MONTAUK
There is something so captivating to me about this town. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am obsessed with Montauk. I think it is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, with legendary surf breaks and one of the largest commercial fishing ports in the Northeast. Like Amagansett it is a hamlet of East Hampton. But unlike the rest of The Hamptons there is a rustic simplicity here that reminds me of a bygone era.
It feels a million miles away…
Montauk located at the eastern most tip of Long Island and is named after the Montaukett (meaning hilly country) Indians who were the original inhabitants of the area before the first Europeans arrived in the 17th century. It is so perplexing to me that the tribe has yet to be recognized by the state of NY and was left without a reservation on land that was named after them.
While it is actually only 118 miles from NYC it does actually feel like the end of the world, it is literally The End. The incredible feeling that comes over me when I come up over the hill and see the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean gets me every time. It is stunning.
It’s the laid back atmosphere of just sun and surf that appeals to me most and so reminiscent of two other places that I love, Northern California and Hawaii with the rugged landscape and the most beautiful beaches.
After the summer crowds have left I love it even more. If you like peace and quiet then Montauk winters are even better. That’s when it really feels remote. Few places are more serene.
And standing on a deserted beach looking at the ocean is always awe inspiring..the sight of crashing waves and the smell of salt air and natural beauty just takes my breath away.
A DAY IN MONTAUK
THE DOCK
The Dock is as authentic as you can get. Its location is right off the Montauk commercial fishing docks. And my absolute favorite spot for the perfect lunch. Seriously what could be better than STEAMED LITTLE NECK CLAMS, MUSSELS, ZUCHINI CHIPS W/ HORSERADISH SAUCE AND MONTAUK JUICY IPA?!
Absolutely nothing!
Unfortunately today is the last day of the season so if you haven’t been you will have to wait until next year. I promise it will be worth the wait!
THE MONTAUK LIGHTHOUSE
At the eastern most point of Long Island , literally THE END, sits the oldest lighthouse in NY. The Lighthouse was authorized by the Second Congress IN 1792 under President George Washington and was completed in 1796. This historical landmark is a must see. The views of rugged landscape and endless Atlantic Ocean is stunning. The tower is currently closed but the museum is open and totally worth the visit. A lot of interesting facts about the area which includes of the course the Montaukett’s who were MONTUAK’S Native American people, the first known inhabitants of East Hampton and Montauk. While descendants of this tribe still live among the neighboring tribes in the region, the Montaukett are still not a NY State recognized tribe.
LOST AT SEA MEMORIAL
The Lost At Sea memorial is an 8-foot, 2,600 pound bronze statue of a fisherman atop a 7-foot-high 12 ton granite base that is inscribed with 120 names of East End commercial fishermen who have been lost at sea. The first names date back to 1719.
The inscription reads-“IN REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE LOST AT SEA WHILE FISHING THESE WATERS.”
I was extremely interested in visiting this site after reading two great books over the summer that are about fisherman, Montauk fisherman to be specific. I have have been drawn to stories like these for as long as I can remember. Starting with Moby Dick, In the Heart of the Sea, and one of my favorite books The Perfect Storm (also one of my favorite movies that I have watched a million times!)
THE LOST BOYS OF MONTAUK, a true story about four young fisherman aboard the Wind Blown. After 1 week out at sea they are caught in a Nor’easter never to be seen again. It is an incredible story not just about the men but the families they left behind. And so much amazing insight into the history of Montauk. Loved it.
A SPECK IN THE SEA, Montauk fisherman John Aldridge falls off the back of his boat Anna Mary unbeknownst to his fishing partner sleeping below. is an incredible story of survival and the tight knit community of Montauk.
Commercial fishing is considered one of the most dangerous professions in the world.
WALKING DUNES
The windswept Walking Dunes is one of my absolute favorite scenic walks completely surrounded by unspoiled landscape. The most spectacular views of Napeague Bay can be seen at the top of the dunes.
It’s fascinating to see only the tops of trees that have been almost entirely covered in sand and you will also see the Phantom Forest which are dead trees once buried in the sand that have been uncovered by the dunes’ movement. Formed over 100 years ago the three parabolic dunes are continuously shifting moving approximately 3.5 feet per year making this a uniquely beautiful spot.
Located at the end of Napeague Harbor Road off of Montauk Highway (Route 27).
