Sag Harbor- The Perfect Place

I have a friend who promised God that if she was ever able to live in Sag Harbor she would never leave. Her wish came true and aside from a couple of short trips to family weddings she kept her promise. And so did God. I often feel a pull from others who believe that travel is a necessary component of life - along with the premise that perhaps you never truly live unless you are out and about seeing the world. That creates a conflict within as I love my home and grew up in a time where some locals boasted that they never crossed the Shinnecock Canal.

Out on my morning walks I get to see Sag Harbor as the sun rises and the new day awaits. Moored sailboats stand at attention pointing into the wind as the sea fills each nook of shoreline. And I think to myself - this has to be the most perfect place on earth - not only does it house cherished memories of growing up in paradise - this small slice of heaven seems to hold all of the things needed for a full and contented life.

Not including the outer neighborhoods and hamlets adjoining Sag Harbor, the village proper encompasses only 1.72 square miles, a total water area of .75 miles and 3.3 miles of shoreline. I often ponder how truly amazing that so much life and sustainability can fit into such a remarkably small area.

Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is all of the natural beauty here- walking paths, beaches, ponds, hills and marshes, beautiful trees, temperate seasonal changes-sunshine and snow, coastal storms that stir up the heavens along with gentle summer breezes. Each day a character of its own-always something to look forward to and perpetually a place to rest and gaze over the beauty of creation. Hiking, running, sailing, boating, fishing, tennis, swimming, baseball, always something to draw us outdoors, keep us active and bring us together.

The history of Sag Harbor abounds, chronicled in extraordinary accounts and stories, along with well-preserved architecture and narrative cemeteries. Landmark churches and museums open their doors to the past and welcome visitors to take the journey. Recently voted one of the most walkable Main Streets in the nation you tread in the age-old footsteps of whalers and shipbuilders, carpenters, caulkers, painters, boat builders, sailmakers, riggers, blacksmiths and coopers. During the whaling era, Sag Harbor was one of the most diverse villages in the country-people from all over the world rubbing elbows in this once bustling town. And long before that, the footprints of the Algonquin people.

Today’s evolution - a village filled and edged by wonderful stores and bars and restaurants, a brewery, outstanding coffee shops, delis, bagel shops, and take out options, sit-in and sit-out, burgers, seafood, pizza, gourmet along with health-food. A world class cinema, a theater, and a vast array of musical, cultural and entertainment opportunities. World renowned yoga and Pilates, cutting edge gyms, hair stylists, nail salons, beautiful one-of-a-kind shops, gifts and wrapping, fashion, groceries, banks and businesses, marinas, yacht, sailing and rowing clubs, full-service stations, walk-in clinic, garden center, computer services, food pantry, churches, synagogues, galleries, artists, writers, hopers and healers. Waterside parks, a community band, outdoor music, Mashashimuet Park, an active library, Historical Museums, a local newspaper along with other periodicals, an attentive police force, active volunteer fire department and ambulance crew and yearly events we all look forward to- Memorial Day, HarborFest, HarborFrost, The Sag Harbor American Music Festival, Holiday Light-Up, sidewalk sales and the Corner Bar filled with locals singing ‘American Pie’ on Labor Day.

It has always seemed to me that Sag Harbor is a collection of the world’s finest-so many opportunities right outside our doors, nearly all within walking distance of this 1.72-mile radius and yet enough space and latitude to be considered a small, quaint, peaceful, charming and historic village – this bit of paradise.

I revel in growing up here - barefoot and free to wander- not privileged by wealth or opportunities - but rather by a freedom sewn from safety and trust, connection and belonging- to both the earth and the community. People, astounded that we lived here throughout the year, would ask if the sidewalks were rolled up for winter. I grew up believing that Sag Harbor was the epicenter of the world-everything a village, a home, a community needed to be. This created a force and a gravity that seems to hold me here. And though things have changed quite dramatically -they have throughout time- and yet I can still appreciate and be part of this most beautiful corner of the universe. I didn’t have to make any promises to God –perhaps my grandparents did- all of life’s forces seemed to come together to deliver me here- and I must say I am forever grateful.