Fire Island Trip: Art, Vibes and Sea
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Yesterday my friend Megan and I were brought by our American friends Kiersten and Tiffany to Fire Island. We had to travel by ferry across the Great South Bay for just twenty minutes before we set foot on the island. The first thing I noticed was how beautiful the area looked. The island was packed with locals and tourists alike and there was a really nice atmosphere. What I want to do with this post is just explain a little bit of what we did and then let the photos do the talking.
Fire Island is just off the coast of Long Island, New York in Great South Bay. The island used to be in one big land mass but was separated into two parts by Hurricane Sandy 2012. It's home to roughly five hundred people. We spent out time in the town of Ocean Beach, a village on the southern part of the two part island.
There are many stores on the island, ones that I visited were touristy, yet there were interesting vintage and antique items on sale. There were beautiful driftwood artworks on display and it really added to the seaside atmosphere of the whole island. We ate in Michael's Ristorante and Pizzera, it was absolutely delicious. They bake fresh pizza of every flavour imaginable and you can bet that the pizza slices were huge.
The ferry was such a pleasant trip. Our tickets cost $19 for a round trip (return trip) and it took about fifteen to twenty minutes from the mainland to the island. The weather was absolutely stunning. Even if you are exploring New York city on your holidays I would highly recommend travelling out to Bay Shore to visit the island. The bay was full of people canoeing, travelling on speed boats and jetting across the water in jetskis. There really is something on the island to suit everyone's interest.
The town of Ocean beach is gorgeous. All the houses are tightly packed together yet it doesn't give off a cluttered feel. The architecture is beautiful as the houses are all so unique, boasting high balconies, verandas and porches. I can only imagine what the scene will be like tonight on Fire Island for the 4th of July. The gardens of each house have different types of sculptures, artwork and designed pieces relating to the sea and nature. It was fascinating to see. There were children selling painted sea shells for $1, stalls selling different types of tie dyed clothes. Some shops were selling beautiful clothes so if you're looking to do a little bit of shopping there is actually places available.
We went to the island very early in the morning, so the sun wasn't high in the sky. However the beach was gorgeous. The water was actually icy green blue and looked heavenly. Just to let you know though, the beach does not also people to use bicycles, drink or eat to minimise the damage to the natural area. The heat soon became too warm for us Irish people so Megan and I took to the town to get some air conditioning and sample some of the local products.
As I said before there were beautiful displays of artwork throughout the down. So for a photography obsessed person like me it was heaven. People proved to be really innovative and experimental with the materials used in created their art. So I really enjoyed looking at it, so much so that I went out of my way to take this photo. If you're interested in art and architecture, Fire Island is the place for you.
I met an interior designer since we've come to America and he has shown great examples of how inventive people have been to decorate their homes on the island.
For those who may want to actually spend time on the island, as in live over there for a period of time, there are plenty of hotels and accommodation available. I did a little bit of research on them and there are hotels, cottages and an assortment of guest houses available. You can find those here.
As for getting around Fire Island, the only cars available are that of the Fire Department and the local police. You can avail of the many bike rental schemes on the island let me tell there is great selection of the bikes there. Tourists can also rent boats so that they can explore the bay around the island.
There is plenty night life available on both parts of Fire Island. Fire Island is home to a huge cultural scene and the gay nightlife is in abundance. There are amazing clubs on the two parts of the island that you can take the opportunity to explore if you're of age.
I hope you've enjoyed this post, I really do think Fire Island is a must see visit if you're in the New York area.
All pictures are merely decorative and belong to their respective owners.
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