Bay Shore NY
8-23-2022 7:33pm

Fire Island's Atlantique

SKYLARK'S FETURED ARTICLE - FIRE ISLAND'S ATLANTIQUE

Everyone deserves a life full of joy, comfort, and overall well-being—including you. That's why, as a senior, we must find ways to have more vitality by creating a life of greater satisfaction. And to me, there's no greater satisfaction than a day at the beach on Fire Island.

I've written about the beach before and the comfort and relaxation it brings. It's my favorite place, and I'm completely at peace on the beach. I'm sure many of you are, too. This summer (estate in Italian) has been a hot one, so I've spent a lot of time at the beach (spiaggia in Italian). You too? I hope you used sunscreen. The south shore of Long Island has no shortage of expansive, lush beaches. Since I live on the south shore in Bay Shore, I spend most of my time basking in the sun. We may have our favorite beach, but there are many choices on our island by the sea, including Fire Island. 

I recently spent a day at Atlantique. This is one of many beach communities on Fire Island. You can walk here from Field 5 at Robert Moses State Park, but I prefer to ferry over. The ferry ride is the best part. I took the 3:00pm ferry and arrived in another land called Atlantique around 4:00pm. I had not been there in many years and, to my delight, not much has changed. The Shack is still there with its beached exterior. Over the years, it's become a beacon of music, good food, and a gathering place for friends and families that come together over a game of bingo, cards, or to hear their favorite local band. There are only about 50 houses on Atlantique, but there are plenty of boaters. That's what's so special about it. It's a beach-bum boaters paradise. 

Located on one of the narrowest parts of Fire Island, the community of Atlantique was founded in 1912 by Carlton Brewster and Dr. George King. Shortly thereafter a strip of land to its west that had been known as Sea Fire Beach was acquired by the Town of Islip and deemed a public recreational facility. Subsequently Sea Fire Beach was renamed Atlantique Beach. Today the two Atlantiques are at once distinct yet linked. Atlantique is centered around sand dune guided walkways. It is a close-knit community devoted to boating. The entire town gathers at the 150-slip marina and corresponding snack shack, the heart of the community. Atlantique is one of the best places for the serious boating enthusiast.

From high school to the school of life, Atlantique never gets old. It's aging gracefully, and generations of boaters, residents, and day-trippers continue to make this beach a haven during the summer. It's nice to see some things haven't changed much over the years, even if we have. Atlantique is one of those special places that hasn't grown old.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, the beach can make us feel young again as we revisit a place we hung out at as a kid. 

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - FIRE ISLAND FERRIES

For years, people have been taking the ferry to Fire Island. Edward J. Mooney acquired Fire Island Ferries in 1972. After Mooney's death in December 2020, his casket was taken around the Great South Bay for a memorial aboard one of the company's ferry boats. I'm happy to say I met Mr. Mooney a year before his death in Shore Drugs in Bay Shore. He was a tall, kind man who made the Fire Island Ferries what they are today. For more information, visit www.fireislandferries.com.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - FERRY CROSS THE MERSEY BY GERRY AND THE PACEMAKERS

Life goes on day after day
Hearts torn in every way
So, ferry cross the Mersey
'Cause this land's the place I love
And here I'll stay
People they rush everywhere
Each with their own secret care
So, ferry cross the Mersey
And always take me there
The place I love
People around every corner
They seem to smile and say
We don't care what your name is, boy
We'll never turn you away
So I'll continue to say
Here I always will stay
So ferry, cross the Mersey
'Cause this land's the place I love
And here I'll stay
And here I'll stay
Here I'll stay

I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write articles geared to the 60 and beyond population. Topics include human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, music, and places I've been to in and around Bay Shore. I also write about restaurants and stores in the area. You can also watch my first Monday-of-the-month vlog, “60 and Beyond with Skylark" on my YouTube Channel, Skylark Live, that features topics covered in my articles from SLTN. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel as well as my free STLN newsletter that gets delivered directly to your email each Wednesday morning. To support SLTN, you can make a recurring monthly donation ($5 Friend or $15 Advocate) or a one-time donation of any amount. It's up to you, and it's easy to do on my feed. You can also advertise your business or event here as well. Please follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.
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