Why Montauk Rules in the Off-Season

Stay:

Stretching across eleven acres of the waterfront, Gurney’s is one of our go-to’s in Montauk-last summer was their first open after a major renovation that included an overhaul of the rooms, plus several great restaurants including Tillie’s (for casual, fresh lunch, and seafood), Scarpetta (Scott Conant’s homey Italian comfort food), and a well-equipped coffee shop in the lobby. The rooms are thoroughly uncluttered, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, mid-century details, and washed-cedar floors. In the off-season, plan to log hours in their spa, which has a rock sauna, an indoor pool (it’s heated, sand-filtered, and saltwater), really good exercise classes, and several treatments on offer.

Eat:

Given the locals-only vibe at Joni’s, it’s not surprising that they stay open year-round; it’s the perfect spot for a light breakfast or a juice after a class at Byoga. Thankfully, our favorite coffee shops–Left Hand and Sagtown–are also open throughout the the winter. Wölffer Kitchen‘s new location in Amagansett is great for a sit-down brunch, with a menu that leans heavily on locally-grown eggs (think veggie frittatas, chicken hash, and an insane banana french toast), and wine from their nearby vineyard. The Maidstone’s intimate dining room (centered on a warm fireplace) is great for a romantic, dressed-up dinner, but for something more casual, claim the barstools at 1770 House’s cozy pub, where you can chat up the bartender over burgers, fries, and a beer.

Shop:

Most people are surprised to learn that the main shopping drags in East Hampton and Amagansett are open year-round, though the shopping experience is much more pleasant without masses of people crowding the sidewalks. Make your first stop at Bookhampton to pick up a fireside read on your way into town, but Harper’s Books has a great selection of art and architecture titles that make great coffee table books. In Amagansett, Botanica Bazaar and Love Adorned have generous winter hours, as does Pilgrim Surf Supply, which stocks great sweatshirts and flannel shirts this time of year. In East Hampton, head to Turpan for beautifully curated gifts and Figue for velour mules and colorful, fringed tote bags.

Do:

To lean in on the tranquility and quiet of an off-season getaway, walk down the Montauk lighthouse with a picnic basket from Herb’s Market and take in the views of the water; it’s also a great place to watch the sunrise, which you don’t have to wake up quite so early for in the winter. If you’re traveling with littles (or not), the Buckskill Winter Club offers outdoor ice skating as soon as the temperatures drop. Aesthetes will appreciate that the Parrish Art Museum is fully programmed throughout the year–laid-back weekends are a great opportunity to spend some time with their gorgeous permanent collection, which contain’s the country’s largest public collection of works by William Merritt Chase. Afterwards, do stop by for a midday wine tasting at Wölffer Estate (they put up a Christmas tree in the tasting room around the holidays).