My Week in Montauk

I can’t believe my week in Montauk is over already! I remember thinking on the drive out how long seven days at the beach was going to feel, but in the blink of an eye it was over. There’s something so peaceful about driving two(ish) hours away from the crowed streets of Manhattan and coming up upon Montauk. For those of you who have never been to or heard of Montauk, it is a cute little town at the end of Long Island, literally the farthest you can get away from the city (it’s “THE END”). I do not exaggerate when I say I love little towns like this. I love that everything is so close, the people are so happy and friendly, the beach is five minute drive away, and there is always amazing food. Most of all I love how the buildings are so low so everywhere I look I can see the sky and I know the ocean is close enough to smell!

The first day there we got up early and grabbed smoothies to go from Naturally Good Foods & Café, and organic health food store. Truth be told, we actually ate most of our meals there. My favorite smoothie from the first day on was the ‘Funky Monkey’, which combines peanut butter, banana, and almond milk. And to the beach we went! While I’m not a person who loves to lie in the sun and tan that doesn’t mean I don’t like the beach. Seeing the ocean and hearing the waves is my happy place. The long walks on the beach in the morning are a great place to think, reconnect with nature and myself, and search for heart shaped rocks. Plus I even took the plunge and dunked in the water one day! Despite the chilly temperature of the water and the rocks I had to walk over at the base of where the water meets the ocean it was completely worth it.

Another fun day was a combination of lighthouses and fairy swings, just a few of my favorite things! After the morning walk on the beach we headed down to Montauk Point to see the Lighthouse, which resulted in one of my favorite pictures from the trip!

Later that day we went to The Surf Lodge for dinner! Located right on Fort Pond, sitting outside looking out at the sun set over the calm water was a memory to cherish. But that wasn’t even the best part. Right behind the out door seating is a gate that leads you to a swing that is adorned with flowers hanging from a tree that is full of twinkle lights; a real life fairy swing! I’m pretty sure I sat there until our food arrived, as any normal 20-year old would do.

In addition The Surf Lodge has a gallery attached which spans to the side of the building that has been painted!

Thursdays are for farmers markets! The Montauk farmers market was one of the best ones I’ve been too! Everything from the lemonade to the maple syrup covered walnuts to the fresh strawberries and raspberries were either homemade or locally grown. While others were off tasting the local honey or wine I sneakily took some snaps of the beautiful peonies!

As the weekend approached I was in search of some good healthy desserts! My two favorite places we discovered were Happy Bowls, an acaí bowl bar, and Buddha Berry, a frozen yogurt café. I wish, wish, wish, they had both of these in NYC!

To top of the weekend and my last day in Montauk we went back to the beach of course! It was sad to leave but I’m so happy for the all the fun that was had!

Have you ever been to Montauk or the Hamptons? What’s your favorite vacation destination spot?

~ Monique ~