Fire Island: A New York City Getaway

Just off the coast of New York City rests a small island where the water is clear, the sand is a soft white and the soundtrack is a calming whisper of the wind as it brushes past tall green stalks of leaves. Small navy blue, easter egg yellow and white sailboats bob gently with the current; their backdrop a silvery gray canvas expanding into the horizon. On the shore, summer residents stroll barefoot down the wood dock pathways. They smile and greet one another as they breathe in the rejuvenating tranquility of their beloved haven: Fire Island. 

It's about a two hour journey from Manhattan. First, take the Long Island Railroad out of Penn Station for about an hour and a half. From there you can walk for fifteen minutes or take a taxi for about $5.00 to one of three ferries depending on which part of the island you're visiting. 

Ocean Beach is the most town-like area with a small stretch of bars, restaurants and shops. It's flooded with young locals and tourists on the weekends looking for a good time. 

Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove are known for their thriving LGBT community. There you'll find gay beaches, bars and a host of events each summer including: a dance festival in support of the fight against AIDS, a drag queen parade and extravagant pool parties. 

While the flashy gay community seems like a world away from the families who come here to read and play in the sand with their children, ultimately the love for this little paradise comes from the same place. No matter who you are, Fire Island provides a beauty, privacy and quiescence which often seems unachievable in the bustling city which is just a short cruise across the bay.