Fifty degree weather, the grass turning green, and flowers starting to blossom are all beautiful signals of spring. Signals that we are all grateful for. However, if you've ever experienced a "Long Island summer," you're bound to understand the feeling of needing more than just flowers and green grass.
Some might say that's because in this day and age, we're spoiled, and we always ask for more. I say that 50 degrees just doesn't cut it. Don't get me wrong, any amount of sunshine makes me happier than the cold winter months. But, in the springtime, my heart is still physically aching to be on the top deck of a ferry, in the middle of the summer on my way to Fire Island.
Any stubborn, "I live in the best place on Earth" Long Islander is likely to have a lot of favorite spots to brag and gloat about. (We all know at least one of these people). But, if you've ever been to Fire Island, coming from near or far, you'll understand that feeling of a piece of heaven on earth.
Maybe it's the ocean, the friendly drunks, the proud locals, the lack of stress. Maybe it's happy hours and breathtaking sunsets. Or, maybe it's the abolishment of cars and the addition of deer. Whatever it is, the 15 weeks between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend will always be our favorite time of the year.
Immediately after stepping off the ferry, the beauty and serenity of Fire Island is impossible to go unnoticed, no matter what town you enter into.
After a long beach day and an outdoor shower, food and drinks are necessary. Especially, for those whose nights aren't ending early, or even ending at all. Burgers, fried bar foods, and an excess amount of sub-par seafood. If you're lucky, you even catch a breathtaking sunset right on the deck of a restaurant, while sipping on a cold beer or your favorite glass of wine. Or, Fire Island's signature "rocket fuel."
Photo credit: Nick Urbany, Maguire's Bayfront Restaurant
In addition to restaurants, there's parks, ice cream shops, pizza places, and a variety of stores between its twelve towns. (Of course liquor stores). Fire Island has something to offer for those of all ages.
Photo Credit: Joanna Goddard
Fire Island nightlife is an experience that you'll never forget—if you can remember it in the first place. There's no better end to a night out than a slice, or two, of greasy pizza. And there's no better way to enjoy that clutch post-bar meal other than watching (normally laughing) at those poor souls paying extra money for the 1 a.m. ferry, departing from Fire Island's "undeclared capital," Ocean Beach.
Photo credit: Foursquare.com : Town Pizza, Ocean Beach
Occupied by less than 500 people year round, Fire Island remains just as beautiful in the "off season," the months where the ocean is colder, and the sand is covered with snow.
Forget the off season though. How many days till Memorial Day Weekend?
Photo Credit: fireisland.com
