The soul of Shelter Island does not live on its beaches. It doesn’t live in its small stretches of Main Street, either. The soul of Shelter Island lives in its silence. Nowhere can the honking of an occasional car horn penetrate the wall of the serene quiet that blankets the whole of the island. it is a shelter for the spirit.

Accessible by ferry from either North Haven or Greenport, it’s an ideal day trip when serenity is in order. The meandering trails of Mashomack Preserve reconnect us to the summers we wish we’d had in our youth, immersed in nature’s primeval glory. Roam amongst the trees, spying ospreys and piping plover, or stop by the welcome center and get an education in the many flora and fauna that call the island home. Either way, expect an enrichment of the soul that comes only from exploration.

Cap off the day trip on the nine stunning holes at Shelter Island Country Club. Time it right and you’ll be finishing up at sunset, when the course is bathed in breathtaking golden light. Head over to Sunset Beach and grab a table on the beachside rooftop to sample French-influenced cuisine and stellar people watching. The energy flows at sunset, but in keeping with Shelter Island standards, the vibe is subdued.

The summer ends in a very shelterless bacchanal:
The Shelter Island Beach Blast. Costumes, libations, revelry… it’s all out in the open. Boat up, walk up or swim up, just make arrangements for the ride home.