Summer Escape | Fair Harbor, Fire Island

Fire Island is a hop, skip and jump away from Manhattan.  Well actually, it is a train and boat ride away - that is actually what makes it so wonderful.  While this idyllic island is less than two hours away from the busy city, it literally feels like worlds away.  Life on the island moves slower, there is greenery everywhere and if you look closely you might see baby deer frolicking with their mother by the sea.  I have been visiting Fire Island for about five years. Each summer, I pack my beach bag and venture there for some R&R.  Unlike the majority of beaches that are around New York, Fire Island is car-free and can only be reached by ferry. Visitors get around by foot, bike or wagon.  It is quite lovely.  Recently, my husband and I decided to go to Fair Harbor, a quieter section of the barrier island, which is located between the South Bay and the Atlantic.  All of the beaches on Fire Island are sandy and stretch for miles and thankfully it is not built up which only adds to the allure.  All of the homes are quite rustic and outside of each there are bicycle parking spots.  Fair Harbor has a market, ice cream shop and one restaurant (that is over priced). It is a good idea to pack a picnic.  Here are a few postcards from our trip.  If you are in the New York area, I definitely recommend it either for a weekend or even a day.  See details below!

Getting to Fair Harbor, Fire Island:

- The island is easily accessed by the Long Island Railroad.  Take the train to Bayshore.  Taxis await to take you on the quick trip to the ferry terminal.  You can see the ferry schedule here. The ferry takes about 25 minutes and drops you off at Fair Harbor.

Photographs by Alison