THINGS TO DO

While commonly referred to as the gateway to Fire Island, Brookhaven's South Shore contains plenty of attractions of its own.

A must-see stop on everyone's list should be the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge (left) in Shirley. The 2,550-acre Refuge features a range of migratory birds and wildlife, some of which are endangered. The crown jewel of the Refuge is the White Oak Nature Trail. Whether you take the short loop (1.5 miles) or the long loop (3 miles), the terrain is flat and the walking peaceful. You'll pass through all sorts of wildlife habitat, from backwater and wetlands along the Carman River to pine and oak forest and grassland. A portion of the trail is wheelchair accessible. For an alternative view, rent a kayak or canoe at nearby Glacier Bay Sports and paddle the serene waters of the Carmens River. Golfers will love The Links at Shirley.

You'll also find the Manor of St. George in Shirley. Given to William "Tangier" Smith by England's King William and Queen Mary in 1693, the manor was captured by American patriots during the Revolutionary War. Another South Shore gem is the nearby William Floyd Estate in Mastic Beach, which dates from the 1720s. Floyd was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the 613-acre site, with its 25-room Old House, 12 outbuildings, cemetery and surrounding forest, offers a view into eight generations of Floyd family life.

If you're in the mood for more history, stop by the Bellport Brookhaven Historical Society Museum in Bellport, then stroll the village's downtown - lined with antique, craft shops, jewelry stores and cafes.

Shoppers interested in bargains on name-brand merchandise should visit The Outlets at Bellport. Situated just off the Sunrise Highway, the mall boasts 75 different shops offering apparel and shoes, housewares, health and beauty products and specialty items. If antiques are your thing, head farther east to the village of Eastport. Eastport is well known for its abundancy of antique shops and you are sure to find that perfect treasure.

Waterbabies should head to Silly Lily's Marina on Moriches Bay for boat rentals or to Fire Island.

Along Long Island's south shore, Fire Island stretches 32 miles. The Town of Brookhaven encompasses the center section of Fire Island, including Davis Park and Watch Hill. A virtually car-less island, you'll enjoy basking on beautiful white sand beaches or dipping your toes in the Great South Bay. When you've had your fill of sun and surf, visit seasonal exhibits at the Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center, adjacent to the Suffolk County Park, Smith Point.

Davis Park is big on boating! Both families, daytrippers and singles mingle around the community. Rent a boat at the 200-boat marina, stuff yourself at the snack bar, or get a golden tan on the beach.

If you're looking for a slower pace, head to Watch Hill. Part of the Fire Island National Seashore, Watch Hill offers a beautiful beach, nature tours and trails (left) and a public campground. On site, you'll find a restaurant, general store, snack bar, pizzeria, and a fairly large marina.

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LODGING

On the South Shore, the Great South Bay Inn is conveniently located in the heart of Bellport. Located in a house that dates from the late 1890s, the bed and breakfast-style inn still boasts original wood floors and wainscoting. It features six guestrooms (one with a working fireplace, and a shaded porch where guests can relax with a cocktail or glass of wine). Guests also enjoy access to tennis and golf at the nearby Bellport Country Club, as well as use of Bellport's private ferry and beach on Fire Island.

Firel Island is mostly known for rentals and summer shares. Be sure to reserve early to get a summer spot.

DINING

Patchogue's Brick House Brewery was once a hardware store and a stop on the Underground Railroad. In typical brewpub fashion, it serves up its own fresh-brewed beers and a pub menu that's become a favorite for parties.

Also in Patchogue, The Oar House is a well-known seafood house. Its location near the Patchogue-Fire Island ferry makes a favorite among those catching dinner on the way home from the beach.

You'd never know it by the exterior, but Varney's, on the Montauk Highway just east of Patchogue is the definition of "local institution." The unassuming structure on the north side of the road (don't blink or you'll drive right by) only has 10 tables, but chances are, they'll be occupied by locals at lunchtime. Check the board for the day's specials and don't pass up the chance to try the Block Island chowder!

For fine dining and dancing, locals rave about The Casino in Davis Park.

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NIGHTLIFE

The Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts also operates year round and features philharmonic, pop and jazz concerts, dance shows and big-name comedians and performers.

Originally an old movie house, the 1,225-seat theater was renovated and reopened in 1998. Billed as one of the nation's top summer stock theaters and Long Island's only professional music theater, the Gateway Theater in Bellport is an area tradition for more than 50 years. Each summer the theater performs a series of major musicals.

If all else fails, the nightlife always heats up in Davis Park on Fire Island in the summer time. Complete with restaurants and great people watching, Davis Park is a great place to be "scene!" Head to The Casino in Davis Park for dancing and live music.

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TRANSPORTATION

CAR: Brookhaven is accessible by the I-495 (the Long Island Expressway), Rt. 27 (the Sunrise Highway), Rt. 25 (the Jericho Turnkpike/Middle Country Road) and numerous smaller local highways, like 25A along the north shore.

FERRY: The Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company operates frequent ferry service between Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Port Jefferson. South Shore Ferries to Fire Island, operate out of Patchogue, Sayville and Bellport (with limited service) to Davis Park and Watch Hill in Fire Island - be sure to call ahead for schedule. The Cross Sound Ferry, out of Orient Point provides access to Long Island from the east.

TRAIN: Although getting around Brookhaven is best done by car, you can get to various villages by train. Long Island Railroad offers regular service via its three lines: North Shore stops are Stony Brook and Port Jefferson; the central line stops in Ronkonkoma, Medford and Yaphank; and the South Shore stations are Patchogue, Bellport and Mastic-Shirley. Most stations are a short taxi ride to village downtowns or accommodations.

BUS: Suffolk County Transit operates bus service throughout Brookhaven.

AIR: Two commercial airports offer flights to Brookhaven. Long Island's McArthur Airport is located at the western edge of the town; Brookhaven Airport is farther east between Yaphank and Mastic-Shirley.

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LINKS

Fireisland.com

Town of Brookhaven

MAP

For driving directions click here