9-16-2026 5:17pm

Montauk or Bust

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

If you follow me on social media, then you most likely saw my post this week from Montauk Point. My sister is camping there, so we took a day trip to visit her. We hit the road at 9:00am and arrived around 11:00am. Two hours to paradise.

I don't think there's any better place on Long Island than the beach. Montauk is especially special. We spent the day at Hither Hills. This is a state park on Old Montauk Highway. The beach is steps away. What an amazing place.

A Litte Backstory.

The land that was to become Hither Hills State Park was once slated for private development of a recreational complex, including hotels, casinos, a polo field, and yacht basin, in the early 20th century. After the planned development was blocked by the Long Island State Park Commission, a portion of the private holdings were sold to New York State, who opened the 7.1-square-kilometre (2.7 sq mi) parcel as Hither Hills State Park in August 1924. Thank God.

The park is located on the South Fork of Long Island at Napeague. Three additional state parks a few miles farther east are: Montauk Downs State Park, Camp Hero State Park, and Montauk Point State Park. Just click on the links to read more about these natural gems.

I was not a camper growing up, but I know a lot of people who were. My sister and her family started a tradition of spending a week every summer at Hither Hills with their two children and a slew of friends who were raising kids, too. I would visit. I admired the effort it took to pack up and head out for seven days of fun in the sun. Hither Hills is for all ages.

This Tuesday was a picture-perfect day at Hither Hills. I call it a 10+. That means a super perfect day. You know those summer days that you wish would never end. I took a long walk as the sun kissed my skin while collecting shells along the shoreline. One must always collect shells. It was a day to remember. There have been whale sightings, but I didn't see any. My sister did earlier in the week. Her license plate says "Oh Whale."

This has been a beautiful summer. Even though the air is getting cooler, it's still summer for a few more days. There is a place where you can say goodbye to summer. It's Montauk. They call it The End.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, we can visit a place that washes away all space and time. The beach. La Spiaggia.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

Hither Hills State Park in Montauk is my pick of the week. It capped off the summer in the most splended way. Check out Hither Hills State Park - New York State Parks & Historic Sites and be sure to reserve early. All of the details are listed here.

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week was walking along the beach in Montauk snapping pictures with my i-phone. The tide was low with the sun reflecting in the pools of water. It was ripe for photography.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear Lord,

As summer fades and autumn rises, let us be grateful for every day as the seasons change. Amen.

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: Goodbye summer. Hello autumn.

Italian: Addio estate. Ciao autunno.

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SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

I have learned that layering collected pieces that include vases, rugs, art, and other good finds creates a room that is unique and interesting. Go ahead. Add something else.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What's your favorite beach on Long Island?

You can let me know via email or in the comment section under my post of social media. I'd love to hear from you.

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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK

There's a Summer Place by Percy Faith

MY BRAND - SKYLARK LIVE

I created my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old and noticed a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. I am open to conducting in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. To be continued.

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