Welcome To Fire Island

Just over four miles off the coast of Long Island, New York you can find a lesser known strip of land known as Fire Island (or that place that parts of MIB II and III were filmed). At 31 miles long and just half a mile wide at its widest point, this 3,000 acre strip of land is home to just over 400 permanent residents (outnumbered by both deer and mosquitos), and has long been a summer vacation destination for thousands more (see the Jersey Shore). The island has no paved roads and no cars are permitted during the summer months (outside summer driving is limited to permanent residents holding hard-to-obtain permits). With a zero chance of DUI (or being struck my a vehicle), Fire Island remains the summer home of choice by thousands of vacationers.

Fire Island has also built a reputation as being a sort of “gay mecca”, and on the West Coast of the United States, this seems to be the only thing anyone has ever heard about the island. However, the island’s relationship with the gay community stems from just two (of dozens) island communities: Cherry Grove and the Fire Island Pines. Based on my first weekend here on the island, I would describe this place (Ocean Bay Park, Fire Island, specifically) as a melting pot of guidos and senior citizens. It is a place where people come to disregard the rules of the mainland, and to trick themselves into believing they are staying in some fancy island resort. So overall, awesome.