Who’s Best of the Best of the West?
Voting for Dan’s Best of the Best runs through midnight October 2, and Westhampton’s finest are gearing up for a fierce competition among their South Fork brethren. Colloquially referred to as “The First Hampton” because of the prime westerly location, greater Westhampton is looking to be “first” in another regard—the first spot you think of when looking for the best that the Hamptons has to offer. Below is a smattering of area businesses nominated for Best of the Best Awards.
The Beach Bakery on Main Street in Westhampton Beach is nominated for Best Bakery. The made-from-scratch products have been tantalizing taste buds for almost a quarter century, and they’ve become famous for their black-and-white cookies, raspberry-filled fried croissants and the Three King Pie. (The regal name is fitting—it’s made with three equal parts apple, peach-raspberry and blueberry filling.) The friendly atmosphere invites traditional coffee shop activities—reading, conversing and relaxing while taking in the scent of fresh baked pastries. Bonus: they’re open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, providing a much-needed year-round hangout in a region all-too-well- known for abbreviated winter hours.
Just down the street, Books & Books has been nominated for Best Bookstore. Homey and fully stocked with all of the latest titles, Books & Books is independent, locally owned and serious about reading. Come for the friendly and knowledgeable staff, all of whom will be happy to discuss their favorite titles. Check out booksandbookswhb.com for author events happening throughout the fall. Books & Books is also a regular contributor to danshamptons.com
Further down Main Street, the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center is nominated for Best Theater, and the WHBPAC Performing Arts Camp is nominated for best camp. Opened in 1932 and saved from demolition in 1997, the WHBPAC brings world-class performing arts, music, dance, comedy and cinema from around the world to the East End. Theatergoers are invited to take in the venue’s old-world charm while enjoying a performance in a technologically upgraded facility. The WHBPAC regularly schedules acclaimed acts—The Wallflowers, Joe Jackson and Megan Mullally have all taken the stage in 2012. The theater will continue to rock Main Street through the offseason, with the likes of Joe Robinson, Gregg Allman and Bill Cosby scheduled to perform this fall.
Nominated for Best Tennis Club, Westhampton Beach Tennis and Sport (WHBTS) is “your first stop in Hamptons tennis.” Open year round, the Club boasts seven indoor Har-tru courts and one hard, all-weather outdoor court. Tennis pros and average Joes are invited to schedule seasonal court time or clinics, available to people of all ages. WHBTS offers truly no-hassle tennis. Members don’t need to arrange their own games. Just sign up for a time, and the Club’s professional staff (voted the 2008 Dan’s Best of the Best Pros) will match players of similar abilities.
Beach Auto Wash is your one stop shop for ensuring that your vehicle is looking its best for its drive through the Hamptons. Beach Auto Wash has been nominated for Best Car Wash,. They also provide detailing services.
Voting for Dan’s Best of the Best ended on Oct. 2, and the winners will be announced on Oct. 19. Best of the Best honorees will be recognized at a celebratory fete in November.