Southampton

Southampton is not only steeped in rich history but also in contemporary affluence. Pristine area beaches framed by sparkling Atlantic waters are a draw, but so are upscale shops, fine restaurants, polo matches and other horsey events, and antiques shows.

The village was settled in the 17th century by Puritans who had set sail from Lynn, Massachusetts, and landed at what is today known as Conscience Point. Southampton, which was formally incorporated in 1894, was named after the third earl of Southampton, Henry Wriothesly, who was sympathetic to the early British settlers and widely respected.

Southampton has several districts and buildings included on the National Register of Historic Places. The village is part of the much larger town of Southampton, which spans from parts of Eastport to the west all the way east to Sagaponack, with its potato farms and seaside estates. A drive through the "estate section" of Southampton takes you past graceful mansions surrounded by 20-foot privet hedges. Gin Lane, in particular, is worth a peek.