Cherry Grove, located on Fire Island, has been a primarily gay and lesbian, clothing-optional beach community for more than 20 years. It is a summer village, with a resort feel. Everyone seemed to ready to party or relax. It is a friendly place. But if you're not open-minded, don't go.
Wild deer abound all over Fire Island.
They come right out onto the beach around sunset. Although wild, the deer are accustomed to humans, and even expect to be fed. They will eat right out of your hand. While we were there, we saw four deer being fed. The ferries run out of Sayville, on LI's South Shore, once an hour, every hour, starting at 8 in the morning on the weekends, and 5 am on weekdays.