Dressing up and heading to the American Hotel in Sag Harbor is a charming old tradition in the Hamptons, especially during the holiday season. Doc, his daughter Lily, and KDH decided to get our fix last night for dinner. We usually have the same game plan: backgammon in the front bar, a martini with onions-n-olives for Mark, followed by a fireside feast in the dining room under a giant moose head! The Hotel [as it’s called] has a great history-I will share a bit below-but you must check out their official website for the full intriguing story behind this majestic landmark of the Hamptons…

“The American Hotel, one of historic Sag Harbor’s landmark buildings was built in 1846 at the height of the Whaling era. Nearly 160 years later, The Hotel is still regarded by locals and visitors as one of the most elegant and charming establishments on the East End of Long Island. The intimate character of The Hotel, with eight superbly appointed guest rooms and award-winning restaurant, has landed the landmark on the list of Historic Hotels of America, as well as America’s Elite 1000 hotels.”

“By 1845, the whaling was near its economic peak. Sag Harbor was filled to capacity with ships supplies, whale oil, sailors and money. A local cabinetmaker named Nathan Tinker had a vision and set to work adding onto the original brick structure he owned on Main Street. When he was finished in 1846, the physical presence of the American Hotel was complete. Its function in the early days was rather colorful. The American Hotel also reflected the cosmopolitan nature of the busy little village. In the surrounding towns accommodations were available in country inns or stage stops, but Sag Harbor boasted a downtown brick-face, three-story hotel with a bar, a restaurant and 25 rooms.”

“In 1972 the present owner, Ted Conklin, acquired the premises. He proceeded slowly and carefully to return the hotel to a semblance of its former dignity and brought back the faded elegance of the dining rooms. Once he had established the restaurant as well as one of the most important wine cellars in the country, Mr. Conklin turned his attention to the second and third stories. The rooms were enlarged and antique furniture has been used throughout as well as period prints and appointments.”

“The Hotel’s renowned restaurant boasts a formal décor with Empire and early Victorian antiques and furnishings with four separate candle-lit, silver laden dining rooms: the elegant main dining room with Steinway, the bar room with a cozy fireplace and beautiful wooden bar for those cold winter evenings, the Victorian Drew Room with prints of Lincoln and Washington and the atrium (garden room) with a skylight and intimate atmosphere – all romantic and cozy settings!”

The American Hotel features an award-winning, “American-French” cuisine and is led by Executive Chef Jonathan Parker [whose daughter Ella is a classmate of Lilys!]. The menus change with the seasons and are always an eclectic blend of local and imported produce. Fancy a fine Chateau Margaux? The extensive wine list features over 2500 selections!

Location: 49 Main Street Sag Harbor; (631) 725-3535 or go to www.theamericanhotel.com

[quotes above courtesy of www.theamericanhotel.com]