Long Island Lifestyle
Born and bred as a long islander myself, I know what’s up. Three words my friends: Bikinis, Beaches, and Boats. Long Islanders spend January through April waiting for the first glimpses of summer to come about. I exclude December because holiday parties, days off from work, and the first snow falls are something to quite enjoy. Past that, it’s the “summer where are you!?” #throwbackthursday posts of days spent in bikinis on beaches and boats.
While Manhattan is buzzing year round, its Long Island that really kills it in the summer. Beaches, beach bars, boating adventures, Montauk lighthouse selfies…its the ultimate summer destination – though it may not be tropical, it’s still an island after all.
So, where are the best places to kick back and enjoy the warm weather? Depends on your summer goals I guess…want to spend the summer bronzing, updating your wardrobe, and have a Billy Joel sighting? The Hamptons. Does your ideal June-August involve spending the summer hopping from the boat to the beach and enjoying the beach bars that go along with it? Montauk is worth the traffic. Or do you want to spend your summer on a bicycle, in a no-cars-allowed little beach town and indulge in rocket-fuels until the ferry heads home? Fire Island it is.
Here are some of the best, can’t miss places for Long Island’s best summer destinations.
The Hamptons: (Specifically, East Hampton)
After sunning yourself at Main Beach all morning, it’s time to fuel up for a day of shopping. Start it off right with a cup of coffee and a yogurt parfait at Golden Pear Cafe – conveniently located right on Newtown Lane this is the perfect jumping point for a day spent perusing the stores along the lane and on Main Street. Pop into Calypso St. Barth for a breezy yet party-worthy ensemble, you’re going to need it for an evening of drinking and dancing with East Hampton’s finest party-goers at SL East.
Montauk
So you’ve committed to the traffic and made your way to Montauk – bonus points if you took the water to avoid street traffic and traveled by boat (take me with you next time?). Roll out your beach towel at Ditch Plains Beach and enjoy watching the surfers do what they do best: look good on a board….err, I mean, shred the gnar. Ditch is a great place to soak up the sun and do some exploring on the bluffs and dunes. After working up an appetite swimming and exploring a well-deserved lunch at Navy Beach or The Lobster Roll is in order. Though technically The Lobster Roll is in Amagansett its a necessary stop on Montauk Highway, and a great place to get some food in your belly before a reckless night at The Sloppy Tuna. And when you’re in recovery mode? Head to Fudge N Stuff for a little sugary treat for the ride home.
Fire Island
The land of no cars, with only a ferry to get you in and out – this is the ultimate escape from the city and Long Island suburbia. After much rebuilding after Sandy, Fire Island is back and ready for action. Hop off the ferry and grab a quick bite at Schooner Inn, or head to The Sand Bar for a drink to kick off the day. They do have espresso martinis and irish coffees if you’re looking for the best of both worlds or just say ‘fuck it’ and start your day off right and order a rocket fuel. When you’re feeling loose and officially ready to party head to Flynn’s to dance til you’re ready to drop. End the night with a slice of cold cheese pizza at Town Pizza…just make sure you don’t stumble out too late and miss your ferry back home.
-MP
