Bridgehampton
Centrally located between Water Mill and Sagaponack, Bridgehampton was named for the original bridge over Sagg Pond, which connected the early western settlements of Mecox and the eastern settlements of Sagaponack. Its horse farms, wineries, potato fields, polo fields and golf courses afford open, panoramic vistas and its beaches compare with any in the Hamptons. Bridgehampton offers fine dining and casual restaurants with al fresco dining in summer, along with galleries, clothing boutiques and shops. Popular beaches in Bridgehampton include famous Ocean Road Beach with its broad expanse of white sand, and W. Scott Cameron Beach, where the ocean meets Mecox Bay, a favorite of families with kids.
A world-famous equestrian event, The Hampton Classic, is one of many highlights here. The renowned Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival brings top classical musicians to perform in summer concerts. The Bridgehampton Museum serves as the headquarters of the Bridgehampton Historical Society, presenting exhibits, cultural programs, special events and an autumn highlight – the annual Vintage Automobile Rally.
There are three private golf clubs in Bridgehampton – The Bridge Golf Club, with a course designed by Rees Jones, was formerly the site of The Bridgehampton Race Circuit, which was renowned for its difficulty and hosted major professional and amateur events from the 1950s to 1990s. The Atlantic Golf Club also has a Rees Jones course, and The Bridgehampton Club, on Ocean Road, includes a nine-hole course.
Nature lovers can visit the South Fork Natural History Museum, access hiking trails through the Long Pond Greenbelt, or visit Bridge Gardens. The Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE) offers exhibits and programs for kids and families.
“Bridgehampton living gives real meaning to the four seasons: I love April when the land starts to come alive as farmers prepare for summer fruits and vegetables; summer days when everything is in bloom and you can watch the corn grow higher and higher; the bittersweet feeling when October rolls around and the land is plowed and put to bed for the winter; the snow as it falls on the evergreens. And, the ocean and year-round beach walks with my sweet dog, Rosie.” --Cathy Tweedy
“Bridgehampton is special. Period. I was raised in the City, and spent the summers of my youth on the Connecticut shoreline. Having lived for many years splitting time between Malibu and Tribeca, I have an appreciation for both a natural laid back beach lifestyle, as well as an urban sophistication with an international flair. I find all of that and more in Bridgehampton, and decided to move full time with my wife and two young daughters to this perfect hamlet. Cool, but not too serious. Chic, and relaxed. There are amazing beaches, beautiful horse farms and vineyards, a thriving art and design community, and an amazing tie between modern aesthetics and a 350 year old history. And the central proximity means my family and I have easy access to all the Hamptons has to offer. Surf, work, family, repeat.”
“Bridgehampton is truly my happy place, and I have been quite fortunate to own a home in the village for over 22 years. The most compelling and unique quality about Bridgehampton is the magical light, which has inspired so many artists and photographers worldwide. You can’t appreciate how special this light is until you actually experience it…on the wide open beaches year-round, over the flat picturesque farm fields, in the village…in my backyard! The ‘fabulousness’ of Bridgehampton gets even better with the beautiful dog beaches, the casual vibe and the most convenient location in the Hamptons!”
“I was born and raised in Bridgehampton, and my family has been here for four generations. I love the farm fields and the proximity to the ocean. I’ve been an equestrian since age 6, and have a special connection with the beautiful horse farms in this area. Bridgehampton is a bridge to the surrounding communities in the triangle formed by East Hampton, Southampton and Sag Harbor. Best of all is the inspiring blend of the natural beauty of the countryside with the culture flowing out from the city through the many artists and writers who live here.” -- Dawn Brennan-Hagen
“I love Bridgehampton for its proximity to the beach and central location—it’s equidistant from Southampton and East Hampton. Bridgehampton has great farmstands, as well as galleries, shops, and restaurants from low-key and casual to elegant fine dining.” -- Nancy Mizrahi