Communities on Fire Island
Western Fire Island
The western end of Fire Island is closest to Manhattan with access via ferries leaving from Bay Shore, Long Island. I have spent my formative years growing up on the western end of Fire Island and this is where we will start.
Kismet
Kismet is the western most community on Fire Island. You may or may not be familiar with Kismet as many local Long Island natives have spent weekends at the Kismet Inn and Out having a few drinks, dancing and having fun. Kismet's history is filled with more parties than anyone with a pen, paper and camera could document. But, times have changed and Kismet is now home to many families looking to make Kismet their vacation destination. There are still people living and coming to Kismet looking to tie one on, but they don't come in the numbers that they used to.
Kismet is home to two restaurants/bars called the Inn and the Out. The Kismet Inn offers boaters free dockage if they spend a minimum in the Inn on food and drinks. The Out offers a larger menu and better food along with a DJ and dancing late night on weekends. Both offer outdoor dining and drinks all season long (weater permitting) and are great places to spend some time with friends or just grab a bite to eat. Kismet also has a full market with a great deli serving up great sandwiches like the "Judicial" (my personal favorite" every day. But, be warned, shopping on the island can get very expensive.
Saltaire
The jewel of the western end of Fire Island, Saltaire is home to one of the only sofball fields on Fire Island. But, more importantly, Saltaire is one of the most beautiful if not the most beautiful communities on the island. Saltaire has no public facilities and has some strict regulations governing it's inhabitants. But, all of those regulations make and keep Saltaire an incredibly beautiful place. It is no surprise that real estate in Saltaire is as expensive as it is. Saltaire offers owners and renters a community camp for children from 9-12pm weekdays so parents can enjoy themselves while their children make new friends, learn to swim and have fun. There is a small market and liquor store as well as a small library and large fire house. If you want a great place to enjoy peace and quiet, beach living and be with friends and family, Saltaire is the place. One thing to note is that Saltaire does not allow "share houses." Essentially, they don't want people with two different last names renting a house unless they are living together. So, keep that in mind...word travels fast.