MAGNIFICENT MONTAUK

On the eastern tip of Long Island’s South Fork, where the Atlantic Ocean meets Block Island Sound, is a magical place with scenic cliffs overlooking the rocky shoreline as the waves come crashing in, known as Montauk. Nicknamed “The End,” Montauk attracts a unique combination of surfers, fishermen, locals, and tourists alike all in appreciation of its awesome beauty. Lately it has become a hip nightspot offering live music, great entertainment, and plenty of activities for all to enjoy.

Celebrate the Fourth of July, with Stars over Montauk, featuring Grucci Fireworks at Umbrella Beach (Kirk Park Beach) just behind the IGA at 9 p.m. on July 4th, sponsored by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce. Watch the sky light up over the beach with the sound of the ocean roaring in the background, but get there early to find parking!

For the music lover, on Sunday nights in July and August, enjoy Sunday’s at Gosman’s Dockside Stage from 6-8 p.m. featuring the following free concerts: July 6, Nancy Atlas Project, July 13, Gene Casey & the Lonesharks, July 20, Mama Lee Rose and Friends, July 27, Hoodoo Loungers, August 3, Randy Jackson, August 10, Nancy Atlas Project, August 17 and 24, TBD.

On Monday nights in July and August, enjoy Monday Night Concert on the Green hosted by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in July and from 6-8 p.m. in August featuring the following free concerts: July 7, The Blue Collar Band, July 14, Nancy Atlas Project, July 21, Ray Red, July 28, Gene Casey & the Lonesharks, August 4, Joe Delia & Friends, August 11, Sound Source, August 18, the 3B’s, and August 25, TBD.

Or if you like performing your own music, sign up for Montauk Open Mic Night on July 30, hosted by Ray Red and the Montauk Chamber of Commerce at the Gazebo on the Green from 5:30-8:30 p.m., showcasing local talent. For cool nightlife, relax to live music with great drinks at The Sloppy Tuna or watch a beautiful sunset and hear live music at The Montauket. Experience The Surf Lodge, a very popular nightspot, featuring live music and great ambiance every weekend in the summer.

For the art devotee, on August 15-17, view the Montauk Artist’s Association 20th Annual Juried Fine Arts Show on the Green. Observe works of fine art in oil, watercolor, acrylics, pastels, graphics, mixed media, sculpture, photography, and fine art jewelry for sale. On August 30-31, see the Montauk Lion’s Club Craft Fair on the Green.

For the gourmet food connoisseur, relish the July 20, 2nd Annual Taste of Montauk at Montauk Downs, hosted by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce. And on September 13-14, join in the 2nd Annual Montauk Seafood Festival sponsored by Montauk Friends of Erin. Then on October 11-12, come out for the Montauk Chamber of Commerce 33rd Annual Fall Festival featuring a Clam Chowder contest on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. On October 12, the Montauk Chamber of Commerce Cash Catch Raffle Drawing will take place at 4:30 p.m. on the Green.

If you’re a fruit and veggie guru, on Thursdays all summer long, The Montauk Farmers’ Market on the Green is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October 9 (including the Fall Festival weekend). Hosted by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, featuring 34 vendors, this is their 6th season.

Montauk is known as “The Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” For the avid sports fisherman, on July 11-13, attend the 2nd Annual Shark’s Eye Charity Fishing Tournament to Save Sharks at Montauk Marine Basin. On August 1-2, take part in the 22nd Annual Mako Thresher Mania Tournament at the Star Island Yacht Club and Marina. On August 15-17, compete in the 14th Annual Mercury Marine Montauk Grand Slam Fishing Tournament with $25,000 in prizes at Uihlein’s Marina. And on September 27, participate in the Montauk Marine Basin 4th Annual “Last Hurrah” Offshore Shoot Out Tuna Tournament through October 13.

On August 16-17, treat the family to Lighthouse Weekend at Montauk Point Lighthouse, featuring a book signing by lighthouse historian, Henry Osmers, an exhibit of crafts from colonial times, a pirate show, colonial games, and musicians playing nautical music. Built in 1796, it is the oldest lighthouse in New York State. It was designated a national historic landmark on March 2, 2012.

Go horseback riding at Deep Hollow Ranch, the “Oldest Cattle Ranch in the U.S.A.,” featuring great beach and trail rides and pony rides too. Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course is a beautiful
18-hole public golf course. Play mini golf at Puff ‘N’ Putt, overlooking Fort Pond.

Ditch Plains, the world-renowned surfing beach attracts top-notch surfers from all over, hoping to catch that perfect wave. With the majestic cliffs in the distance, watch the surfers take off on the long rides this break has to offer.

Montauk real estate is hot, as you’ll soon discover once you breathe in the salty air, take a dip in the deep blue ocean, and sit back and gaze at the gorgeous sunsets. Come out to Montauk and rejoice in its magnificent splendor!

Ruth Thomas, a freelance writer on the East End enjoys history, music, literature, art, nature, the beach, and her cute dachshund, Clancy. She can be contacted at [email protected]