My Life on the East End (Well at least so far)
Dear Reader,
When is the last time you received a letter? You know one from an old friend, or in this case an 11 year old you’ve never met? So I’m writing you to tell you about my life on the East End. Why? Because it can only be described as spectacular, amazing, extraordinary… and well I could go on!
Now the reason I’ve had such a great experience here is because of where I live. I feel extremely fortunate to have lived on the East End and truly believe that Long Island has much to offer, especially, its proximity to New York City. It’s like the best of two worlds. There is so much to do here for adults and kids alike (of course if you think socializing is doing something). Whether it’s going to the beach for a day with friends and family, going shopping in boutiques (window shopping is allowed), or experiencing the wonderful restaurants around here there is something everyone can enjoy. My favorite part of living here is the fact that every day I can wake up to a wonderful life and place.
I’m so excited to share my 11-year-old wisdom with you so read on, you’ll want to live here too.
Beach Day
For most people the beginning of summer is June 21st or around here, Memorial Day, but I’m not most people. The unofficial beginning to my summer has always been Quogue School’s Beach Day. Being a student at the Quogue School is great and this day is one of the major highlights of the school year. We ride our bikes approximately 2 miles to the beach and race into the water. Usually it’s pretty cold, but no one cares because it’s a fun day of school The moms are usually sitting on the sidelines discussing how to make our school lives better (in other words gossiping) and the dads and other family members sit by relaxing. Sadly all good things (or days) must come to an end and that includes the end of the school year.
Sag Harbor- A special place
Driving the 45 minutes away from home is definitely worth it to visit Sag Harbor. Some of my fondest memories were made there. We usual go to private community beach that some of our friends live in but Haven’s beach is nearby. I enjoy collecting shells, rocks, and beach glass and then putting them into a jar. My parents are fancy and love the restaurant Muse or Harlow, but I’m a bit simpler and like to get fried chicken wings and white rice from Sing City. Then dessert, yum! My mom and dad usually get ice cream from Big Olaf after a wait on a long line, but it looks like it’s worth it. Sadly, I am lactose intolerant and can’t enjoy it with them, however, I get my sugar fix from a Slurpee from the 7-Eleven.
Southampton- It’s totally Hamptons
My dentist is located in Southampton so whenever I go to the dentist during the summer we usually go to Tate’s Bake Shop and then go walk by the shops. One of my favorite beaches on the East End is Flying Point Beach. One of my best times there was with my parents and family friends. When it’s low tide the water is divided into two sections bay and ocean and the bay is pretty shallow. We set up a portable grill and enjoyed dinner on the beach. To end the night we made a bonfire and which of course meant s’mores for dessert and relaxed.
Westhampton Beach- My home away from Quogue
Westhampton Beach is located about 10 minutes away from where I live. I’ve gone to Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (WHBPAC) for theatre and dance camp for most of my life. They have comedians, singers, and various theater troupes perform there. I like to go to Westhampton Beach is Hampton Arts Twin Movie Theater on Tuesdays because they have bargain movie night where all tickets are $5 each. Seriously, where can you get anything for $5 (my weekly allowance!).
During the winter I love to go sledding at Westhampton Beach Elementary School because they have a few good hills. This town has great shops on Main Street. My personal favorites are Books and Books, Beach Bakery, Shock, and Lynne’s Cards & Gifts.
Riverhead- Go Shopping
Riverhead, although not a part of the Hamptons, is my main shopping destination. It is the most accessible place for buying from major retailers. Riverhead is also where I take piano and voice lessons at Maryanne McElroy’s Music Center. They also have chain restaurants I see on TV. I love shopping at Tanger Outlets with one of my major shopping buddies, my grandma. During the summer you most likely can find me at Splish Splash. The rides there are so much fun! If you haven’t been there you should without a doubt put it on your bucket list.
Whenever kids want to get away from their parents or parents want to get rid of their kids there are tons of camps in the area, including Peconic Dunes 4-H Camp. Now technically this camp is located is in Southold, but it is still awesome. I usually am not an outdoors person, but this camp changed me.
Hampton Bays- Catch the sunset
Hampton Bays is great to catch the sunset, especially at Meschutt Beach. I’ve been going there since I was little and my mom and her friends referred to it as “baby beach”. What I especially love is the unobstructed view of the sunset, all of the colors! If I’m lucky, I get to go to dinner at Rumba or Cowfish. I prefer Rumba because I love ribs and they have the best I have ever tasted in my life.
In September, Hampton Bays hosts the annual San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons! It is something I always look forward to! Food booths including zeppoles (which are my favorite), carnival rides, raffles, and tons more makes this festival a must do!
Montauk
I’ve made many great memories in Montauk. I don’t always like to try new things, but I went clamming with family friends there. I got freaked out by all the gooey mud on the floor and how the clams moved. Most of my Montauk memories are in pictures. My parents would rent a boat from Uhlien’s and we’d spend the day on the water. I love the Montauk Pier. I have a caricature outside my bedroom of me playing with a shell and a seagull flying over my head that was done by an artist in Montauk.
Quogue- There’s no place like it
Home sweet home! I have lived in Quogue since I was born. Everybody in the town is connected or knows each other in some way. I started sailing when I was about 7 years old at the Shinnecock Yacht Club and I love it. Membership is not required for the camp so I started before my parents joined.
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to go bike riding around town. Sometimes I stop by Double Rainbow and pick up some candy. The Quogue Junior Theater puts on plays every summer. A pretty big event here is the annual duck race. Thousands of plastic ducks are purchased to raise money for the Quogue Association and are dumped into the water off Quogue Bridge. The first three ducks to make it to the village dock win cash prizes. Everyone comes out to enjoy the music and the company of others.
One of the most special places in Quogue is the Quogue Village Beach! It’s never crowded! It has got to be one of the best kept secrets of the Hamptons!
I was saving the best for last, the Quogue Library, my second home. I’ve been going there since I was a baby. I started volunteering there 3 years ago. The library is the center of the community. There are food tastings my mom attends, great activities that I enjoy, famous authors that my dad goes to listen to, and who needs Netflix or Redbox when the library has the latest DVDs?!! It’s just a great place to go.
The East End in Me
Most people may have only experienced the beauty of the East End in the summer, but I know better. I have been fortunate to enjoy it year round for over 11 years. The East End is a spectacular place and I am happy that I got to share a few of my favorites with you. No matter what town you’re in there are so many great things about the East End for you to enjoy and love. I may not be that old, but in my 11 year old mind I know not to take it for granted.
Sincerely Your Author,
Rebecca Alston