The maritime history of the East End of Long Island is rich and diverse. Dating back to the earliest settlements in the 17th century, fishing and whaling were major industries in the region. The bountiful waters of the Atlantic provided an abundance of seafood that sustained the local communities and brought wealth to the area. As the centuries passed, shipbuilding and trade flourished, with ports and harbors becoming economic centers for the region. In the 19th century, the whaling industry reached its peak, with Sag Harbor becoming a major whaling port. Today, the maritime legacy of the East End is celebrated and preserved through museums, festivals, and the preservation of historic sites.
To plan your getaway in our harbor towns (East Hampton, Montauk, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Southampton and Southold), visit eastendgetaway.com, your destination guide for all things on the East End Al Fresco.
photo courtesy of Kalmar Nyckel *now docked in Greenport
Adventure awaits when you take a 2.5-hour day or evening sail. Haul lines, set sails & hear tales from the crew, or simply relax & enjoy the ship. Discover the remarkable story behind KALMAR NYCKEL, a full-scale replica of the 1638 Swedish merchant ship.
Limited tickets are available online or by calling 302.429.7447 Advance reservations highly recommended.
$65/adult and $40/child ages 12 & younger. Sails depart from the railroad dock. Parking at 104 Fourth Street, Greenport, NY.
Maritime Smuggling on Long Island: From Pirates to Rumrunners with Bill Bleyer
Listen to a PowerPoint lecture by historian, author and former Newsday reporter Bill Bleyer to learn why pirates like Captain Kidd were attracted to Long Island at the turn of the 18th century and how a visit by Kidd to Gardiners Island led to him dying on the gallows in London. And learn why Long Island was so attractive to bootleggers during Prohibition that the Atlantic Ocean off the South Shore became known as Rum Row and was frequented by bootleggers like William “The Real McCoy” McCoy who supplied gangsters like Al Capone and Dutch Schultz.
This is a free program but if you would like to make a donation to the Southampton History Museum to help support this and other programs please copy and paste the link below into your browser.
Take a trip to Montauk, the ultimate seaside community located at the tip of Long Island, without the stress of a long drive, traffic or planning your day. After your train pulls into the station, you will board a bus to “the End”, making stops at Montauk Village and the Montauk Point Lighthouse.
Take a breezy stroll through Montauk Village, where you’ll find snacks, any essentials you may need, and unique local gifts from boutiques, all just steps from the beach.
The Montauk Point Lighthouse was the first lighthouse in New York State and is one of the oldest active lighthouses in the U.S. today. Climb to the top or stay at the ground level and explore the gift shop, museum, and surroundings in Montauk Point State Park.
Then, head to the heart of the Hamptons, Sag Harbor, for a quaint escape. Explore all the sights this historically rich port has to offer; from beaches and nature preserves to museums, vintage shops, and fine dining.
Future dates include: September 9, 2023 & October 7, 2023
Tour Southampton’s most picturesque landmark, with informed parishioner Cindy Willis. Originally built as a lifesaving station, it’s beautiful rustic interior was created by a local carpenter, then filled with treasures, not the least of which are its Tiffany windows. After the tour, follow Gary Lawrance, architect and co-author of “Houses of the Hamptons, 1880-1930”, on a stroll though the neighborhood of elegant mansions and two of summer society’s most popular clubs.
The Railroad Museum of Long Island is honored to present Greenport native, “Jimmy” Quatroche, “The Singing Brakeman” in a very special homecoming in our #759 boxcar titled, “Music, Poetry and Story in the Boxcar!” “Jimmy” will offer us his iconic poetry and stories from the road and life!
Born on the end of Long Island’s North Fork in Greenport in the mid 50’s ~ estranged native son Vincent “Jimmy” Quatroche, Jr. returns to the old country for a rare local performance to present a perspective on the influence of his father’s work upon his own creative endeavors.
Vincent Quatroche, Jr. is a journeyman educator/irritant de jour listed as “Visiting Assistant Professor” in the Communication Department of Fredonia State College in Western New York. He has been creating and publishing in book, audio and video formats for the past thirty years which has been widely distributed and largely ignored in the US & abroad. He is a veteran of the NYC Poetry scene at venues such as Otto’s Shrunken Head, The Stark, The Jujo Tea Lounge and the Nightingale with Su Polo, Rimes of the Ancient Mariner and from Whitman to Ginsberg as his head bounces up and down 1st Ave!
The start times are approximations. Movies will begin shortly after sundown. In the event that a rain date is necessary, the rain date will be TUESDAY following the originally scheduled date, same time, and location.
Enjoy Tequila Sunrises with our Sunset “BOOZE” cruise adventure! Enjoy a trip on our Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat as we travel along the Peconic River with fun music, complementary drinks and snacks, while enjoying the beautiful summer sunset.
$75/per person. 21 and older. Reservations Required. Future cruise: Wine Cruise September 8th and 9th • 7:00pm-9:00pm
Year RoundYour Next Amazing Getaway Could Be On The Beautiful East End of Long Island! We're Not Just Your Weekend Destination Anymore. No Matter the Season, There is a Reason to...End Up Here!
East End Tourism Board of Directors 2023:
Bryan DeLuca - President
Paul Monte - Vice President
Steve Bate - Secretary
Michael Ciaramella Jennifer Fowkes Jessica Insalaco Connie Losandro Kristen Reyes Lisa Sannino
Support provided by Market NY through I LOVE NY/ New York State’s Division of Tourism as a part of the Regional Economic Development Council awards, through partnerships with East End Tourism Alliance (EETA) and Discover Long Island.
