Where The Boys Are: Fire Island

It’s time to start thinking about where you’ll spend your summer vacation. So want to know where the boys are? I’ll try to show you some places to check out that are gay friendly and should provide a great get-away experience whether you’re traveling alone, in pairs or want to round up a group of friends to share the fun with. First on my list is Fire Island.

Fire Island is a barrier beach island (about 35 miles long and half a mile wide) which runs parallel to Long Island’s south shore, and is surrounded by the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and the Great South Bay to the north. The eastern most point of the island ends in the Hamptons, and the western most point of the island meets the Nassau County town beach areas. The beaches in the Grove and the Pines are among the most beautiful on the east coast. Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines, are the only two predominantly “Gay communities” on Fire Island, among a dozen or so other small towns or communities.

No matter what your interests are, from enjoying a quiet and restful day at the beach to partying nonstop, the two sister communities of Cherry Grove and The Pines offer fun, entertainment, and a beautiful natural setting combined with an affirming atmosphere to all members of sexual minorities.

Fire Island has a rich gay history dating back decades, and is comprised of two communities, Cherry Grove and The Pines. One-day visitors are welcome, and limited overnight accommodations are available at several guest houses and small hotels on an advance reservations basis. Restaurants, bars, discos, shops and even a small grocery are located downtown close to the ferry dock in the Cherry Grove area. To the East and West of the downtown lie the quiet residential areas.

There are no roads or private vehicles in Cherry Grove or The Pines. Transport is by foot on wooden walkways. Red Radio Flyer wagons provide luggage transport.

The beach at Cherry Grove is beautiful and residents have worked hard over the years to insure the health of its dunes, which offer protection from storms. A visit to “The Grove” might include a day spent on the clothing optional beach followed by dinner at one of the several available restaurants. No visit to Cherry Grove would be complete without seeing a drag show since the Grove is famous for its drag performers.

The Pines is located to the East of Cherry Grove and is separated from the Grove by a small stretch of undeveloped beach and dune known affectionately as the “meat rack.”

Visitors can walk on the beach or through the meat rack to go to either of the two communities, however ferry service provides direct access to both the Pines and the Grove from Sayville on the South Shore of Long Island. The Pines is much larger than the Grove with somewhere in the neighborhood of 700 houses, many of which are large multiple bedroom units shared by groups of young men on a seasonal basis. Ferries bring seasonal residents and visitors into the beautiful Pines harbor, which features a marina and a number of restaurants, shops, bars and discos.

The Pines is a beautiful place to walk through with its hilly wooden walks, lush greenery, and beautifully designed houses. While day visitors are welcomed, overnight accommodations are not as commonly available as in the Grove. Visiting the Pines for more than a day at a time requires planning and usually involves taking a share in a large house or renting on a weekly, monthly, or seasonal basis.

The Pines offers a vibrant social scene tailored to a young gay male crowd. A summer day at the beach in the Pines is usually followed by Tea Dance at eight PM. At ten, the men have a late supper at their group house, after which it’s off to the disco for dancing until dawn.

Discover more about Fire Island.

June 12, 2006 | Filed Under Gay Travel, Just Being Gay 

Comments

One Response to “Where The Boys Are: Fire Island”

  1. Demonduck on June 13th, 2006 1:11 am

    Just saw a show on Logo about Fire Island. Lot of fascinating gay history surrounding it. Definately looked like a great place for sun and fun.

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