TRAVELICIOUS

Fire Island: The Pines and Cherry Grove Await Your Arrival

Fire Island by Jeffrey James Keyes

Memorial Day is almost here and the ferries to Fire Island are already jam packed.  Regardless of if you’re checking into the Belvedere, Grove Hotel, botel, your summer share, or just coming out for the day there are plenty of parties and happenings in the works for this summer.

Lina Bradford, the gypsy queen of Fire Island, is back twirling and serving her popular beats at the Sip N’ Twirl from 7-10 every weekend in the Pines.  Low Tea at the Blue Whale will pick up with each passing week.  Clever and hysterical queens like Ariel Sinclair, Dallas Dubois, and Logan Hardcore entertain locals and newbies alike at pool and cabaret shows at the Grove Hotel, while Sabel Scities, Bianca Del Rio, and Gusty Winds are living it up at Cherries on the Bay.

Daniel Nardicio has already announced his 2013 Icon Series Line-up featuring John Waters, Margaret Cho, Chita Rivera, and the legendary Carol Channing.  Daniel’s infamous Dworld Underwear Party is back and badder then ever this summer, luring the hottest guys to check their belongings and strip down to their skivvies every Friday at the Ice Palace in the Grove.

The new Pavilion was set to have a grand opening over Memorial Day Weekend but won’t be ready until slightly later this summer.  All events that were scheduled for the big kickoff weekend have been redirected to the Pool Deck and the Blue Whale.  The delayed opening shouldn’t be too long (hopefully).

If you’re torn about when to come out this summer it’s all dependent on what you’re looking for.  Weekdays can be relaxing and low-key, the perfect opportunity to have some quiet time in the pool and on the beach.  Weekends, on the other hand, are always a safe bet.  The clubs will be packed and pool parties, shows and events will be plentiful.

There are tons of huge party weekends on the island, but the Pines Party and Ascension are the two biggest parties of the year.  This year’s Pines Party, an all-night beachfront dance extravaganza, will take place on  July 27th.  This year’s theme is “I DO” (whip out those bow-ties and bridal veils, boys!).  If you need more time to lift those kettle bells and do your juice cleanses don’t fret.  You have until August to prepare for this year’s Ascension Party (August 16-18).

Both parties are huge fundraisers for charities including the FIPPOA Fund for Stonewall Community Foundation, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the Ali Forney Center, The New York Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, and the LGBT Community Center.

When you’re out on the island, take a little time on the island to unplug and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.  If you’re on Fire Island, chances are you are on vacation, so relax and live it up.

Check out our GayCities Guide to Fire Island here.

Photography by Jeffrey James Keyes

Cherry Grove by JJ Keyes

Lina Bradford Fire Island Pines by JJ Keyes

Pines Party by Jeffrey James Keyes

Pines Party by JJ Keyes

Ascension 10 by Jeffrey James Keyes

Fire Island Pines Party by JJ Keyes

Fire Island Pines by Jeffrey James Keyes

 

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