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Say it ain’t so, could Sag Harbor become Mainstream? Over the last year I have noticed some changes occurring on Main Street in Sag Harbor and it is becoming very scary. I have always loved Sag Harbor because I thought it was different than East Hampton and Southampton but equally as popular. In both East Hampton and Southampton for the last 5 years Main Street has become so Mainstream where so many big chain stores dominant and many of the smaller local businesses have been forced out with extremely high rents. Many of these businesses primary focus is to reach their Manhattan clientale and therefore close up shop in early October leaving Main Street to look empty and deserted. I am frustrated with the GREED that is dominating the Hamptons, instead of Main Street looking unique and special it is looking like 5th avenue in NYC. What made the Hamptons so special was the unique retail stores that were a one-of-a-kind, you could only find it in the Hamptons.

We have seen how the seasonal and pop-up businesses in these towns have been a huge disruption for both towns with the many local year-round businesses. Many local mom and pop shops have been forced out and leases have not been renewed because others are secretly going to the landlords and offering them significant increases making it too good a deal for a landlord to turn down. The small mom&pop locations cannot compete and therefore they are seeing their life work disappear before their eyes. Many of these new businesses are not focused on reaching the community only the seasonal people and are prepared to take a loss in the winter months.

I have always loved the uniqueness of Sag Harbor because it has always been immune from big chain stores on Main Street and to some degree still is, but I wonder how long will this last. In 2010 we saw the Cigar Bar close due to many misfortunes and yet this spot still remains empty. In 2011 the spot next to the old Cigar bar remained empty, the cleaners closed and at the end of the summer season the Pizza Shop closed, then in early December the Bike Shop closed its doors and Baystreet Theatre announced that they would be leaving Sag Harbor because the landlord wants to increase their rent.

I personally think that Bay Street Theatre leaving Sag Harbor will be a huge lost for the town and Main Street, many IMG_0176businesses will feel the lost of their presence. Now the newest drama is Java Nation will also be leaving its current location, according to the East Hampton Star it is because the landlord will not be renewing the lease. In several local publications it is noted that Collette Cosignment will be taking over the location and has offered the landlord a considerable monthly increase to rent the location. I spoke to the owner of Collette to get a statement from her but she refused me and indicated that she would not be speaking to the media because rumors are escalating. I say why not set the record straight and tell your side, but once again is the primary focus to reach the local community or just a seasonal clientale who can afford to shop at this store. I am in no way indicating Collette Consignment is like one of the big Stores dominating both East Hampton and Southampton but her business reaches an affluent clientele and it’s businesses like hers that are dominating Main Street throughout the Hamptons. It has also been rumored that there are plans to put in an upscale coffee spot, I have no idea if this is true, only time will tell what will be occupying this location. According to the East Hampton Star the owners of Java Nation were not even offered an opportunity to stay and even if they were would they be able to afford such a heavy increase? Whose is the culprit for the turnover throughout Main Street in the Hamptons…I say GREED! I am disappointed that Java Nation will be closing, although I am not a loyal customer of this establishment many others are and the owners have built a very nice following. I am told it really is the only place to get fresh coffee beans and it will be a lost. My daughter says and I quote “What’s the point of coming home now”I personally thought to see her parents, but clearly it was to visit Java Nation…my feelings are somewhat hurt 🙁

It is only a matter of time before we start to see pop-ups on main street in Sag Harbor. I really hope that Sag Harbor continues to keep its uniqueness and charm of catering to everyone and not just the rich because that would be a real shame. Since I have lived in Sag Harbor I have only seen it extremely quiet in late January and February, it is busy all the time and people from all over the world come to Sag Harbor because it really does feel like you are on vacation.

We must Save Sag Harbor from the horrors of Big Brother….but how can we do this….A change is coming but are we ready for it. I hope that change is not coming this year because I love being able to support the local business. What are thoughts on what’s happening on Main Street though-out the Hamptons?

Greetings Hamptons Mouthpiece Readers…Tired of the cold weather and want to get away to some place warm and exotic? Having a look on somewhere such as https://www.exceptionalvillas.com/turks-and-caicos could lead you to a destination that gives you the luxury time away that you are seeking. But before you book your next trip, check out these specials… Did you know that people who take vacations at least once per year lead less stressful lives than those that don’t. So if you’ve been planning that trip to Iceland, check out Cars Iceland, book your tickets, hop on that plane and feel that stress melt away. If you fancy yourself as somewhat of a jetsetter then you may want to consider following this hyperlink to learn how you can make use of a private jet charter service to get you from destination to destination in style. In the meantime, listed below are some beautiful places to vacation and they are affordable, and if you go with friends the rates are even more attractive.

Here are some beautiful villas you might like with full concierge for 2012. If that’s not your style, then looking at villas to let could also work for you. Still, they’re not expensive and they’ll blow your mind 10x more than any 5-star hotel. All prices below are 8days, 7 nights – (low season rates listed here – April15-Dec15) …but check the links (all rates are at bottom of villa description); housekeeping is included of course.
They arrange rental cars, nanny, jet-skis, yachts, para-sailing, chef, scuba, fishing etc… If you need more bedrooms you can filter by bedroom on the site –
Coral (2br) -$2950 — ridiculous cliffside view





Adelaide’s Escape (2br)- $2450 – its a condo but its on the beach…

Callisto (3br)– $3900










Mariposa (3br)– $5250

Jardin Creole (3br)– $4500

Bali (3br)– $3950

La Siesta (3br)– $3800
Oceane (3br)– $4160






Libellue (4br)– $7000 for 4bedroom 360 degree ocean/lagoon vista)



For More information on any of these properties contact Jeff Goins (EVP)
917-406-5435 www.EliteVacationProperty.com






If you choose to book one of these fabulous vacation spots make sure you stop in at White’s Pharmacy in East Hampton and pick up your Suncare products..for a limited time White’s is running a Special 20% off all Suncare Products. In-store Promotion only.

New Year’s Eve 2011 in the Hamptons
Happy New Year Hamptons MouthPiece Readers it has been awhile since I last communicated with you and for that I apologize. Since we last spoke I have moved and I am finally settled in my new home with a work space to be creative. I am excited for 2012 and the new and amazing plans I have in-store for you my readers. As you know the creation of Hamptons Mouthpiece was to tell you things you may not be aware of in the Hamptons. Although there are many events, businesses , products, news, entertainment, Real Estate, Food and etc… that take place beyond the Hamptons, the primary focus of this blog is All about the Hamptons all the time and only 10% of what happens beyond the Hamptons. I welcome you my readers to add anything to my Facebook Page www.facebook.com/hamptonsmouthpieceand I will pull information to add to my blog.

This is New Year’s Eve weekend and there is much to do in the Hamptons. I will be unable to attend any of these fun events as I have a black tie event to attend on Friday night in NYC and Saturday night I am hosting a New Year’s Eve party as a favor to a friend. I have put together a list of events if you are visiting and interested in bringing in the New Year in the Hamptons or if you live here and would like to go out. Now you can’t possibly plan on going out without a perfect look…
photo(4)Check out this hot little number at Aimee’s Closet in Montauk that will make a statement…I am considering driving out to Montauk to pick up one for myself because it is both fun and sexy at the same time and anyone who knows me knows that I will be dressing sexy until the day I die…
If Montauk is a little to far to travel then Collette Designer Consignment is another alternative…Ring in the New Year in style! Use the code “newyear” to save 10% off dresses at colletteconsignment.com
So what’s happening in the Hamptons this weekend…
Friday, December 30th, 2011 Monica Hughes will be Singing & Spinning tunes at Copa Wine & Tapas Restaurant in Bridgehampton  8pm-11pm…95 School St., Bridgehampton, NY 11932
 
Southampton Inn
Saturday, December 31  8:00 pm-1:00 am
$100* per person/Dinner & Party $40* per child
$25* per person/Party Only (includes 1 complimentary drink coupon)

New Year’s Eve Dance with the Who Dat Loungers at Baystreet Theatre in Sag Harbor..Ring in the New Year with the Who Dat Loungers and New Dawn! Plus a DJ dance set, fun holiday films, surprise guests and more! There will even be a special bar/lounge near the stage set up for when you need a little break from all that dancing

 
Ring in the new year with the Hamptons favorite band, New Life Crisis at 230 Elm in Southampton. Leah Laurenti opens the show from 9 to 10. Band goes on from 10 – 2. Check out the link for details. Space is limited, so hurry and make your reservation! http://newlifecrisis.bigcartel.com/product/new-year-s-eve-gala-2011-230-elm
 
75 Main..Southampton, NY….10pm-4am
ZACH ERDEM & EVE
::NEW YEARS EVE 2012::
::MUSIC BY:::::::DJ THEO::
75 will be open for Diner and also will be giving out free Champagne for the toast.
Space is very limited, make your reservation asap…RSVP 631.283.7575
 
The Living Room Restaurant celebrates New Year’s Eve Saturday, December 31 with an early evening a la carte dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and a $125 four-course prix fixe dinner beginning at 9 p.m.  includes a glass of champagne. Saturday, December 31 @ 5:30 pm**The Living Room  207 Main Street,East Hampton
 
Fourth Annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party on Saturday, December 31 ***10pm-4am.
Table reservations is available and include bottle service with ice and mixers, cocktail service, masks and cover charge waived. Please call (631) 725-0101 for table reservations and pricing.
East Hampton Bowl will have a special New Years Eve party in the lounge with The Blue Collar Band and a bowling special. You can either pay $10 to enter or $40 for bowling and food, too. There will also be a DJ between sets with music going late into the night.
Gurney’s Inn Resort and Spa will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with its annual party. Dinner will also be served.
Southampton Publick House, will have dinner between 5 and 11 p.m. in the dining room for $39.95 and a party in the taproom, starting at 10 p.m.
Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett will be having a New Year’s Eve Party featuring Booga Sugar. There will be a $25 cover and the band gets going at 9 p.m.
RIVERHEAD…

Friday 12/30/11 Hotel Indigo and Bistro 72 9pm-1am, The Night Before New Year’s, our first annual eve of New Year’s Eve party, which will feature a Long Island Wines & Spirits pairing dinner & special performance of The Friday Jam with The Steve Watson Trio & Special Guests**Reservations are required for dinner and hotel rooms, and a limited number of walk-ins at the bar for the party are welcome.
$85/Person* (pairing dinner). $59/Person* (dinner). $299/Couple* (pairing dinner, overnight stay, breakfast for 2). For more information www.indigoeastend.com/new-years-2012.or call 631-369-2200.
Atlantis Marine World, Riverhead

Fishes & Wishes Family New Year’s Event
Saturday, December 31**6:30pm to 11:00pm
Bring the kids and join us for our annual Fishes & Wishes Celebration! There will be plenty of great food and great fun, plus entertainment you won’t  find anywhere else. Kids are invited to their very own Winter Wonderland, which includes unlimited Submarine Simulator rides, animal encounters, Ray Bay feeding, face painting, crafts, and much more!
You’ll ring in the New Year in spectacular fashion with an evening that includes: Champagne & Sparkling Cider Greeting, Cocktail Hour, Dinner Buffet, Dessert & Ice Cream Bar, Mock-Midnight Champagne & Cider Toast, and Live DJ & Entertainment. Then stay the night Rockin’ & Ringin’ in Riverhead at the brand-new Hyatt Place East End!Call for more information or to register: 631.208.9200, ext. H2O (426).
NEW YEAR’S DAY….
ANNUAL POLAR BEAR PLUNGE.. Montauk’s Annual Polar Bear Dip, Sunday January 1, 2012 at Gurney’s Inn Resort & Spa beach. All attendees meet at Gurney’s Spa Desk at 11am! A suggested donation of $ 15 per person for Montauk food pantry is requested at the door. For all the spectators: Montauk Polar Bears are expected to be in the ocean around 11:45 am to noon. Hot cider and bath towels are handed out at the beach. Polar Bears may use the spa facilities all day on January 1st.
Well those are my picks for New Year’s Eve…. I am mostly excited about cooking my black-eyed peas for New Year’s Day…It is a tradition I grew up with and I am told it is good luck. So my dear Friends I wish you Happiness, Love, Health and Prosperity for the New Year. I will speak to you again in 2012…Be Safe!…If you want to really know what’s going on in the Hamptons…Hamptons Mouthpiece is your resource..