Looking for a weekend getaway that won't drain your bank account but will rejuvenate your mind and spirit? Might we suggest a winter trip to Montauk. The ocean in winter is soothing, mysterious, and vast. Everything that the city in winter isn't.
Getting there.
Located on the eastern tip of Long Island, Montauk is just a hop, skip and a jump from the city on the LIRR! The trip is a little over 3 hours. The perfect amount of time to ease into non-city mode and do a little reading (or napping) on the way. A one-way ticket will run you between $20 and $30 depending on the time of day you travel.
Upon arrival
The LIRR will drop you off a little over a mile from the center of town. There are usually a few cab drivers waiting for passengers who need a lift into town. Don't forget to get your cab drivers card or phone number so you can call them when you need a ride back to the train station at the end of your trip. In city walking terms, 1 mile is practically nothing, but in the winter in Montauk, with your bags and the very cold breeze coming off the pond, walking is just not how you want to start off your mini vacation.
Royal Atlantic as viewed from the beach!
Pick a Place. Settle in.
Where you decide to shack-up while on your weekend jaunt greatly depends on the kind of vacation you want to have. In the summer, your hotel is a place to put your stuff and rest your head. In the winter, you can count on spending a bit more time indoors. My personal favorite winter hide away is the Royal Atlantic Beach Resort. The rooms are clean and spacious with comfortable beds and good heat. The absolute best part- $100 a night gets you a room directly on the beach. You can smell, hear and see the ocean all day!
Other options include the Oceanside Beach Resort (a bit farther from the center of town and not on the beach, but very close), Born Free Suites (kitchens in every room), and the Montauk Manor (for your upscale getaway needs: indoor pool, day spa and more).
Go explore
While just being able to walk on the beach, see the stars and read a book to the sound of the ocean (instead of the sound of traffic) is enough activity for me, there are plenty of other things to do on your weekend getaway. Bundle up for many a long walk on the beach. With months of light winter foot traffic, you can find some pretty stellar shells and other ocean treasures washed up during low tide. Or take a longer jaunt to the Montauk Point Lighthouse.
My most favorite thing to do on vacation is eat and luckily there are quite a few delicious options open all year around in the village of Montauk. Stop by O'Murphy's Pub for delicious bar food, good beer and great scenery. Anthony's Pancake and Waffle House is a Montauk staple perfect for a casual breakfast. For something a bit more classy, check out Harvest on Fort Pond. Shagwong is another Montauk institution know for delicious food! Hoping for a casual night, watching tv and snuggling to the sound of the waves? Grab a pizza at Pizza Village. All of these places are in walking distance of most local hotels!
Grab a drink before heading home!
Depending on the time of year, stop by the Montauk Brewing Co. tasting room on your way out of town. Open in early spring of every year, go taste a few local brews and take home a pint glass or two as a souvenir.