Photo: Alana Mercurio For Terrie Sultan, executive director of the Parrish Art Museum, the charm of Southampton Village is its history, enhanced by its artistic legacy. Walking down Main Street or Jobs Lane, she is struck at every turn by the living reminders of a long and storied past—from the little blacksmith shop to the Rogers Mansion Museum. Add to that the rich cultural fabric woven by the artists who have historically sought inspiration on Southampton’s beaches or in its quaint downtown, and you have a special place indeed. — by   Emily J. Weitz ON THE BEACH “All the shopping, wining, and dining in the world couldn’t replace the perfection of Southampton’s white, sandy beaches. They are the crown jewel of this place. A perfect day starts at Flying Point Beach. My favorite time there is early morning, just as the sun is coming up and the sky turns from pink to blue. Photo: Kazuko Oguma “We have images in the Parrish collection of painters Jane Freilicher, Larry Rivers, and Jane Wilson hanging out on the beach, building pyramids. You can go to those exact places today and have the memory of what it was like for them, and know people are doing the same thing today.” RURAL TREATS “I used to live in Houston, surrounded by 10-lane freeways, so when I moved here, it was a shock. It has been life changing. I love driving around, looking at the architecture and seeing the farm fields and meadows. Courtesy of the Halsey Farm Stand “The Halsey Farm Stand (513 Deerfield Rd.), just outside Southampton Village, is tended by the twelfth generation of Halsey farmers, who grow vegetables and flowers on 82 acres of farmland. I like to swing past to find out what’s freshest that day. They also sell fruit from other East End farmers, as well as local eggs and locally made baked goods.” A BITE TO EAT Courtesy of Le Charlot “ Sant Ambroeus (30 Main St., 631.283.1233), which has been on Main Street since 1992, serves a delicious Beluga lentil salad. I also like Little Red (76-C Jobs Ln., 631.283.3309), by the greens of Agawam Park, for grilled salmon over warm lentils or their bistro burger. Both places are small and intimate. For a taste of Europe, there’s Le Charlot (36 Main St., 631.353.3222). It reminds me of my year in Paris. I generally order the moules marinières.” WHERE ART LIVES Photo: Alana Mercurio “Truthfully, my absolute favorite place to unwind over a drink is the Parrish Art Museum (279 Montauk Hwy., 631.283.2118) on a Friday evening. We’re open late, and people can come and hear music or a talk and enjoy a nice glass of wine. The museum was built as a space that everyone could feel was theirs. The galleries are intimate and meant to reflect what it’s like to be in an artist’s studio. The programs we offer, as well as the low-slung, barn-inspired building itself, are designed to reflect the community we serve and the whole identity of Southampton.” Find your next Southampton Village home by searching our available properties.