Word of Mouth: Shelter Island
A verdant respite with plenty of creature comforts above the Hamptons
As some NYC residents vacate the boroughs for summertime escapes, Shelter Island provides a setting of resplendent beauty, quiet isolation and thoughtful adventure. The island’s motto “life between the ferries” nods to the fact that it’s only accessible by car-carrying boats—one of which comes from Shelter’s southern neighbor, Sag Harbor and the other, from the North Fork’s Greenport. Shelter Island’s separation from its social southern sibling, the Hamptons, is more than just physical—it’s spiritual. That isn’t to say one can’t sip signature cocktails and dance into the night or gaze at yachts from a boat-shaped bar in a marina. It means that, with the extra effort of crossing a slender body of water, fewer people filter into this hideaway. And one of the best experiences you can possibly have while there is a quiet stroll by the water.
Black Cat Books
To equip oneself for the peace and quiet of the island, a visit to Black Cat Books yields many treasures. The store stocks over 20,000 fine and used books—including rarities and first editions. Snag a beach read or finally commit to a vintage collectible. Black Cat’s owner Dawn Hedberg also buys, if you’re looking to offload a previously devoured paperback.
The Perlman Music Program
An important part of The Perlman Music Program may be intensive summer training programs for emerging string talent, but for everyone else, their summer program at the Clark Arts Center sees exquisite classical music performances within reach. Founder Toby Perlman dreamed of providing musical education to those in need of further nurturing (regardless of their financial status) and, thanks to this vision, the island benefits through its side product of dulcet tones.
Hero image by David Graver
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