History & Culture
Puritan settlers, a famous witchcraft trial, and meticulous regulation are all part of an East Hampton legacy of do’s and don’ts. The size of homes and the number of beach parking passes are sharply limited. A hilarious assessment by the late “Little” Edie Bouvier Beale, the eccentric subject of the campy documentary Grey Gardens (1976), is well known for its quirky but deadly accuracy: “They can get you in East Hampton for wearing red shoes on a Thursday.” Established in 1891, the Maidstone Club is so picky about its membership that even George Plimpton and Diana Ross were denied membership (even though the latter’s billionaire husband was a member). The scenic lagoon of Georgica Pond played summer host to President Bill Clinton (at the home of Steven Spielberg, no less), and its residents have included Martha Stewart and Calvin Klein.