 When
Johnny Kelman first came to the Hamptons he had never stayed at
a bed and breakfast before!
By the end of the weekend, he had found the B&B experience
to be so enjoyable that he and a friend decided they would open
their own establishment, the l848 House. After six pleasurable
years, Johnny bought his own place, appropriately calling it Getaway
House.
A travel consultant by profession, Johnny personally welcomes the
guests and makes sure everyone finds a restaurant that suits their
tastes. When is the last time someone asked you how you slept and
would you like a nice cup of coffee with the morning newspaper?
Johnny is also a film buff and one of his favorite B&B moments
was when a well-known and accomplished actor stayed at the house
and sat in the living room musing on the acting experience. And
then there was the Christy Brinkley wedding, attended by some of
the B&B guests, who shared all the details at breakfast the
next morning. Never a dull moment in the Hamptons.
About Beach Reading
Don’t forget to pack a book. Or you can stop by a bookshop,
which is usually mobbed, or visit a charming library.
A must and scathing read, by writer and bon vivant Steven
Gaines is Philistines at the Hedgerow, a gossipy
overview of Hamptons' society past and present that is outrageous
and exceedingly entertaining.
James Patterson and Peter De Jonge’s The
Beach House
is another fun read about the Hamptons that is a real page-turner.
P.D. James mysteries are great summer treats. But if you
find her stuffy, there’s Patricia Cornwall and her
female sleuth Kay Scarpetta.
Sebastian Junger, The Perfect Storm, could
be considered must reading when you're at the ocean.
Charles Dickens, Great Expectations came
with one guest who
claimed it was fascinating summer reading.
The East Hampton Library (631) 324-0222 is worth a visit
just to see the lovely building, interiors, and courtyard. They
have a terrific children's library, computers, a magazine room,
and a good local history cabinet, and possibly you can get a summer
checkout card.
But be forewarned, there’s a fine and a scolding if the librarian
finds sand in your returned books!
The Amagansett Free Library (631) 267-3810 is a quaint village
library where the librarians are well read and friendly.
The East Hampton Star and Dan's Newspapers
www.easthamptonstar.com
www.danspapers.com
carry local news and lists of events for each week, from bird watching
to charity galas.
We do recommend, however, that you visit former Rizzoli VP, John
Brancati, in his new bookstore, East
End Books (631) 324-8680, off
Main Street at #53 The Circle (across from the Bank of New York),
with a delicious red-and-white, candy-striped awning. Now
John knows books—it is fascinating to talk with him about the
most beautiful books ever published. And
watch for his gallery openings and author events—you just may
see Dianne Keaton signing her book!"
LVIS, a historical house and society on Main Street has
a thrift store and a great collection of used books.
Glenn Horowitz Bookseller at Newtown Lane (631) 324-5511
has a wonderful collection of rare and used books on art, architecture
and design.
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