FIRE ISLAND, NYC
You won’t see any cars or paved roads on Fire Island. For that matter, you won’t find much development along most of its parkland-protected shores marked with 17 villages, all sporting their charms, proud heritages, dining options, and ironclad ordinances. If you were a pristine barrier island hanging off the coast of the imposing Long Island and just 60 miles away of that other island called Manhattan, you’d be just as protective of your precious space too! With a year-round population of 400 that turns into 20,000 summers, Fire Island is many things to just as many visitors. LGBT and straight. Home renter families and solo Ocean Beach daytrippers. Bar-hoppers, beachcombers, and bird watchers. There are breathtaking strips of unpopulated sand here.
Also, there are lots of hiking, paddling, fishing, camping, swimming, and surfing opportunities along Fire Island’s surprisingly extensive National Seashore. There’s also the rowdy July 4th Invasion of the Pines, which brings hundreds of drag queens and spectators. And let’s not forget Kismet’s August clam-shucking contest, drawing its slew of bystanders. Searching for hidden treasures on the beach is always a good time.
On the island, you can explore all of its incredible beaches year-round for shells, marine plants, and other unusual finds. Careful not to bother any shells that might still have living residents! Clams are plentiful and delicious, and clamming has become a regular practice for islanders. While many use the boat and rake approach, locals are more adept with the foot and toe technique. Just go out in the bay and dig your feet in the sand. Once you feel a smooth, hard rock shell, reach down and pull it out.
While you’ll not find a McDonalds Big Mac on this next island, you might find a Mighty one…..
