Welcome to Water Mill
Located between Southampton and Bridgehampton, Water Mill has the distinction of being the only town on Long Island with both a watermill and a windmill. The 17th century grist mill from which Water Mill takes its name is still maintained as a museum and is emblematic of this hamlet’s quaint character. More relaxed than its neighbors to the west and east, Water Mill has a strong, cohesive sense of community. The historic Community House is the site of meetings and events. The Water Mill Community Club sponsors suppers, social events and recreational programs for all members of the community.
The small commercial district along Montauk Highway includes several restaurants and shops, an art gallery, organic farmstand, coffee roaster and other businesses. A small market operated by one of the area’s oldest farming families sells local peaches, pears, apples, cider and other products.
Recreational opportunities abound here—horseback riding, golf, boating and sailing and fishing are all popular. In cold enough winters ice boats can be seen speeding across the frozen bays. In summer Flying Point Beach, a small but beautiful ocean beach, is less crowded than other beaches in Southampton Town because only seasonal, not daily, passes are available for it. The arts also have a vibrant presence in Water Mill. The Parrish Art Museum, which focuses on American art, especially the work of local artists, relocated from Southampton Village to new, larger quarters in an award-winning new building in Water Mill and presents a dynamic series of temporary exhibits in addition to its permanent collection, along with concerts, classes, children’s camps and other events. The Watermill Center, founded by renowned theater and visual artist Robert Wilson, is, as described on its website, “a laboratory of inspiration and performance…which provides a unique environment for a global community of emerging and established artists and thinkers to gather and explore new ideas.” Exhibitions, talks, performances and other events are presented there throughout the year.
