Saturday, June 16, 2018

The Hamptons Part 1 - Montauk

The Hamptons,are a series of Hamlets, about 2.30 hours from New York City.  Southampton is the richest one while Montauk, sitting on the easternmost tip is the farthest one which is why it is also called The End.



 It is an area of great beauty and is rich in history. The name is derived from a native American tribe, Teddy Roosevelt & The Roughriders frolicked on the beach and whiskey smugglers during prohibition used the beaches for a different kind of activity altogether.A simple fishing village it ain't.


My previous experience of The Hamptons has been mostly Saturday drinking sessions and shenanigans, returning home on Sunday in time for brunch and regret.Returning twenty years later, this time with the wife, I was worried about how she would react to what is essentially a significant change in pace and scenery from NY, a city she had declared she liked as much as her fav city in the world (London)



We hopped the LIRR from Penn Station to Southampton ($21/$29 Non Peak & Peak) or you can buy onboard the train as well but it is pricier ($27/$35 Non Peak & Peak) 2 hours later we hopped off at Southampton Station


and hoofed it across the street to pick up our rental car from Hertz (2018 Toyota Corolla, $48 a day including insurance, unlimited mileage, not inclusive of fuel)

Pro Tip : Exploring the Hamptons or even one of its forks, is not possible to do easily without a car. The train has a limited schedule and all other transport is either to be flagged down or unreliable. Cab rides can be expensive (Southampton-Montauk is about 48$, same as a days car rental)

We drove 30 miles straight to beautiful Montauk, through Southampton, East Hampton, it is a lovely drive. Montauk is a lot less busy than some of the other more easily accessible points of the Hamptons. Since there is a lot less action there is also more peace and quiet.


Our hotel was the historic, Montauk Manor, a Tudor style condo/hotel which has been around since 1927. The hotel sits on a little bluff and one must drive up a small hill to get to the property.
Once you are there though, it offers sweeping views of the Roughriders Development, Navy Beach and the water.

Montauk Manor
Lobby
Inside, it is a bit of a time warp, high ceilings, chandeliers, a working fireplace. The property has an indoor and outdoor swimming pools, restaurants, tennis and squash courts as well as a Spa. Summ

View from the property

Absolutely stunning on a bleak day, on a bright sunny one it's ethereal beauty will stop you in your tracks.


The rooms are essentially 1-3 bedroom apartments, ours was a 1-bed (Living Room, Kitchen, Bed Room & 2 Baths) The decor was kind of what you expect, hardwood floors, American colors and a nautical vibe.


Montauk Light House is famous but it is also one of the many across the Hamptons. It can get breezy so be prepared. Parking is supposed to be $8 but no one came to collect. You can climb up ($11) and look out, wistfully and wonder why you don't permanently live in a place like this (because it gets frighteningly cold)


Kirk Park Beach, sits across the main street and is easy to access. There is a parking lot right outside and it is a short climb to an absolutely stunning view.  Sand and Water as far as the eye could see, nobody else around, just us and the sound of waves.


John's Pancake House, is a Montauk institution, like most old-school diners from tv shows, this one has crusty people behind the stove and a matronly lady up front willing to listen to your desperate need to change up the order (the cook disagreed)


The Pancake was pretty terrific and my cheddar cheese omelette was the biggest one I have ever had.

Gringo's is a great taco/burrito joint, you can also head to Gossman's for some great sea food and lovely view.

All in all Montauk was exactly what I was expecting it to be. Quiet, rustic, lots of wood and salt, red, white & blues. Offering a direct contrast to the sunkissed surfer vibe of California. Montauk is a great example of East Coast Americana,  Ralph Lauren has used it as a base and an inspiration and it's mark on American Iconography is undeniable.

Weekdays are the best time to be here, the city folk are back at home and Montauk belongs to the locals. it is quiet and empty and achingly pretty.

If you are on the East Coast and have 48 hours, I highly recommend you get to The-End. 

19 comments:

anuragsarin said...

welcome back to blogging

rohanrj said...

I found so many entertaining stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the leisure here! Keep up the excellent work. food delivery ubud bali

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this wonderful article. I really like your post. I shared you post in my 24 hour Des Moines Towing site. Keep posting.

Elizabeth Miller said...

Thanks for posting this..online book Ticket through Redbus

Fatima Ahmad said...

The Doha Escorts Girls administration of our organization is extremely moderate, and we give intriguing females to your administration. We have the knowledgeable and sterile girls who will give you the feeling of Girlfriend.

Unknown said...

Amazing post in this blog. Hope more people reaching your blog because you are sharing a good information. I noticed some useful tips from this post. Thanks for sharing this.....
restaurants service in noida sector 64

Unknown said...

Nice informative post.Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful post.If you want best service you can visit here.
best food service in gurgaon sector 38

Websofy Software Pvt Ltd said...

Hey Very Nice Blog!! Thanks For Sharing !!!

Best Indian Restaurant in Chaweng Beach
Best indian restaurants in koh samui Thailand
indian food in chaweng samui
Best Indian Thai Restaurant in Samui

Riya Singh said...

Hey, Very Nice Blog!! Thanks For Sharing !!!

Indian Restaurant in Koh samui
Caterers Services Restaurant in koh samui
Birthday Parties Restaurant in koh samui

Swathi said...

HI
Mumbai formerly known as Bombay, is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India with an estimated city proper population of 12.4 million as of 2011. Along with the neighboring regions of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, it is the second most populous metropolitan area in India, with a population of 21.3 million as of 2016.

Very interesting post, we enjoyed each and everything as per written in your post. Thank you for sharing this article because it’s really informative. If you are planning for your holiday and searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city. It really helps people to plan for future trips. If anyone want go to visit these places and your online bus ticket booking advance in VRL Travels Bus and get more Bus Ticket Offers.

nandini said...

superb idea and style or collection for fashion
Thank You for this.....
home write for us

Lubna Usmani said...

Hey Nice Blog!!! Thank you for sharing information. Wonderful blog & good post.Its really helpful for me, waiting for a more new post. Keep Blogging!

best indian food in koh samui
best curry in koh samui
indian restaurants in koh samui chaweng

Entertaining Game Channel said...

This is Very very nice article. Everyone should read. Thanks for sharing. Don't miss WORLD'S BEST Game

Anonymous said...

Hey Nice Blog!!! Thank you for sharing information. Wonderful blog & good post.Its really helpful for me, waiting for a more new post. Keep Blogging!

Mehendi Function Restaurant
Indian Restaurant
Best indian restaurant

Anonymous said...

Hey Nice Blog!!! Thank you for sharing information. Wonderful blog & good post.Its really helpful for me, waiting for a more new post. Keep Blogging!

Best Indian Restaurant in Chaweng Beach
Best indian restaurants in koh samui Thailand
indian food in chaweng samui

Anonymous said...

Hey Nice Blog!!! Thank you for sharing information. Wonderful blog & good post.Its really helpful for me, waiting for a more new post. Keep Blogging!

https://goo.gl/posts/5KAvC

Riya Singh said...

Hey Nice Blog!!! Thank you for sharing information. Wonderful blog & good post.Its really helpful for me, waiting for a more new post. Keep Blogging!

Best Indian Restaurant in Chaweng Beach
Best indian restaurants in koh samui Thailand
indian food in chaweng samui
Nice Indian Vegetarian Jain Food with Reasonable Price in samui Thailand

shishtandoori said...

The Indian delicacies food Aberdeen. Indian cuisine is known for its bold use of spices and herbs to infuse rich flavour in the food and elevate it to another level. But the real blast of taste and flavour comes from the love for cooking and creativity for the craft.

Best Lawyers In Delhi said...

I am extraordinarily affected beside your writing talents, Thanks for this nice share.

Blog Widget by LinkWithin