Cherry Grove, New York
Fun and Nature on Fire Island
Long before the Netflix movie of the same name, Fire Island was a thing. Even if you had no idea where it was located geographically, you knew it was not your typical beach destination. If you were queer, it beckoned you like a siren whispering into the ear of a wayward sailor. Let it be known that Fire Island did not disappoint when we visited in August 2023, and it was worth every penny spent on the ferry and the island.
As a gay person before marriage equality, I had a feeling of coming home, of finding my kin. Fire Island was like a topsy-turvy world. I viewed every person I passed on its adorable boardwalks and car-free streets first as queer, and only later possibly as straight or cis. For that reason alone, Fire Island is a superb Dyke Drive, even if not technically a drive but a Dyke Ferry. In Fire Island, we are the majority.
You'll feel relaxed as soon as the ferry leaves the pier in Sayville and starts its journey to Fire Island
Our first-time Fire Island experience began with a van ride full of queer seniors. It was sponsored by our local LGBTQ center and designed specifically for older folx, many of whom regularly attended this once-a-year summer event for decades. Rosie and I were newbies — new to the senior group and to the outing. The people on the van were lovely and the drive from the queer center to Sayville, the town in Long Island where the ferry docked, was easy. There is a restaurant on the ferry dock for those in need of food and beverages, but even sans food, it is just pretty to wait on the benches and watch the people arriving.
Cherry Grove has been welcoming visitors for well over a century
Our destination was Cherry Grove. There were other destinations, but from its name to its adorableness, I loved it. The beach is beautiful. The absence of cars greatly improves the air quality, and the people are friendly. While the food is good, the atmosphere is great. There are even trails on the seashore for hiking at Sunken Meadow State Park, plus cute shops for browsing. Best of all, on Fire Island, queer is the norm, and tolerance reigns. For this Dyke Drive, I give Fire Island a five out of five. 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈 I highly recommend it.
Liz
Enjoy a stroll along the boardwalks and byways of the Sunken Forest in Sunken Meadow State Park