If this pandemic has taught me anything, it’s how sometimes you just can’t plan for things. Like making summer plans, for instance. Usually, my summer countdown is on for beach days, BBQs, and summer music sometime around the beginning of May. But going into this summer, I knew it was going to look very different than it has in years past. For the most part, I was okay with that, as I started to get a bit restless last summer with my “usual” routine. In a way, the pandemic forced me to get creative this year with my summer agenda.
Back in April, when New York was still technically on lockdown, I started thinking about where I could go as places reopened. I didn’t want to take a trip anywhere that I couldn’t drive to and wanted to be able to pack a lot of my own things to bring with me. Naturally, Montauk was one of the first places I thought of. I tend to do a lot of day trips to the East End in the summer, but I was probably a kid the last time I actually stayed out there. A few years back, I visited the Breakers, a charming boutique hotel literally steps from the beach, and swore I would go back. Within minutes of starting to make some summer plans, I found myself calling the hotel to arrange my first getaway.
I love that the hotel is actually comprised of small updated cottages that all have a distinct beach vibe. The Breakers have accommodations that range from an oversized studio to a private two-bedroom and two-bathroom cottage—perfect, if you are trying to get away while maintaining social distancing. I’m planning to arrive with some food for breakfast and lunch in tow and will make use of the mini-fridge and kitchenette as much as possible, so I can maximize my time at the beach or pool.
All I’ve been able to think about these last couple of weeks has been my trip. I’m excited to venture outside of my neighborhood, unplug and put my out of office message up, and relax. While I’ve enjoyed working from home much more than I thought I would these last few months, I have noticed that the work-life balance is a lot harder to achieve these days.
So, while this summer looks very different than I thought it would, I hope next week will bring some semblance of normal back to my world…at least for a few days.
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