a glimpse of montauk

Plans for a full Hamptons Guide is underway, but until then, please enjoy a Glimpse of Montauk by Kathleen Hurley. Kathleen grew up spending her summers in Montauk where she developed an affinity for the charming surf & beach town located at the eastern most tip of Long Island. She was later married at the local church, St. Therese & had her wedding reception at the Montauk Lake Club. She continues to enjoy time spent with her family out in Montauk, she is also author of the Momma + Style Blog "Let's Be Mom Friends", and mom to Rosie, 2

**Check out Kathleen's Family Friendly Montauk Guide: HERE

Food Favorites...

Upscale restaurant? Dave's Gone Fishing (this is a secret local spot so don't tell everyone you know about it ;), Crow's Nest,  Backyard at Sole East, Scarpetta Beach 

Casual restaurant? So hard! There are so many goodies to choose from! The Hideaway- for no-frills Mexican., The Inlet or Westlake Fishouse for local caught, fresh fish & sushi, The Dock for clams, burgers & a draft

Restaurant with kids? For Dinner: The Harvest on Fort Pond, (family-style dining & one of the only restaurants open year round) Navy Beach (killer sun-set with family-friendly picnic tables which are great for dining al-fresco), Gosman's   (for your quintessential Montauk family-friendly dining experience),  Crow's Nest is surprisingly kid-friendly. (You'll often find kiddos rolling down the great big hill while parents are finishing up their dinner) Bird on the Roof... for a greasy spoon breakfast. (My family has known the owners since my brothers, cousins & I were Rosie's age (and it hasn't changed a bit), Left Hand Coffee for coffee of course! For Lunch: Herb's Market sandwiches, Joni's wraps & the Ditch Witch (grab it all to go and head to the beach for lunch)

Bakery/desserts? The Montauk Bake Shop (you'll likely see a line out the door here on a Saturday morning but the pastries are superb-- the owner is the sweetest lady & she made my husband & I's wedding cake & Rosie's 1st bday cake :) For Dessert: John's Drive-In Ice-cream, Fudge N Stuff (for fudge n stuff)

Scarpetta Beach. Photo by Hamptons Magazine

Shopping Favorites...

Clothing boutique for yourself?  Air & Speed Surf Shop - pop in here & snag a one-of-a-kind Montauk sweatshirt, tee-shirt or hat) Cynthia Rowley, Quincy, The Surf Bazaar at the Surf Lodge for higher end clothing, swimsuits & skin-care (also home to a number of pop-ups during the summer months)

Clothing boutique for kids? Captain Kid Toys- this place has been around since I was a kid!

Home decor store? Gansett Lane 

The Bazaar at Surf Lodge

Activity Favorites...

With kids? Montauk is a beach town so spending a day at Ditch Plains with the entire fam would be my ideal day. If you have kids that are older stop by Air & Speed to rent surf-boards & paddle boards. My friend from college & his family own the surf shop. Ask for Max who runs the kids surf camp down at ditch & can give the little ones lessons. If you have kids that are on the younger side, there are two parks that I like. One at the elementary school & one in the light-house parking lot. If it's overcast...check out the light-house, do a cliff walk or take the kids to Puff N Putt (Mini Golf & small boat rentals) **If you get a hole in 1 on the 18th you get a free game :)

With your husband? Sunset & Drinks at the Montauket, Dinner at Dave's

With friends? Beach, Sunset & Drinks at the Montauket/Navy Beach, Dinner at Westlake Fish House and if I'm in the mood to really cut loose, some late night cocktails & dancing at the shagwong.

With visiting friends? Shadmore Cliff Walk which has the most amazing Montauk views followed by a visit to the Montauk Brewing Co (also a fun activity for fall)

Hotel Favorites...

For a romantic weekend? Gurney's & Sole East

For your parents/in-laws? The Montauk Manor, The Surf Club

For visiting single friends? anywhere in town on the beach. Royal Atlantic, Sole East Beach , Montauk Blue 

For visiting families? Rent a VRBO home in Ditch Plains, The Montauk Manor, The Surf Club, Montauk Yacht Club, Budget Friendly Picks: The Beachcomber, Royal Atlantic (Check out my Montauk Guide for a more in depth review of hotels & more)

Gurney’s

Best...

Neighborhood? Ditch Plains

Park? The park at the Elementary School or in the light-house parking lot.

Museum? Visit & tour the light-house. It's beautiful.

Spa? Montauk is probably not your cup of tea if you require the spa, but there is a spa at Gurney's

General travel favorites...

Destination with kids? Florida to visit the grandparents :) Hoping to take Rosie to Disney next year!

Destination with spouse? anywhere in Italy, St. Barth's

Stroller? Uppa Baby G-Luxe : A budget friendly dependable favorite. It's super easy to open & fold.. just throw it over your shoulder if you're in a hurry! It's also very narrow & compact and has a 3 position push button recline for your sleeping tot. I've also heard good things about the Babyzen Yoyo (which folds up into a bag and fits into an airplane's overhead compartment). It's definitely on the expensive side for a travel stroller & it only has 2 settings (all the way up or folded up)...but if that doesn't bother you and it can double as a regular everyday stroller it's definitely worth checking out

Kids travel bag? Rosie's really into back-pack's these days & I love this Roller-Rabbit Style .. but now that she is getting older I think she might like having her own suitcase as opposed to me throwing everything in my bag. I can see her rolling this cute luggage with wheels from Skip-Hop. When I used a diaper bag, this quilted diaper bag from Ralph Lauren is mom chic & easily washable.

Your handbag? For every-day, Goyard tote & carry-on favorite Longchamp Expandable Duffle 

Airplane activity for kids? The longest flight we've taken with Rosie was from NYC to FLA. Luckily we've been able to keep her occupied with a few of her favorite books & small toys... Coloring Books, (the magic ink pads are great for traveling because they don't make a mess) Sticker Books & puzzles but I've heard of everything from wrapping up little presents for your kid's to unwrap, to travel I-pads, and making your very own "busy kit" (I actually think this could be a great idea)

Airplane activity for yourself? occupying my child :) reading a good book (if alone) watching the airplane movie & indulging in a gossip magazine if time permits ;)

Must-have for your child's carry on? I did a whole blog post about what to pack for airplane travel with your infant  I remember what a big deal Rosie's first flight was and the check-list that came along with it! (Now that Rosie is 2 & potty trained, she thankfully does not require anywhere near as much gear or prep) We usually bring a water-cup, a snack in a travel cup, a change of clothes & underwear, one of her favorite books & dolls.

Must-have for your carry-on? Definitely a good book (hard-copy version) a snack & a large bottle of h20. My skin get's really dry when I fly so I carry this moisturizer,  rose-water facialspray & mask in my carry-on for long flights.

Tips? Less is More when traveling with kids or traveling in general! I remember out first flight to Florida after having Rosie, my husband looked like he was carrying gear for a family of 5. If you have an infant the baby carrier is your best friend. and most importantly you're on VACAY so have fun! I like having some sort of itinerary or a few places/activities in mind but at the end of the day you have to go with the flow (especially when you have kids) and don't expect everything to go as according to plan!

For more on Kathleen, follow her blog here or check out her Instagram here