Geography of Montauk

We’re talking about the geography, of course! Located on the eastern end of Long Island, New York’s South fork, the small town of Montauk is the furthest eastern point on Long Island. This position has earned Montauk the nickname “The End,” which can be seen all over bumper stickers, t-shirts, and around the city.

Just over 100 miles from New York City, Montauk is a frequent weekend getaway for New Yorkers, which—although convenient—can lead to some heavy traffic and delays on Friday and Sunday afternoons. According to the United States Census Bureau, Montauk is a hamlet, simply meaning a type of unincorporated settlement within a larger town. In total, the hamlet of Montauk has an area of 19.8 square miles, of which 17.5 square miles are land and 2.3 square miles are water.

Climate of Montauk

Of course, geography and climate go hand-in-hand, and Montauk’s moderate climate makes it no surprise that it’s such a popular vacation spot all year round. Regulated by the Atlantic Ocean, which helps prevent large temperature fluctuations and extreme temperatures, Montauk usually experiences moderately cold winters and moderately hot summers.

With it’s small size, exclusive feel, beautiful scenery, and temperate climate, it’s easy to see why Montauk is such a popular destination and the perfect setting for Dr. Lewis Gross’ novel Montauk Tango.

What is Surfcasting?

Also known as surffishing and beachcasting, surfcasting is the sport of catching fish standing on the shoreline or wading in the surf.

Surfcasting may or may not include casting a lure or bait, and the sport includes all types of shore fishing, whether done from a sandy or rocky beach, a rock jetty, or a fishing pier. Additionally, surfcasting is typically done in saltwater.

The art of surfcasting is a specific technique that separates the surfcaster from the ordinary pier or boat fisherman. Surfcasting consists of specialized, two-handed casting techniques that are used to cast the lure or bait to a farther distance in order to reach feeding inshore fish. To achieve this distance, the entire body, rather than just the arms, must be engaged.

As with any water sport, there are dangers associated with surfcasting, so it’s important that surfcasters pay attention to water conditions, including whitewater or rough water, undertows, low tide, and more. Additionally, the proper attire must be worn, including waders, a wader belt, and wading cleats, and the appropriate equipment precautions must be taken, including handling razor-sharp hooks and lures with care.

Why is Montauk Great for Surfcasting?

So, what makes Montauk a prime location for surfcasting? Located on a peninsula, Montauk is surrounded by ocean on two sides, making it a center for beach and water-related activities.

Montauk’s huge population of Blue Fish and Striped Bass also makes it an exciting place for enthusiastic surfcasters and fisherman of all types to fish. According to surfcasting.com, the best place to surfcast in Montauk is under the Montauk Lighthouse, with the North and False Bars, Shagwong, Camp Hero, and the Land of the Giants following close behind.

Surfcasting is just one of the things that sets beautiful Montauk apart from the rest of New York and the rest of the country. Stay tuned for more quirky and interesting information about Montauk, and for more information, pick up a copy of Dr. Lewis Gross’ book, Montauk Tango.

The Montauk Monster (Photo from wikipedia.com)

In 2010, Dr. Lewis Gross, also known as the Holistic Dancing Dentist, wrote a book called Montauk Tango that’s based in Montauk, New York. This fictional story follows Lewis and Tracy as they relocate from a post-9/11 New York City to their summer home in Montauk and open a restaurant. Montauk has been the setting of some of the most beloved stories, but many gloss over a bizarre event that happened in 2008.

The Montauk Monster

In July of 2008, an unidentified creature washed up on the beach near the business district of Montauk.

The story was originally publicized in The Independent, a local newspaper, which stated that a 26-year-old woman and three friends found the carcass of the creature while looking for a place to sit and enjoy the afternoon on the beach. A black and white photograph of the creature ran alongside the article, which speculated that the “animal” might be some kind of turtle or a mutant experiment from the Plum Island Animal Disease Center. It was also noted that Larry Penny, the East Hampton Natural Resources Director, had concluded that it was a raccoon that was missing its upper jaw.

Several theories about the nature of the creature were thrown around, but the carcass was promptly removed from the site where it was found. Within days of the discovery, the name “Montauk Monster” was coined and searched globally on the Internet.

Many Theories, but No Answers

Snopes.com has listed the Montauk Monster as an urban legend, and the case has been featured on television shows, including Jesse Ventura’s Conspiracy Theory and Ancient Aliens. Still, no proof exists to reveal what the creature was and where it came from.

Some scientists think the creature was a sea turtle, a rodent, a canine, or a sheep, but there are flaws in each one of those theories. At this point, more proof points to the creature being a raccoon than anything else, but, as with most urban legends, it’s likely that the world will never know the truth.

So, what does this have to do with Dr. Lewis Gross’ book? Well, the Montauk Monster story is one of Montauk’s most recent claims to fame, and it may just be discussed within the pages of the novel.

For more information about Dr. Lewis Gross and Montauk Tango, visit montauktango.com.

“This story is really for all you metro, middle-aged men with working wives, weekend marriages, and wayward children, or at least two out of three. We are the Rapt Generation of husbands. It is no longer sufficient for me to bring home the bacon, mow the lawn, and slap the ball. Now we have to cook the bacon and slap the sausage, as the women are busy making the bread. Wake up, guys, and smell the doughnuts. The world is still round, but we’re no longer the center. We’ve become the hole in the doughnut.”

Dancing: For Men, Too

The quote above, while a little abstract, is the leading quote of the chapter entitled “Tango and the Married Man” in Dr. Lewis Gross’ book Montauk Tango. Throughout the novel, Gross discusses his love for tango and uses it as a metaphor for life. In his opinion, all people can benefit from dancing–even the most masculine, “head honcho” type of men.

Here’s a list of five of the many reasons why dancing is beneficial for everyone, men included:

• Of course, dancing is a physical activity, which means that is burns calories. Depending on your dance moves, just half an hour of dancing can burn at least 200 calories, and everyone benefits from a little exercise.
• It’s difficult to dance to just one song, so, over time, dancing helps you build endurance. When you dance for an extended period of time, your heart rate rises and, in turn, your stamina and endurance will increase (and have a positive effect on your cardiovascular system).
• Dancing is a very social activity, so it’s no question that dancing, whether by joining a dance class or just dancing for fun at your local dance club, will increase your level of social interaction. You never know where you may run into people you’ve met while dancing and, when you do, the ice will already be broken.
• Dancing is a physical activity, but dance routines require memory and coordination. The more dances you learn, the harder these parts of your brain need to work, which improves these skills, as well as the mind-body connection.
• While it technically is a matter of opinion, most people would agree that dancing is just plain fun. To help reduce stress, relax, and let loose, try to dance (a natural mood elevator) at least one a week.

As you can see, dancing is beneficial for everyone, so grab a partner and take a cue from Montauk Tango.

The birth of Montauk Village: European settlers came to Long Island in the 1600s, and they found that the island was ruled by the Montauk Sacham and was home to several nomadic tribal factions of Algonquin Indians. The Montauk Indians lived on the Island’s natural resources of plants, fish, deer, and birds, and they also farmed crops of corn, beans, and squash.

Wyandanch, leader of the Montauk, allowed settlers to raise cattle in Montauk Village, as well. The amicable tribe also taught European settlers how to hunt whale, and whaling became the primary industry for Montauk residents through the 1800s. In 1686, Wyandanch sold Montauk Village to East Hampton settlers, who owned the village for about 200 years. During this time, Montauk became a hub for cattle events, including summer pasturing and yearly cattle drives.

In 1797, Pres. George Washington commissioned building of the Montauk Lighthouse on the East Coast to alert sailors of the rocky shoals extending from Montauk Point. The lighthouse and two other buildings were the only structures in Montauk until the late 1800s.

Montauk’s Evolution: Just after the turn of the 20^th Century, wealthy families invested in summer homes in Montauk Village, and led by businessman Carl Fisher, Montauk residents looked forward to the town’s becoming the Miami Beach of the North. When the stock market crashed in 1929, the dream fizzled, but Montauk survived. In fact, since the 1930s, Montauk has developed a reputation as a popular summer vacation destination. Today, shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, and gorgeous beaches keep tourists coming back year after year.

Perhaps it’s the magic of Montauk that makes this village the perfect setting for Dr. Gross’ Montauk Tango. After all, Dr. Gross isn’t the first wordsmith to fall victim to Montauk’s seduction.

“…sail’d more than once around Shelter island, and down to Montauk – and spent many an hour on Turtle hill by the old lighthouse, on the extreme point, looking out over the ceaseless roar of the Atlantic.” – Walt Whitman

The Tango is no silly dance. In fact, the dance has its own music genre—tango music is a genre.

Tango’s Origins

With inspiration from the Cuban habanera, Argentine milong and candobe, and African dance, the Tango is thought to have originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where the word “Tango” originated just before the turn of the 20^th Century. Some historians believe that it was first practiced in Cuba and Spain years before. One variety of Tango, the flamenco, has roots from Europe’s minuet dances. The widespread popularity of the Tango comes from its fashionable Paris popularity in the early 20^th Century.

The Argentine Tango

While the dance’s flame fizzled for a bit, in the 1940s, the most elegant form of Tango was danced by the upper class in Buenos Aires. In 1955, a government coup turned Argentina on its head, and the Tango died out. Between 1955 and 1983, the Tango was not taught or practiced in Argentina. However, in ’83, just following the Falklands War, a Tango Renaissance began.

Today’s Tango

In the modern United States, the Tango is practiced by enthusiasts across the nation, in ballrooms, back rooms, homes, and at festivals. It seems anyone who is captivated by the dance’s spell becomes addicted, passionate for life. Elements of the Tango’s influence are seen in figure skating, synchronized swimming, gymnastics, and other dances. The drama and movement are exquisite to watch, and to feel. Scientists have discovered that the Tango may even be beneficial to people with Parkinson’s disease and similar neurological disorders. Apparently, the balance and motions, including walking backward, stimulate the brain in ways that other exercise does not. This just goes to prove the power that the Tango has on the mind.

It’s no wonder, then, that this rich and exotic dance can touch people—including Montauk locals—like no other activity could. To learn more about the Tango’s history and style, visit these websites:

• History
• Styles
• Festivals

The 668 Gig Shack  serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to Sushi & Sake on Wednesdays and Fridays, and Tapas on Sundays and Tuesdays. The menu consists of seafood selections, as well as beef, pork, and chicken entrees. Whether you want a salad or a bison burger, The 668 Gig Shack can accommodate. Signature cocktails include Tiger Blood, Muddle Rebuttal, Cucumber or Jalapeno margaritas, and Bee’s Knees.

In addition to delectable delicacies, this restaurant with much local flare features live music on most nights – and on occasion, dancing. The Gardell family owns and operates the restaurant, and they love to help locals relax and enjoy life.

In his humorous book, Dr. Gross tells the story of a family that closely parallels the Gardells. The family transforms a run-down ice cream parlor into a hot and hip local restaurant, a “Bohemian bistro,” that is The 668 Gig Shack. While locals buck the new establishment, tango lessons become the bridge that brings the Gardells and Montaukans together.  Fiction enthusiasts across the nation rave about Montauk Tango, which won the Indie Excellence Book Award in 2011.

Montauk Tango has taken home the prize for Best Book in the Men’s Issues category from the 2011 National Indie Excellence Book Awards. The book was selected as the winner of the category by a panel of experts in independent publishing, editing,  writing, book cover design, and copywriting.

Dr. Lewis Gross will be signing copies of Montauk Tango at Book Expo America on May 24th at New York City’s Javits Center from 4:00 – 5:00 PM, and will also be holding weekly tapas and book signing events on Saturday evenings at Montauk’s 668 The Gig Shack, as featured in Montauk Tango.