Nightlife

As you might imagine, Hamptons nightlife can be quite the scene. Bars can fill up quickly and some even roll out the velvet rope to restrict their clientele to models and people with movie deals. You'll never be lacking for nightlife, though; just wander around Southampton or East Hampton and you may well mistake it for ancient Rome right before its decline. Grab a copy of Dan's Papers or pick up the East Hampton Star or the Southampton Press for listings. Two current A-list clubs: Pink Elephant, 281 C.R. 39A, Southampton (tel. 631/287-9888), and Dune, 1181 North Sea Rd., Southampton (tel. 631/283-0808). Dress the part to increase your chances of getting past the door.

Year-round live music draws folks in droves to Amagansett's Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St. (tel. 631/267-3117), for events that are often standing-room-only. Acts range from local blues acts to bigger names like Suzanne Vega or Todd Rundgren, and folks like Billy Joel and Paul McCartney have been known to show up unannounced and party with the band.

Two of the better dive bars in the area are the Montauket, 88 Firestone Rd., Montauk (tel. 631/668-5992) -- come here for the sunset -- and Murf's, 64 Division St., Sag Harbor (tel. 631/725-8355). For margaritas, check out the recently resurrected Blue Parrot, 33A Main St., East Hampton (tel. 631/329-2583), an old favorite among locals and power brokers alike.