Summer Destination Guide: Montauk

With summer on the horizon, our minds have been wandering: afternoon strolls on the beach, cocktails in the sunshine and pampering poolside with friends. When contemplating the idea of summer vacations, one of the first places that springs to mind is Montauk. So, what better way to make it through the week than to start planning?

In recent seasons, Montauk has experienced a series of new hotel openings and attractions. Its sleepy-town reputation (in contrast to the more upmarket glitz of The Hamptons), is attracting more and more people, especially those creative types looking for a more relaxed and inspiring vacation without venturing too far from New York City.

Edition01 asked some of our friends - designers, collaborators and creatives - for their tips on where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Montauk. Read on for all of those need-to-know places that will take your Montauk summer vacation from special to perfect!

FACTS:
Location: East Coast, at the tip of Long Island. 3 hours drive from New York City
Vibe: Sleepy, small-town beach or lakeside relaxation

WHERE TO STAY

Ruschmeyers
The old-school summer camp vibe of Ruschmeyers, along with the compound-like setup makes for a social stay at one of the town’s most popular new hotels. Located on three lush acres of lakeside woodland, the cabin-style guest rooms are arranged in a circle around a central common area, dotted with ping-pong tables and teepees.

Stay here if… You want to meet new people and partake in group activities.
Don’t stay here if… What you want is quiet and privacy.

161 Second House Rd, Montauk
www.kingandgrove.com

Surf Lodge
The Surf Lodge, re-opening under new ownership on May 25th, is the perfect escapist haven for those looking for a slower-paced holiday. Built for ‘nomadic spirits’, The Surf Lodge’s low-key, bohemian beach shack ambience is kept in-check by maintaining a focus on the natural environment and on ecologically sustainable practices in all areas of the lodge.

Stay here if… Your idea of a vacation involves yoga and complete seclusion from the outside world.
Don’t stay here if… You’re on a budget.

183 Edgemere St, Montauk
www.thesurflodge.com

East Deck Motel
East Deck’s motel-style accommodation is located right on the beach at Ditch Plains, aka “the best surf break in Montauk”. The rooms are simple but chic and the single-storey motel layout makes for a relaxing and low-profile stay. Spread out over 5 acres, there is lots of empty space to help you detach your mind from everyday life.

Stay here if… You plan on doing lots of surfing.
Don’t stay here if… Low-key motel is not your thing.

40 Deforest Rd, Montauk
www.eastdeckmotel.com

WHERE TO EAT

Gosman’s Dock
Seafood restaurants and cafes by spectacular water views on Montauk Harbour. Try the clam bar, cafe or restaurant, depending on your mood and the time of day!

500 West Lake Drive, Montauk
www.gosmans.com

Ditch Witch
This family-run food truck is located right on the beach at Ditch Plains. Roll out of the surf and grab a sandwich, burrito or an iced coffee, all without losing your prime spot on the sand.

40 Deforest Rd, Ditch Plains (no website)

Duryea’s Lobster Deck & Seafood Market
When it comes to eating in Montauk, one can’t let a weekend go by without enjoying a lobster roll. Here is where you can get one of the best, plus a great selection of fresh seafood, all while relaxing on the large wooden deck that overlooks the bay. Great for lunch or dinner.

65 Tuthill Rd, Montauk
www.duryealobsters.com

Naturally Good Foods and Café
An organic health food and grocery store that caters for everyone, inlcuding vegans and vegetarians. The juice and smoothie bar is great for a morning pick-me-up and the salads and wraps are made fresh. Indulge without the guilt with an afternoon treat from the vegan bakery.

38 S. Etna Ave, Montauk
www.naturallygoodfoodsandcafe.com

WHERE TO SHOP

Vintage finds: Melet Mercantile
Bob Melet is the man behind one of Soho’s most epic vintage emporiums. An ode to 70’s beach culture, his Montauk boutique boasts treasures by the most coveted designers. Stop by any time Thursday through to Sunday to get your vintage vibe going (appointments required other days).

102 Industrial Rd, Montauk
(631) 668-9080

Surf’s Up: Surf Bazaar
The best place to go in Montauk for beachwear and summer essentials. In addition to Surf Bazaar’s namesake brand, they also stock a well-curated selection of bright, summery and artistic pieces from more than 30 designers.

@ The Surf Lodge
183 S. Edgemere St, Montauk
www.thesurfbazaar.com

Retro Stop: Whoa Nellie Retro
Authentic vintage and reproduction home furnishings, books, jewelry, toys and other bits and pieces from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Stop by to pick up some gifts or for a souvenir to take home with you.

770 Montauk Highway, Montauk
www.whoanellieretro.com

WHAT TO DO

Learn to Surf: SURFLUCA Surfing Lessons
Learn to walk on water at one of the best surf beaches on the East Coast.

(917) 513-0757
www.surfluca.com

Go Horse Riding On The Sand: Deep Hollow Ranch
America’s oldest cattle ranch offering beach or trail rides.

(631) 668-2744
www.deephollowranch.com

Become A Yogi
There are plenty of places to practice yoga in Montauk. Here are a the ones that come most highly recommended.

Love Yoga Montauk
Sangha Yoga Montauk

WHAT TO WEAR

The last (but certainly not least) part of Editon01’s Montauk destination guide is arguably the most fun. It’s all good to know where to stay, eat, drink and play, but what about finding the right outfits to do these things in?

Edition01 has specially curated this capsule collection of clothing and accessories, just for your Montauk trip.

Check out…
Sandals!
Jewelry!
Beach totes!
And more!

Take a look at the newly-launched collection here.

Happy holidays!