What’s The New Trend In Montauk?
Montauk, located on the eastern tip of Long Island’s south fork is affectionately called “The End” by locals and visitors alike. It’s popularity continues to grow over the years. Not long ago, this was just a sleepy fishing village on the outskirts of Long Island’s Hamptons, with few visitors. But here’s what’s happening in Montauk now…
Stretch of Beach in Montauk off Old Montauk Highway
With newer restaurants popping up every year and the motels/hotels ramping up their game, the tides are changing in Montauk. Dumpy little motels are being renovated into trendy accommodations. The Montauk Beachhouse is quoting rates of $1038 for one weekend night in August and it’s not on the water!! Prior to it’s update in 2012, it was a small no name motel with a high rate of about $150 for a peak season weekend night. It seems that while some of the town is struggling to maintain it’s ‘locals’ and fishermen scene, they are apparently losing the battle. The hospitality industry in Montauk has decided to take a bite of the Hamptons pie! Rumor has it that even the Shagwong restaurant (a Montauk staple, established 1969) is being bought out.
While becoming a bit more expensive and quite a bit more crowded, it’s still a fabulous getaway. Truth be told, I’m enjoying the room and food upgrades tremendously! The older I get, the less I want to ‘rough it’. Camping? Not for me. But for those of you that are interested, there is still great camping at Hither Hills.
We recently got a deal at the Beach Plum Resort . They had nice studio rooms with a full kitchen and a deck overlooking the ocean. Just a short walk across the road, past the trees lies a beautiful beach. Unfortunately, the down side was that the beds are full size and they were extremely uncomfortable. In the past we’ve stayed at Montauk Blue which we really enjoyed. Although upscaling across the board, the accommodations in Montauk haven’t come close to those of the Hamptons… yet.
Some fantastic restaurants that need mentioning are The Inlet, with it’s beautiful view and The Harvest at Fort Pond, with it’s amazing ‘backyard’ and great sunset. Their food is great as well! We also enjoyed the food and music at 668 Gigshack. The food at Gosman’s restaurant, which started out as a chowder stand in 1950) has mediocre food at best. Regardless, it’s worth going down to Gosman’s Dock just to see the area, visit the shops and enjoy the view.
For perks you have beautiful beaches, amazingly fresh seafood, and plenty to keep yourself amused. Quirks to keep in mind is that much like the Hamptons, but further along the road, there’s one way in and one way out. A weekend trip during peak season can having you sitting in traffic for hours. The Lighthouse charges for parking and then again to go in the Lighthouse! Not nice.
Playin’ at the Gigshack in Montauk
I try to go for the road a little less traveled as I’m not a big fan of the crowds. It’s become apparent that I now need to book Montauk in the ‘non-peak season’ or get lost in the crowd.
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