#skywatchfriday -- Fire Island dinner cruise

The iconic Fire Island Lighthouse.

Fire Island is a barrier beach on Long Island's south shore.  At the eastern end of the island is Smith Point County Park, at the western end is Robert Moses State Park and the Fire Island National Seashore (including the lighthouse).  Between the two parks are a number of summer communities, accessible only by boating across the Great South Bay.  (Some people drive to the state park and walk down the beach to Kismet to avoid taking the ferry, but for the most part the communities are not accessible by car.)


Last year we took a dinner cruise to Fire Island, to a lovely restaurant called  Flynn's. We had such a great time that we had to go again this year.

You park your car at Captree State Park and board the Moonchaser for a leisurely ride across the bay.  There's a cash bar on the boat's main level, but we prefer the upper deck, so we can see the scenery.

We boarded shortly before sunset.

Flynn's is in a town called Ocean Beach.  It's on the bay -- you walk from the boat, along a narrow dock, to the restaurant.  Very lovely setting, you can choose to dine on the outdoor deck or inside the restaurant.   They leave the windows and doors open to catch the ocean breeze.  It feels very retro, but very refreshing. 

You can order from their regular menu, but we prefer the all-you-can-eat buffet -- lobster, prime rib, shrimp cocktail.  Last time we were here, the buffet had pasta and chicken marsala; this time the buffet featured a rice dish and stir fried chicken.  Dessert was an interesting concoction of chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream, with chocolate syrup and whipped cream.

We walked off the feast by exploring the  neighborhood before boarding the boat home. 

We are definitely planning to go back next year.


#skywatchfriday