The Perfect Montauk Weekend

Photo credit: Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved
Photo credit: Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved

From Town & Country

The Hotel: Surf Lodge

Design junkies, celebrities, and Hamptons regulars adore this bohemian-chic hotel - and not just because luxury accommodations are hard to come by in Montauk. The rooms stick to a beachy all-white color palette, and many have porches with hammocks and waterfront views. Guests can enjoy outdoor workouts, too, thanks to a partnership with NYC-based Bari Studio. Owner Jayma Cardoso has become something of a legend in the hospitality world - this summer alone, the 10-year-old hotel (which also has a bar, restaurant, and music venue for concerts) welcomed Malia Obama, Tiffany Trump, Lady Gaga, Nina Agdal, and a slew of other bold-faced names.

The Thing to See: Montauk Lighthouse

Built in 1796, Montauk Lighthouse - a National Historic Landmark - is the oldest lighthouse in New York State, and the fourth oldest in the U.S. Should you decide to explore on your own, the views from the surrounding state park (which opens at 10:30am) are absolutely spectacular. Otherwise, formal tours of the 110-foot structure (and nearby museum) are available daily through mid-October.

The Drink: Le Grand Fizz

Pop in to just about any Montauk restaurant and you’ll inevitably see this Grey Goose-based cocktail on the menu. What makes it the unofficial “spritz of the season?” For starters, it’s refreshing as hell - and it doesn’t hurt that the drink also happens to be pretty to look at. (From now on, I’m requesting that all of my cocktails be served in oversized wine glasses.) Find out how to make one at home here.

Photo credit: Courtesy Grey Goose
Photo credit: Courtesy Grey Goose

The Restaurant: Scarpetta Beach

It’s hard to choose just one restaurant in a town with so many great options (namely: Duryea’s, The Gig Shack, The Crowe’s Nest, Inlet, East by Northeast, St. Peter’s Catch) but Scarpetta Beach manages to check all the boxes. There’s a beachfront view, ample people-watching, and of course, insanely delicious food. Perhaps the thing I love most about dining here is that the menu satisfies whatever culinary mood you’re in. If you’re looking to eat light, order the branzino. Heavy? The creamy poltena with truffled mushrooms, followed by the duck & foie gras ravioli. After dinner, pop outside to the Regent Cocktail Club and have a drink by the firepit.

Photo credit: Courtesy of LDV Hospitality
Photo credit: Courtesy of LDV Hospitality

The Activity: Stand Up Paddleboarding

The Hamptons-based Paddle Diva offers 90-minute lessons for beginners, plus SUP yoga and beach fitness classes for those with a bit more experience. If you'd prefer to go solo, they rent boards (and kayaks!) by the hour.

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