Dan's Papers - May 1, 2009 - Mother's Day

For a special day with your Mom, there are few things better than a trip to Montauk, with countless activities and places to go so that you can show your mom what she means to you. Montauk, in addition to its natural beauty, with ocean access walking distance from just about every location in the hamlet, offers everything from wonderful restaurants to perfect little stores that exist only there. Here are some ideas for a special Montauk Mother's Day.

Without a doubt, you should look into what Gurney's Inn has to offer this Mother's Day. Gurney's, with its Saltwater Spa and Salon, is a great place to bring Mom. What could be better than a massage, facial or skin treatment and then a lovely dinner with an oceanfront view? Each time anybody goes to Gurney's, they are treated as if they are a part of the family, and it's that family warmth that makes Gurney's a great Mother's Day choice.

If massage is still on your mind for Mom, another fantastic local massage and day spa is the Deborah Thompson Day Spa, which has a Moroccan feel and top-notch therapists. I've never known anybody who wasn't completely wowed with the place and the high level of training all of their masseuses have.

For Mother's Day gift shopping in Montauk, there are plenty of places to check out. One place that is worth a look is Kai Kai Sandals, where you can buy a pair of sandals that have been deemed "the most comfortable sandals in the world." Try on a pair and you'll know what I'm talking about. You can also find an excellent selection of Mother's Day gift cards at White's Drug Store in Montauk, which is located just off the circle.

If you are heading out to Montauk with Mom, make sure that you get in a good healthy beach walk. The ocean in Montauk is unlike any other on Long Island thanks to the amazing cliff landscape that covers the coast. A walk through Ditch Plains is pure magic with family, and you won't be the only one out there doing just that. It's what it is all about.

If you have a surfer Mom, Montauk is your ultimate gift destination, with surf shops galore, including Air and Speed Surf Shop and Plaza Surf and Sports. If your Mom is a bookworm, you can stop in at Barnacle Books, which offers a large variety of books that are handpicked by the owner and shoppers that go there.

If you are going to take your mother out to lunch, Montauk has endless options when it comes to good food. In Montauk you have The Crows Nest, Gosman's, Caffé Monte at Gurney's as well as the Sea Grille, The Lighthouse Grill at The Montauk Yacht Club, Mannucci's, The Breakwater Café, Dave's Grill, The Dock, Harvest, John's Drive Inn, The MTK Café, O'Murphy's, Shagwong and others. Nearly every restaurant in Montauk has longstanding appeal.

Make this Mother's Day memorable and head out to Montauk for one you won't forget.