I will be visiting Southampton/East Hampton for two days President's week. My ancestors founded both of the towns and I am very interested in history. Is there anything historical at all open in mid Feb? Recommendations for a B&B with good linens, gourmet breakfast, and perhaps historical interest?

Your ancestors founded both towns??? What's the family name? Well here are some websites to check. Not sure any of the historical homes will be open. If they are, only on weekends at this time of year.

For the East Hampton Historical Society
http://www.easthamptonhistory.org/

A website that has info on historical sites in the entire area
http://www.fordyce.org/long_island/h...uthampton.html

The newspapers in the towns are the Southampton Press and the East Hampton Star both of which will have archival info and can put you in touch with local historians. Southampton has a newish village historian I've heard.

I'm sure if you emailed any of the organizations which specific requests for info, they would oblige, although it's a bit late.

The Maidstone Arms in East Hampton is a lovely Inn and has a nice restaurant and bar. The Mill Hill Inn is also in East Hampton. I've not been inside, but it's well regarded. Here's some info on it

http://bandb.about.com/library/weekly/aa043001a.htm

In Southampton, The 1708 House gets a good review here

http://fodors.com/miniguides/mgresul...view=full&pg=2

as does A Butler's Manor B & B. J Harper Poor may be the most elegant building (East Hampton) but I think it may be closed. I've heard it's up for sale.

Beware that at this time of year many places (shops etc.) are closed midweek (Tues/Wed).

Both Southampton and East Hampton are lovely. East Hampton may be a better location for you though as there are more restaurants that will be open.

Post back if you need more info.

Your kind response is appreciated. One of my ancestors, Josiah Stanborough, was one of the original undertakers of Southampton. His son married the daughter of Rev. Thomas James, first minister of East Hampton. One of their sons is my 8th great-grandfather.
Too bad, I really wanted to see the Southampton Historical Museum. I will contact the Historical Society.
I am considering the Maidstone and the 1708 house. 1708 house has a two room suite which is nice as I will be travelling with my husband and 16 year old daughter. I would love to stay in the J. Poor, now 1650 Baker House. It is where Rev. James first began preaching in 1651. I understand they open next week.

What a very "fodors thing" that you're informing me of the re-opening of the Poor Cottage! Thank you for the update. If they open next week, why not consider that? Don't they have room for your dates? It is truly a divine place.

If you would like to contact the Southampton village historian,
I can get details for you if you'd like. If you'd like to post your dates in the area, please do.

If you'll have a car, I think either place is fine. As I mentioned, I think there will be more activity in East Hampton.

Might do the Baker 1650, it is a little expensive. We will be there Feb 20 for only one night and then onto Manhattan. I would like to contact the Southampton historian. Should we communicate by email?

I will try to get details for both historians (East and South) today and post back here.

I spent last weekend in the Hamptons (East) and just about everything is "open for business" in Bridge, South & East.

(Montauk, however, is basically closed until St. Patrick's Day.)

Check out www.enclaveinn.com

For dinner, don't miss World Pie & JL East.