Travelers stay close, but go far, at Montauk
Montauk has long been a travel destination for vacationers looking for a sophisticated beach locale with plenty of high-class amenities. The eastern end of the south shore of Long Island offers beautiful beaches, upscale eateries, chic boutiques and plenty of family-friendly activities. The summer months are primetime in Montauk, when the oceanfront playground welcomes thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Whether you go for a day, a week or the whole summer, there’s always something to do at the end. Here are a few spots not to miss during your next visit.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard
A trip to Wölffer Estate Vineyard will make you feel like you’re a lot farther away than the East End. As you sip world-class wine in the tasting room, overlooking the 55-acre vineyard, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Europe. The cozy Wine Bar offers seating at a rustic hand-crafted bar and the stone terrace allows guests to enjoy the sunshine as they relish a glass (or two) of elegant wine. Want a closer look behind the scenes? Private tours are available.
The Wölffer Estate Wine Stand is also a popular spot where guests can enjoy wine or ciders while taking in a spectacular view of the vineyard. Through October, the Wine Stand also features live casual music on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Wölffer Estate Vineyard is located at 139 Sagg Rd., Sagaponack. Call 631-537-5106 for more information. The Wölffer Estate Wine Stand is at 3312 Montauk Hwy., Sagaponack. Call 631-537-4771 for more information.
For more information about Wölffer Estate visit www.wolffer.com.
Inlet Seafood Restaurant
What’s a visit out east without a stop for seafood? An offshoot of Montauk Inlet Seafood, the largest packer/shipper of fresh seafood in New York, this restaurant is one of the most popular places in Montauk. The fare is fresh—more often than not swimming locally the day before it is served up on a plate to the hungry patrons who line up to dine here. Popular menu items include the sushi, scallops, lobster rolls and the Cajun fish burrito or fish tacos. The bacon-wrapped scallops are sure to satisfy, as are the tempura codfish and chips.
Inlet offers the perfect marriage of great food and a great view. Take in the sunset over the water as you wipe lobster sauce off your chin and contemplate whether you want warm apple cobbler or ice cream for dessert.
Inlet Seafood Restaurant is located at 541 East Lake Dr., Montauk. Call 631-668-4272 or visit www.inletseafood.com for more information.
Montauk Lighthouse
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular east-ender, a trip to Montauk would be incomplete without a stop at the historic Montauk Lighthouse. The 110-foot structure is a beacon on the shoreline and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Block Island Sound, Atlantic Ocean and beyond.
In addition to climbing up the 128-step spiral staircase to the watch deck, visitors to the site can explore the museum, which includes rooms that date back to 1860.
The lighthouse is located at 2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk. For more information call 631-668-2544 or visit www.montauklighthouse.com.
Shadmoor State Park
Pack a picnic and head over to Shadmoor State Park, which boasts bluffs, freshwater wetlands, hiking trails, 2,400 feet of ocean beach and stunning shoreline views. The park is great for biking as well as saltwater fishing, and elevated platforms make for excellent birdwatching. Dogs on leashes are also welcome.
The park is located at 900 Montauk Hwy., Montauk. For more information call 631-668-3781 or visit www.nysparks.com/parks/16/details.aspx.
Swallow East Restaurant
Looking for a break away from the traditional dining scene? Swallow East offers delicious small plates in a chic, casual atmosphere. It’s a great spot for drinks or to catch up with friends as you sample each other’s dishes. The diverse menu offerings include the flavorful sliders, crispy calamari in a sweet chili glaze, grilled octopus tacos and shrimp and grits. The Montauk hot spot also offers an exciting summer calendar lineup, which includes outdoor movies on Fridays and reggae music on Saturdays.
Swallow East Restaurant is located at 474 West Lake Dr., Montauk. Call 631-668-8344 or visit www.swalloweastrestaurant.com for more information.
Professional Surf Instruction. (Photo courtesy CoreysWave)
CoreysWave
Get off the beach and into the water with CoreysWave, which has been rated by National Geographic as one of the top 10 surf schools in the world. Private and group surf lessons are available and experienced instructors set the tone of the lesson based on how comfortable students are in the water.
Almost all students stand up on the board during their first lesson and the instructors aim to create a fun-loving, educational environment. Beginner and advanced surfers are invited to suit up and have an authentic, unforgettable ocean experience.
For more information on CoreysWave, call 516-639-4879 or visit www.coreyswave.com.
