View looking up from the Panoramic View's beach-with cabana in the foreground |
With the summer crowds gone...the surfer heavy Montauk -at the tip of Long Island----is largely absent of the glam types usually associated with the chic scene-ster set--- collectively known as the Hamptons.
View from the terrace -even on a grey day...beautiful-oceanside pool if not up for the surf |
Sunrise- |
As of late-like since college, we've only been to the Hamptons mostly for funerals as many family-in-laws relatives have lived out there for decades --alongside influential American artists such as Jackson Pollack and William De Kooning-who were inspired by the natural light-and gobs of fishermen who were a mainstay economic force of the area...and actually, still are.
The not so secret, secret of the locals-and lucky second home owners, escapees from NYC---is that September is by far, the best month to visit---with warm days, cool nights, and clog free, pristine, wide sandy beaches ---and charming quaint villages (with shopping galore, is so inclined)- that dot the main road...Rt. 27.
Lucky us, we spent a peaceful night at the 10 acres, beachfront Panoramic View/Distinctive Resorts---which at this locale, is a combo of older and new buildings-a resort, bungalows and larger condos...side by side--- on a lovely stretch of private hillside property that extends down to the Atlantic Ocean.
Wanting a low key 24 hour excursion-we felt comfy and comforted as soon as we parked our car in the lot-located on easily found, Old Montauk Highway.
We were warmly greeted at the office when we checked in on a late Sunday afternoon...easy does it -no fuss..but with gracious offers to help with anything---restaurants, local sites, bike rentals, directions, etc----though on our agenda...not much.
Modern Bath has it all |
Kitchenette not that one would want to cook with all the terrif restaurants in the area...equipped with a coffee maker + filters! |
walk right in and the first thing one sees is the view |
supportive queen and a single came in the studio |
nice size terrace |
Satellite tv in armoire-not that we wanted to watch a thing |
Terraces overlook the ocean |
And yes, it is nice to fall asleep to the gentle crashing of real waves---not tones emitted from a sound machine.
Although there's a fitness center (we did not scope out) and a heated pool-the ocean site is so magnificent...why bother.
Outdoor shower |
Lounge chairs for the taking-meet the neighbors---oops, there aren't any. Perfect. |
Steep stairs-a tad of a climb from the beach---but no worries, always help to help you with luggage should one be a hauler. |
Arriving late-no prob! |
One of three private bungalows to rent |
Drive to the beach with new luxury condos, available for rental- lining the byway |
What we thought--- this is an ideal kind of place for practically anyone, couples looking for a romantic getaway, families with kids in tow, singles...the different structures are set far apart enough and the views so outstanding, the beach...wide and sandy----one never feels hemmed in. FYI-open year round.
http://www.panoramicview.com
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Though we could have just lounged around and read a book---a real one too, not an electronic one...we actually stopped in East Hampton for a brief stroll around.
We have known about Scottish born, fashion/knitwear designer Christopher Fischer for years---his über ply cashmere scarves and sweaters have a quite well-deserved following.
At the posh- but approachable East Hampton boutique---that has been there for about 11 years, so we were told--- a chat with the sales gals revealed that plush cashmere ponchos, elegant oversize ombre scarves and thick, absolutely sink-into cable knit sweaters (the latter for men too-in crew and shawl cardigans) ---sold just fine- over the weekend---as it really was the first stretch of cool (and dry yippy!!!) weather that this slice of the world has seen in awhile.
Calm ---vaguely asian aesthetic with luxury attributes. |
Overlooking E. Hampton's Main Street |
Neutral and pops of colors----all are popular for Fall.
Ponchos-big sellers |
This style oversize scarf--to wrap around, drape---very versatile accessory |
Our fav-this elegant sweater/shrug can be worn several ways. |
Arriving at sunset, the Boathouse Restaurant was highly touted as a summery- hot spot---with its fab location right on the picturesque Three Mile Harbor.
There was a nip in the air-so the windows had protection |
But since we're so not so hip-we appreciated the lack of crowds---and arrived early -before the beautiful sunset even---and very hungry---for what ended up being a delicious, well proportioned, and well paced meal---waited on by super attentive service.
Though never full (on a Sunday night)---the spacious, nautically themed/decorated restaurant---that's made up of several, graceful white cloth tables dining areas (ideal for large gatherings and private functions)...AND with a separate- rather cozy bar room- complete with a fireplace----did populate up with a casually dressed mix of tourists and locals.
Naturally we started things off just right- with the wine list---a smart approachable selection of internationally sourced reds, whites, rosés and bubbly----with moderate priced choices too...
We opted for a glass of pinot grigio and sauvingon blanc apiece--the alcohol absorbed a bit by the welcomed warm crusty bread basket that we devoured right away---
Our pal selected the Jumbo Lump Homemade Crabcake ( $16 ) ---made with chunky succulents bits of tender crabmeat- that of course he easily managed to polish off all by himself---though in fairness...we were offered a bite.
For the entreés, it was a tough choice-made a bit easier as the restaurant was out of the Roasted Montauk Swordfish, Tomato, Basil, Capers, Mashed Potatoes and String Beans Almondine ($29) (groan-we know, sounds awesome)...
But we went with another "From The Sea" selection-the Seared Sushi Grade Tuna, Ginger Sesame Glazed (lightly, fyi), that came with rice and crispy Baby Bok Choi ($31). The portion size was ample----the tuna quality top knotch and the tasty sauce, a nice balance of spicy/sweet/salty---worthy of a final sweep with a piece of bread.
The sizeable Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon, (tender) Roasted Potatoes and Sauteed Spinach ($28)---ordered also- was equally as well prepared...the salmon delicate and cooked perfectly pink, with a crusty glaze top layer that added interest and texture to each bite.
We were also really impressed----by the included sides (though one could have ordered additional sides like Sauteed Mushrooms- $9 each)---all delish, not afterthoughts---and clearly right off the farm in a matter of speaking...with portions able to aptly fuel up the local surfer dudes after a day riding the waves at Ditch Plains.
Desserts were pretty straight forward---so we got the sampler $(10)---that included gelato, ice cream, meringue pie--- and decorated with lots of whipped cream and sprinkles. Nothing fancy---but a totally satisfying way for an indulgent sweet ending.
The Boathouse is open year-round, seven days a week from 11AM-11PM.
The view=nice |
ADDED PLUS: A $27 Pre-Sunset Prix Fixe Menu and $25 Sunday Brunch served till 3PM.
INFO:
http://boathouseeh.com
39 Gann Road (Three Mike Harbor)
EAST HAMPTON
631 329 3663