What You Need To Know About What's New In Montauk This Season

MONTAUK, NY — If you're headed to Montauk, here's a rundown of what's new and happening in one of the East End's most popular destinations.

According to the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, travel to Montauk began 93 years ago with the opening of the Montauk Manor, hit its stride in the mid 1950s to mid 1960s with the rise of motels and Leisurama vacation homes, "and continues to today," with visitors frequenting boutique hotels, casual chic dining spots and new things to do.

“Changing with the times has never been Montauk’s hot button — maintaining Montauk’s authentic seaside atmosphere is safeguarded — nevertheless, here are 16 new things for visitors to experience in Montauk this summer,” said Laraine Creegan, executive director of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce.

Places to Stay

- Gurney’s Resorts owners purchased the Montauk Yacht Club and opened it with the name Gurney’s Star Island Resort and Marina with renovated guest rooms, restored indoor and outdoor pools, outdoor amenities and spaces, and three restaurants.

- Montauk Beach House launched the Veuve Cliquot Sunset Lounge, events led by women leaders, a shop curated by Tarin Thomas, Lobby Art Gallery, and, Afrofunk Friday nights with DJs.

- Gosman's Culloden House’s new owner upgrades include guest rooms with new furnishings.

- Ocean Vista Resort gutted its one bedroom suite, with new bathroom, kitchen and furnishings, on the first floor closest to its private beach access.

- Montauk Manor will kick off a July Children's Festival month with daily activities for kids including arts and crafts, Friday pinata, an ice cream social and a magician on Saturday.

- The Montauk Blue Hotel added new lounge chairs and umbrellas to outdoor spaces.

Restaurants and Brewery

- Gurneys Star Island Resort and Marina launched Showfish, a seafood restaurant with creations by Bourdain-trained chef Jeremy Blutstein.

- 668 The Gig Shack inaugurated Jazz Fest, with live acoustic jazz ensembles performing every Wednesday at 7 p.m. all summer.

- John's Drive-In ice cream shop unveiled an ice cream truck, serving up homemade ice cream and treats.

- The Sloppy Tuna announced an all-new menu including seasonal seafood items such as tuna coins, tuna tartar with chips, and Cajun popcorn shrimp.

- The Montauk Brewery created a new Montauk Pilsner.

Watersports, Sailing and Fishing

- Viking Fleet partnered with a coastal marine biology research group to launch a whale watching cruise three days a week in July and August. Look for whales, dolphin, turtles and seabirds.

- Sail Montauk announced a Taste of Sailing trip.

- Peconic Water Sports opened in Montauk for lessons, rentals and charters using new wakeboard boats to wakeboard, waterski, wakesurf and tube. Located at Star Island Yacht Club, it offers pick-ups at Navy Beach, a home or marina in Lake Montauk and Fort Pond Bay.

Shopping and Visitor Services

- The Shipwreck Jewelry and Trading Co, Montauk's first full-service jewelry store, opened with pieces inspired by the sea, custom bridal, and classes in basic jewelry-making. All jewelry is made onsite.

- Tiny Tauk babysitting service opened.

For additional information, go to the Montauk Chamber of Commerce website.