32 | BOROMAG.COM | JUNE 2015 EXPLORE YOUR BORO Story & Photos by BRADLEY HAWKS FIRE ISLAND More than merely a summertime getaway for the LGBT community, Cherry Grove on Fire Island is a safe haven for anyone seeking the freedom to express their creativity, soak in the sun on a pristine beach, explore hidden pathways and sunken gardens, and disappear for a moment into New York’s very own Neverland. It is an island hamlet consisting of interconnected boardwalks. No matter where you travel, your feet literally never touch the ground. Accessible only by ferry, there are no cars, buses or taxis—simply a tiny, condensed grove of a handful of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops surrounded by elevated cottages, houses, huts and even glass mansions. Properties bear the fingerprints of their owners’ most elaborate creative notions, often named with catchy monikers proudly displayed over front gates. So if you don’t have a group of friends who have rented a summer spot on the island, it is definitely worth a trip out for the day. We have rounded up a guide to some of our island favorites. Stop by the nearest LIRR station and ask for the Cherry Grove package. You will get roundtrip train tickets to Sayville, shuttle tickets from Sayville to the ferry terminal, and ferry service to and from the island at a fraction of the full price. Our tip: take the LIRR from Woodside at 61st and Roosevelt to Sayville. If you drive to Sayville, roundtrip ferry service is only $16. As the ferries only travel every couple of hours throughout the week in the early summer, check the www.sayvilleferry.com for schedule and service info prior to your trip. And if you arrive early, grab a rum runner at Mallory Square, located at the entrance to the ferry terminal. And then get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure. GROVE MARKET This small grocery store has undergone noticeable upgrades in recent years, now containing a wide variety of organic and gourmet items, including pastries and desserts from bakeries in NYC, such as Macaron Café. A deli counter, hot and cold buffet, and fresh to-go selections provide affordable options for packing a bag to tote to the beach for a seaside nosh. Ocean Walk (between Bayview and Main Walks) 631-597-6239; Grove-Market.com CHERRY GROVE PIZZA The quintessential island slice joint that serves several baked Italian American favorites as well. Try one of their more inventive pies, like the cheeseburger or breakfast pie, loaded with bacon, eggs, cheddar and mini tater tots. Just down the boardwalk from the pool, sometimes nothing feels better than a slice on the patio. 179 Ocean Walk (between Bayview and Lewis Walks) 631-597-6766
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