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From
Newsday 6/8/09 Fire Island, that 31-mile stretch
of land just south of what locals call "the mainland" (and off-islanders call Long Island), has largely escaped
the recent real estate fluctuations that have swept across the rest of the region.
Although the rental season has
been slow this year, that is good news for late starters because there are still great deals to be had. As far as sales are
concerned, it's a slightly different story.
"There are never a large number of homes for sale on Fire Island
at any given time," says Kitty King, a local real estate agent. "We don't see that changing this year. Asking prices
are down five- to 10 percent, but we haven't seen any distress sales, and homeowners are not anxious to sell."
The island only has about 4,500 homes in total, so the market has always been tight. That said, it's also been remarkably
stable. In fact, Jonathan MIller president of the real estate appraisal and consultancy firm Miller Samuel, says, "In
the last year, there have been no foreclosures on Fire Island. Perhaps farther back than that."
A visitor
has to adjust to Fire Island's leisurely pace -- for example, no cars are permitted during summer -- yet it's only about 50
miles from Manhattan. That may make it one of the season's best values. "I guess you could say Fire Island is a well-kept
secret," says Miller. "It's much more under the radar than The Hamptons." Fire
Island awaits your arrival, with its pristine sand dune beaches, dazzling nightlife, fine dining, and striking scenery that
will take your breath away. Fire Island boasts an amazing variety of activities, whether you are searching for sheer relaxation,
fun, or adventure, Fire Island has something for everyone.
Ocean Bay Park
Home of infamous Flynn's bar, a
serious drinking and all night dancing establishment. This small town can get quite lively. Restaurants and grocery store
make this a convenient choice for all types, although recently the town has been undergoing a renaissance as families have
been starting to outnumber the singles. As a result, housing prices (which typically lagged the rest of the island) have been
quickly catching up.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach has an abundance of restaurants and bars, it boasts a fantastic
nightlife while maintains a popular destination for families. Where ever you stay, this is a must visit location even if only
for the day.
Robert Moses State Park
Attached to the mainland by the Robert Moses Causeway. Offers incredible
surf fishing, public parks, and facilities. With the correct permit and vehicle you can drive on the beach.
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Things to Do
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Bored? Never on Fire Island! Fire Island has activities for
everyone, including camping, hiking, observing wildlife, surfing, boating, and swimming, and of course, places to eat, drink,
and be merry!
Since there are many fun and relaxing things to do on this beautiful island, FireIsland.com wants to make
sure you don't miss out on anything. Be sure to visit two of Fire Island's top attractions -- the Sunken Forest and the Fire
Island Lighthouse.
Recreation opportunities include surfing, boating, camping and miles of scenic hiking trails.
Fire Island Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, red fox and many species of birds.
Sunken Forest
Maintained
by The Fire Island National Seashore, this unique area is one of the last remaining maritime forests on the eastern seaboard.
It earned its name because it appears lower than the surrounding water. The forest is not actually below sea level -- the
high surrounding sand dunes that protect this environment create the illusion of being lower than sea level.
The Sunken
Forest spans approximately 40 acres, so there is plenty to see. You can walk for miles up and down the roller coaster boardwalks
that carry you over two rows of sand dunes. The Sunken Forest consists primarily of American holly, sassafras, and shadblow.
Some trees are estimated to be well over 200 years old.
This naturally preserved wilderness is abundant with hardwood
groves, dunes, swamps, and marshland. Serious hikers, bird watchers, and ecologists find this part of the island absolutely
fascinating. With several ecosystems, there is plenty of diversity in the flora and wildlife. While walking through the forest,
be sure to look up -- the twisted canopy is the forest's most intriguing attribute.
The parks department provides guided
tours during the summer season.
Sunken Forest is located in Sailors Haven, a great Fire Island day trip destination.
For more on Sunken Forest and Sailors Haven click on the links below.
Sailors Haven
http://www.nps.gov/fiis/sftour/tourintro.htm
Fire Island Lighthouse
Fire Island's most historically significant landmark was built in 1857 to protect ocean voyaging
ships from running ashore on the island. In 1987, the state rebuilt the Fire Island Lighthouse as a museum and observatory.
It can be reached from the Bay Shore ferry line or a short walk across the Robert Moses Crossway. Although the Fire Island
Light was extinguished in 1974, its history shines bright. Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society and National Park Service
are responsible for the lighthouse restoration and preservation.
For more info Visit the links below:
History of
the Fire Island Lighthouse
Fire Island Lighthouse Area
Fire Island Park Department
Camping
Fire Island National
Seashore provides limited camping facilities. There is one seasonal campground, accessible only by ferry, private boat, or
on foot from elsewhere on the island, with tents-only sites and a lottery for reservations.
Otis Pike Fire Island Wilderness
Federal protected wilderness area on the eastern 7-mile portion of Fire Island. This 1300-acre preserve covers from Watch
Hill to Smith Point. Camping is permitted and wildlife is abundant.
Smith Point/Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center
Watch Hill Campground
Tents only with running water, grills, showers, bathrooms and you can bring your pet. Accessible
only by ferry, by private boat, or by hiking from elsewhere on Fire Island. Open mid-May through mid-October. Cost is $20
and reservations must be done through a lottery in April which allocates campsites for the season.
Phone: 631-597-6633
Click
here for more Info on the Watch Hill Campground
BirdWatching
Fire Island is one of the best places in the New York
area for birdwatching. Its diverse habitats support a great variety of birds throughout the year, and it is a prime "rest
stop" for birds on migration. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded on this thin strip of land, around 1/3 of all the
birds found in North America!
Surfing
Fire Island is a barrier island that creates great surfing, especially
during the hurricane season when the waves have been known to exceed ten feet. A series of sandbars and jetties enable variations
in the island's surf conditions.
The best breaks: Sandbar breaks can be found in Atlantique, Point o' Woods, and Smith
Point. For a steeper, faster wave, surfers head to the ocean beach jetties. There is an east and west jetty, both with quality
waves and a fantastic section in the middle of the two. The middle section is only surfable before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00
p.m. when lifeguards are off duty. The outer areas are reserved for surfing -- when the swell is good, it's the place to be.
Fishing
Fishing is fantastic around the shores and off the docks of Fire Island. There are a few ways to approach
fishing on the island.
Surfcasting is a fun way to fish as you can cast directly into the swift-moving schools of blues
and stripers right off the beach into the Atlantic. On the other shore of the island, the Bay provides an abundance of fluke,
flounder, blues, stripers, crabs, and more. Bay fishing is best accessible by boat, however, the community docks have been
known to be quite productive at times. The best times for fishing are early mornings, late afternoon, and nighttime.
If
you don't have a boat, there are many charter services that will provide you with excellent offshore fishing around the Fire
Island area. See the Fire Island business directory for more information on charter boats.
Clamming
Clams are to
Fire Island what maple syrup is to Vermont. Abundant, fresh, and fun to gather, clamming is a great activity for anyone visiting
Fire Island. There are a few strategies used when clamming. While many use the rake and boat approach, longtime locals are
more familiar with the foot and toe method. Just walk out in the bay, dig your feet into the sand, and feel for the bump.
When you feel that smooth and hard rock-like shell, reach down and pull it out. Here at FireIsland.com, we suggest everyone
tries this method of clamming at least once. It's a therapeutic and enlightening experience.
For Kids
Wagoning
Fire
Island is famous for its wagons. When landing on Fire Island, one will undoubtedly be approached by the local and summer youth
prospecting the use of their wagon. Don't be afraid -- they are just trying to make a few bucks to buy some overpriced ice
cream. If you have children and want them to learn the value of a day's work, get a wagon and have them wait by the ferry
for the weekend crowds. It's a great way for your children to learn the value of a dollar and interact with other island children.
Shell
decorating and sales
Fire Island has 30 miles of shell-covered beaches. Shell collecting and decorating can be a great
pastime for children as well as adults. To increase the fun while giving your children some business experience, send them
out to the nearest walk with a table full of their newly decorated, priced-to-sell shells. Make sure your children flash their
puppy dog eyes -- they will surely make a few bucks.
Youth groups and camps
Fire Island offers several camps and
youth groups. The best-known camp on Fire Island is the Ocean Beach Youth Group. These camps offer instruction in sailing,
swimming, windsurfing, sports, arts and crafts, and nature. Camp is a great way to spend the summer and meet other Fire Island
kids. For contact information, see the FireIsland.com business directory.
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A few tips when visiting Fire Island.
Fire Island is
at its most beautiful in the summer when the scenery beckons visitors outdoors. As you depart the urban jungle and embark
on your journey to the "wilds" of Fire Island, you should be mindful of a few things. Safety is not reserved for the big city,
however on the shore there are other issues one should be aware of, some just plain common sense, and others…. well, you decide.
Just as mom always told us, never walk on the boardwalk barefoot, or you will end up with splinters.
Stay on marked
trails or you will expose yourself to poison ivy and ticks. Deer ticks can be carriers of Lyme Disease. To protect yourself,
wear insect repellent, dress in light colored clothing, and check your body very carefully for ticks.
Needless to say
- sun block is an essential for yourself and your children.
Don't be reckless in the water. When boating, adhere to all
regulations and wear lifejackets or lifebelts. Do not speed, and be extremely cautious in the channels and marina areas.
Never
feed the wild animals. Their behavior can be unpredictable and food will only lure them towards people. Don't worry; Mother
Nature does take care of her own. Enjoy the wildlife from a distance.
Don't forget to bring:
Insect repellent,
light clothing, baseball hat, long tent stakes if camping, binoculars, sun block, and lots of aspirin
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