Otter Expedition: Montauk
Montauk was the PLACE TO BE this Summer.
Almost every NYC blogger drove out to the Hamptons at some point to party it up at The Surf Lodge or Gurney’s. But if you were following along, their adventures pretty much consisted of BBQ’s, drinking and sitting on a dock… that’s it.
Albeit very chic BBQ’s…
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good party weekend in the Hamptons (cuz duh), but there is SO MUCH MORE to do and see in Montauk. Why spend your mornings hung over when you could spend it out on the water or hiking through the woods??
I named the travel section of this blog “Otter Expedition” for a reason! Thanks to Clif Bar, I was able to explore all of the amazing activities and locations Montauk has to offer. Check out a few of my favorite photos from the weekend below!
Photo Credit: Nicole Franzen
Photo Credit: Gerald Selvin Photography
Clif Bar invited a few bloggers and editors out to Solé East Resort in Montauk to mark the launch of their new Nut Butter Filled Bars. I would generally say I am an active person, but Clif Bar takes active to a whole other level! First up? Surfing with Corey’s Wave Surf School at Ditch Plains Beach.
It was my first time surfing and I am proud to say I got up on my first wave. ;P
I didn’t catch em all, but I definitely found a new favorite sport (and a major arm workout). Ditch Plains is a popular beach but it has perfect waves and a great little breakfast/sandwich truck right at the inlet to the beach. Worth scoping out when you’re in the area. Get there early before it gets too busy.
Photo Credit: Nicole Franzen
Photo Credit: Hannah Streck
Photo Credit: Gerald Selvin Photography
Photo Credit: Gerald Selvin Photography
Photo Credit: Nicole Franzen
Next up, we explored an oyster farm with Montauk Pearl! They don’t typically do tours of the farm, but you can find Montauk Pearl oysters in restaurants all over the city (and I’m sure other places around the country). We waded right out into the middle of the harbor to get up close and personal with the oysters.
When the oysters are still small, they’re kept in floating bags which need to be flipped periodically to break up any algae growing on the bottom. When they get a bit bigger, they’re submerged in large steal cages. The last step is moving them out to Block Island Sound for some fresh ocean water before sending them off to market.
You haven’t really tasted a fresh oyster til you take one directly out of the water.
Photo Credit: Gerald Selvin Photography
Photo Credit: Gerald Selvin Photography
Photo Credit: Gerald Selvin Photography
Photo Credit: Gerald Selvin Photography
Photo Credit: Gerald Selvin Photography
Photo Credit: Hannah Streck
The next morning it was back out again on the water! This time for stand-up paddling. Our instructor, Evelyn O’Doherty, is a competitive paddler and yogi. I managed to keep my balance long enough to try some yoga moves while on the board. It’s a great core workout, but I was definitely not as graceful on the water as Evelyn.
There’s a super secret beach you have to check out: The Edward Vincent Ecker, Sr. County Park. Local’s know all about it, but it’s skipped over by most tourists. Perfect little inlet for paddle boarding, and it’s adjacent to miles and miles of hiking and biking trails. Perfect spot to park and explore.
Photo Credit: Gerald Selvin Photography
Photo Credit: Gerald Selvin Photography
Last thing on the list? A sunset cruise around Block Island sound. The Grey Lady, which has the best Lobster Roll around, has a sail boat you can book for quick excursions. Grab a few bottles of Rosé and head to the water!
Photo Credit: Gerald Selvin Photography
Photo Credit: Hannah Streck
Other notable things to check out while in Montauk:
-Horseback riding at Deep Hollow Ranch
-Brunch at Amber Waves Farm
-Camp Hero, the facility (now park) that inspired Stranger Things
-The Liar’s Saloon, a dive bar with the best Friday night Karaoke
