Anyone with:
1. Ideas and places to go from NYC (Weekend mid-July) that are NOT part of the "Hamptons" scene. Beach, kayaking, deep sea fishing, etc., or just low key time out of the city.
How is the best way to get out there on a Friday after work from NYC?
If we rent a car, usually when does the NYC to eastern LI traffic subside?
Suggestions for motels/hotels on the way to/near where we are going but still cheap enough to afford. No ambiance needed, just modernized, clean and on the way (and doesnt require a 2-3 night min in the summer).
Thank you for helping.

Most hotels ion the East End require a 2 or 3 night stray any weekend in the summer.

For what you want - kayaking etc - you might be better either in Montauk - which does have some modest motels or someplace on the north fork. For kayaking you will need either the sound or Great South Bay - can;t do it off the south shore.

If you're driving out on a Friday do it either before 1 pm in the afternoon or after 9 pm at night to avoid the worst of the traffic.

I think most places will require at least a 2 night stay. You don't need to make a stop on the way to get where you're going. No point.

Shelter Island is considered the "unhampton". You don't need to rent a car if you don't want to. Take the Hamptonjitney.com to the North Fork and get out at Greenport. The Long Island Railroad is another option. Take the short ferry ride to Shelter Island and you can phone for a taxi to take you to wherever you decide to stay. http://www.shelter-island.org/places_to_stay.html
Many people also like the town of Greenport as a place to stay.

Montauk is another low key popular spot but a trek. You can again take the Hampton Jitney or the Long Island Railroad. Lenhart's Cottages is a place across from the ocean, simple and relatively affordable.

Got it...Montauk, Shelter Island, Greenport.
Thanks again for the help.

Amagansett is also a possibility (in between East Hampton and Montauk).