offManhattan

When we step off the train in Southold, Long Island, I can’t help but think, “We’re not in New York City anymore.” Just two and a half hours from Manhattan, the green, wide open spaces of the North Fork of Long Island seem as far from the congested city as can be. The most striking difference is the presence of land, lots of land. That most coveted of commodities in Manhattan is present here—in all its sprawling, lush glory: along its sidewalk-less road, between, behind, and in front of its single family homes and, most importantly, in and among its vineyards.

When the waitress offered me a plate of caviar-topped Swedish Raraka surrounded by clouds of crème fraîche, I knew this would be a memorable anniversary meal. The potato cakes were like crispy designer chips threaded with onion, the caviar was salty, and the crème kept it all cool with a hint of dill.

News about c/o The Maidstone’s new “Scandinavian Cozy” experience at The Living Room, spread quickly on the shores of Montauk, spurring residents (who don’t normally feel the need to leave the South Fork of Long Island during summer) to make reservations a week in advance, present company included.

For the July 4th weekend, offManhattan chose to brave the crowds at the beach rather than on the banks of the Hudson River this year. And while the three wimpy fireworks that we managed to see in the Hamptons were disappointing, the setting at Social Life Magazine’s Gatsby Under the Red, White, and Blue soirée was anything but.

Poolside, with Peronis in hand, we chatted up celebrities like Twilight star Kellan Lutz and 90210’s AnnaLynne McCord while MJ songs blared through the speakers. In the backyard of a 10,000-square-foot pink mansion in Watermill, we found out who used to bring a whip to set and the best place—we verified—to get breakfast in Southampton.

Read on to find out what guests had to say.

This spring, Montauk was ranked number eight out of the Ten Best Surf Towns in America by Surfer Magazine, much to the chagrin of local surfers. Although it’s no secret that surfers are territorial and secretive, the ocean is a vast and limitless beast, and if you’re just starting out you don’t need to surf the biggest spots. Stick to this guide for beginners and you’ll find a welcoming wave with small crowds and friendly faces.

Get the Gear: If you don’t have your own surfboard or wetsuit, head to Main Street where Montauk’s premiere surf shop Air and Speed has everything you’ll need. Owned by local Stu Foley and his environmentally-conscious family, the store will help you find just the right board and fit in a wetsuit for reasonable daily rates. Even better, Air and Speed offers surf lessons, private and group, which include a board and wetsuit rental. One of Stu’s strapping sons will give you a professional lesson, starting with pop-ups on the sand and ending with you catching plenty of waves. If the surf makes you nervous, ask for a lesson with Bob, a local surfer, who has more than twenty years as a lifeguard under his belt.

What: Montauk Rummage Sale

When: Saturdays, 9:00am-12pm

Where: Community Church, Montauk, NY

Why: In a town known for its enclave of Bohemian artists and salty fisherman, you’ll be sure to find an abundance of intriguing castoffs at the rummage sale. Hosted every weekend from Memorial to Labor Day by volunteers of the Community Church, the rummage sale has become a Saturday staple. If the waves are flat, hit the sale. If the sky is gray, hit the sale—and make sure you go early to get first pick.

If a pristine empty coastline, fresh lobster rolls, and a beach-perched state park aren’t enough get-out-of-town magnets for you, how about free booze bus rides to Montauk’s grand hotel where lemongrass daiquiri debauchery awaits? [Thrillist]

After a week of rain and more rain, you’ll be missing the smell of sunscreen on your skin. Apply SPF 50 then head to Walter Foods for the new outdoor patio and lunch menu. [NYMAG]

Rooftop Films is back this summer and on June 6, $9 will buy you purrty views of the city, a six-episode musical-western comedy called Stingray Sam, and a meet and greet with the filmmakers. [GoingNYC]

Tuning in to watch Late Night with Jimmy Fallon every week simply does not fulfill our longing for The Roots live in concert, in fact, it’s a real teaser. Good thing the 2nd annual Roots Picnic is taking place this Saturday at Penn’s Landing in Philly, where you’re sure to get way more than five second intervals of their Hot-Hot music. [OkayPlayer]

Sprawling lawns, hidden private beaches, evenings filled with fine dining and wine sipping under a star-studded sky—these things come to mind when you think about that romantic stretch of land called Long Island. But before reaching for the Gatsby novel, consider spending a day or weekend in Shelter Island. Ahead of the swelling summer traffic, it is a perfect destination for those who love to bike, picnic, lighten their carbon footprint, and relax while reconnecting with nature.

If you get Steve Irwin-excited at the sight of sparrows, cardinals, and hawks in Central Park, flock to this shop in Mineola, Long Island for an exotic change of scenery. A fine feathered establishment since 1984, For Birds Only is best known for its stock of parrots, cockatiels, Parakeets and Lorikeets looking to have a good time.

There’s something much more awesome and intimate about discovering a place from the seat of a bike. Pedaling around the turn to find a secluded stretch of beach, no car engine muffling out the sound of waves crashing against the shore. So it is here in Montauk, Long Island, where two wheels are far better than four. You’ll be surprised by how much you can see without breaking a big sweat or having to wear those unflattering padded shorts.

I. The Bike
Take your Own: If you’ve got your own bike, you’ll probably want to take it with you on the Long Island Railroad. Be advised, there are some strict rules, so be sure to read all regulations (or consult our travel bike guide) before visiting the website to print out your Bicycle Permit Application.

Rent: If your bike is getting fixed or in your home country, no problem. The Montauk Bike Shop on Main St. has rentals available for $10 per hour or $39 per day.