Dropping Anchor at Shelter Island
On the tip of Suffolk County in New York’s Long Island, Shelter Island is just that - an island sheltered by Gardiners Bay, Little Peconic Bay, and the rest of Long Island. Long Island Sound is located just to the north; New York City is two and a half hours back west.
Getting Here: Long Island MacArthur Airport is 90 minutes’ drive to the west, give or take according to traffic. Otherwise, for air travelers it’s the two-hours-plus drive to JFK or LaGuardia in the Big Apple.
A Bit of History: Shelter Island officially became a town in 1730. Prior to that, it was part of the original Plymouth Company land, then it was sold and passed back and forth for awhile. One of the notable sights, Sylvester Manor, was rebuilt in 1733 and still stands today.
Shelter Island - particularly the Shelter Island Heights neighborhood - grew to fame as a summer resort for the East Coast wealthy. It’s still considered a prime area for seeing a microcosm of major American architectural styles.
What to Do: In keeping with the rural-town feel that the inhabitants of Shelter Island have tried to preserve over the years, there are many outdoor activities available. These include boating, golf, tennis, and camping. It’s also a popular setting for vacation rentals and private vacation homes. Vacation rental seekers are often drawn by the beaches as well as the natural beauty of the area.
