Hamptons

This may be a rather stupid question but in an episode that was shown recently here, when they show the bits where Jerry does his stand-up routines he mentions something about people not being able to get a parking spot in New York until everyone goes to "The Hampton's".

What exactly are "The Hampton's"?

Thanks in advance,

Ian Holder.

The Hamptons are out on Long Island. There's Southampton, East Hampton and West Hampton Beach.

In article , [email] says...

Not a stupid question at all, Ian. It's a region on the south shore of Eastern Long Island NY, consisting of several towns which include South Hampton, West Hampton, East Hampton, and the Hampton Bays (yep, there's no North Hampton). The Hamptons are known for their exclusive beaches, restaurants, shops, Polo clubs, and austere upper class professionals. In the summer, on a Friday afternoon, many people "go to the Hamptons." Likewise, some "go to the Jersey Shore," but it's not as upscale, overall. I've had the pleasure of spending a few summers in the Hamptons, and the beaches are fantastic. Some restaurants there, though pricey, have phenomenal cuisine. The wealthy people who you usually find in the area are a bit snobby, though. Anyway, that's what it's all about.

-Gary K.

Ian ([email]) says...

I was confused about this too (being a native Californian), and I'm still a little confused. I had sort of thought "The Hamptons" were some hills or mountains or something (as are "The Rockies" and "The Cascades"). So, what you're saying is, "The Hamptons" are a bunch of different things -- towns, bays, beaches -- that are all grouped together and have "Hampton" somewhere in their names? Have I got this right?

Bo

PS -- Who was Hampton? (Just thought I'd ask.)

In article , [email] says...

More specifically, the term "The Hamptons" refers to just a group of towns clustered together, that share the Hampton name. The "Hampton Bays" is not a bay, but a town that has several bays at it's shores.

I imagine that most cities, towns, and counties came from either a word in another language, the name of a person, or from a city in another country (we've borrowed TONS of names from France, England, Italy, etc). I don't know if "The Hamptons" were named after a particular individual, though.

-Gary K.

Lionel "Slide" Hampton is the world's premier jazz vibraharpist. Residents of the Hamptons, then known as the Marsali, renamed the area in his honor when he switched his political allegiance to Republican.

Bill "And I can sell you the Brooklyn Bridge -- cheap" Penrose

In article , [email] says...

The "Marsali"? Sounds like a band of Italians who consider chicken with saut�ed mushrooms and brown gravy a sacred food.

Where did you hear that Lionel Hampton is the person that the Hamptons are named after?

-Gary K.

Um, I didn't hear the Hamptons were named for Lionel Hampton. I was making it up. Marsali was sposta reference the well-known family of young jazz musicians, Wynton, Branford et al. Marsalis.

But I liked your Italian cult idea.

Bill "The Veal Deal" Penrose