Traveling across the Robert Moses Causeway on our way to the Fire Island Lighthouse, your world is surrounded by the oblivion of the Great South Bay below you and seemingly on all sides. I am not sure if I had never looked before, but for some reason the crisp winter weather seems to add something to the journey that you don’t quite get in the summer. I think I could be happy driving back and forth in appreciation for the experience that living on Long Island allows us to do.
We had started our morning at the Milk and Sugar Cafe in Bay Shore. We arrived slightly before the appropriate time that is considered to be lunch, and we were happy that we did. The tables had only started to fill, and we had our choice of seating. We chose our own little living nook, with two couches and a coffee table to dine on. Surrounded on three sides by walls, it was the perfect setting for Daniel, allowing him to wander as he pleased with his stock of cars he brought with him.
He first examined the utensils, lining them up and letting them drop with a loud ping on the distressed wood floors.
Always curious, he studied my tea bag before it was swallowed up by my teacup.
Grilled cheese on brioche and french fries were just what was needed to keep us going on the adventure that lay ahead. Daniel loves dipping sauces, especially ketchup. He dips and it inevitably is sucked off the end in one swift slurp, only to be reused for another dollop. Double dipping to the extreme.
We left and headed out across the bay. Walking the pathway we were able to go only about halfway. The other half of the boardwalk was blocked off for repairs. A gentle reminder of the distruction caused by Hurricane Sandy, over a year ago, still evident in this place.
The lighthouse is a beauty. The present 168 foot tall structure was built in 1858. It served as a navigation device until it was decommissioned in 1974 and has remained as part of the National Park Service ever since. Walking through the structure, pictures on the walls remind you of what once was on Long Island. The fishing and boating communities that prospered and that began the foundation of many of our communities are remembered here.
We took our time exploring the outside, running up and down the ramp that led to the interior. Daniel had a wonderful time touching everything he could get his hands on.
We found the front door, still decorated from the holidays.
Inside is a museum, showing the old lighthouse as it once stood and how its existence has contributed to the history of Long Island. Daniel enjoyed the miniature model of the lighthouse, land and boats.
Old lights are housed within. We were minuscule in comparison to their grand size.
Daniel found a children’s table and easel, equipped for play and drawing.
Daniel didn’t want to leave once he saw the steps, and climbed up and down until we posed for our picture taken by one of the lighthouse volunteers.
Tower tours are available during hours of operation. Being able to climb the winding stairs is a treat. Stepping out onto the lighthouse landing, out in the open overlooking the water, the view is breathtaking and definitely worth the cost. We weren’t able to head up this time as children must be 42″ tall to climb.
The lighthouse hosts a good many themed tours for the seasons. There are early morning tower tours, art show events, ghost story tours and family seaside adventure tours, to name a few. Check out their website for the complete list.
The Fire Island Lighthouse
4640 Captree Island
Captree Island, NY 11702-4601
information: 631.661.4876
http://www.fireislandlighthouse.com/index.html
Milk and Sugar Cafe
49 West Main Street
Bay Shore, NY 11706-8307
(631) 969-3655
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Breakfast is Served
- Monday – Friday9:00 am – 11:00 am
- Saturday9:00 am – 12:00 pm
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Sunday Brunch
- Sundays9:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Closed for Private Parties after 1pm on Sundays
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General Hours
- Monday – Thursday9:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday & Saturday9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Hungry Travel Baby 
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