Meet Me in Montauk

By Manfredi Conti June 17, 2013

meet me in montauk 1 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now in its third summer season, things are looking good for Ruschmeyer’s. This joint venture from King and Grove hotels and creative director Robert McKinley (of The Surf Lodge fame) has a distinct summer camp vibe to it, which sounds about right considering the original location consisted of one back in 1952. Out on the lawn teepee huts, scattered hammocks and picnic tables encourage the notion this is a playground for adults, not to mention activities like bingo, paddle boarding, yoga, and various musical performances.

The nineteen rooms, which are housed in separate cabins allowing for more privacy, are spartan but comfy; white walls, wicker beds, and minibars complete with s’mores kits. A bohemian nautical theme runs throughout the hotel, which is clad in plenty of cedar plank – from the floors, to the walls, to the entrance walkway. Breakfast takes place buffet style at The Nook, whereas this year The Restaurant at Ruschmeyer’s is helmed by the team behind Manhattan’s The Smile, but still serves the best local farm produce and a bonanza of super fresh seafood in a casual diner setting. Don’t miss out on their signature cocktails like the Moscato Crush (waqar pisco, moscato grapes, simple syrup and fresh lemon).

It’s a shame the hotel has no beachfront or pool, but the Fort Pond Lake side location makes it a nighttime hotspot. The outdoor beer garden is a good place to kick start the evening with barbecues and rum cocktails, whilst the Electric Eel Disco keeps beats spinning well into the night. Although the hotel is kid friendly the weekend party vibe can leave romantic lovebirds and families with children feeling a little out of place. If you happen to be car-less Ruschmeyer’s has a stylish fleet of green and cream Carrera bicycles guests can venture about in, which is nice, but they charge for their rental, which isn’t so nice. However it’s the surfing not the cycling that brings the crowds to these parts of Long Island – specifically to Ditch Plains during the summer season, which lasts from May to October.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Manfredi is an aspiring globetrotting gypsetter. This is not to be confused with a vagabond beach bum. Apart from…

Travel

These are the 8 new airlines you can use TSA PreCheck for

There are now nearly 100 airlines you can use TSA PreCheck for

person in airport walking to airport security checkpoint

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently expanded its TSA PreCheck program, bringing the total number of participating airlines to nearly 100. Travelers flying on the following airlines can now enjoy the benefits of expedited security screening.

Air Premia
Air Tahiti Nui
Air Transat
Bahamasair
BermudAir
Iberia
La Compagnie
New Pacific Airlines

Food & Drink

The best bars in New York City: Our top picks

Here's where to belly up to the bar in NYC

The Quixote Bar.

If you're known as The City That Never Sleeps, you probably have a few good bars to your name. New York is the ultimate beehive, going strong regardless of the borough or time of day. That makes for a pretty rich NYC bar culture.

Sure, there are trending establishments that draw huge lines—look at you, Double Chicken Please. But there are also excellent dives, tremendous wine bars, and watering holes that make you reexamine the definition of a great cocktail.

Outdoors

Yellowstone vs Yosemite: Which national park should you visit?

A breathtaking view of Yellowstone National Park at sunset.

When speaking of national parks, two often dominate the conversation: Yellowstone and Yosemite. While both are crown jewels of the National Park System, each offers a distinctly unique experience. These parks attract millions of visitors annually, but which one reigns supreme for the summer traveler? Let's compare these iconic destinations.
Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872 as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park sprawls across three states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Covering over 2.2 million acres, it’s a vast land of natural wonders. Here's what it's famous for:
Geothermal geysers
Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including more than 500 geysers. The star of the show is Old Faithful, a geyser famous for its predictable eruptions. Besides geysers, the park boasts multicolored hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots.
An abundance of wildlife
Yellowstone’s ecosystem is a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors marvel at herds of bison roaming the valleys, spot elusive wolves in the Lamar Valley, and observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Just make sure that you're following the rules when it comes to interacting with animals. The park is a living showcase of wildlife management and natural balance.
Unparalleled views
The park's landscape varies from rolling grasslands to dense forests and high-altitude lakes. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America, offering stunning views and fishing opportunities. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures, catering to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
Yosemite National Park