For those who are unfamiliar, Fire Island is a barrier island south of Long Island that is 32 miles long. It is known for it's beautiful sunsets and vast beaches. It runs from Robert Moses Park to Sunken Meadow Park, and holds a special place in my heart. I've been going since I was a baby and my parents also met there! Here are some things that you might not know about the island, which are also my personal favorite things about it:

1. The Red Wagon

Photo courtesy of pineshistory.org

You might be asking yourself, "What does a red wagon have to do with being on Fire Island?" Well, they're there to schlep all your stuff to the beach, from the ferry or wherever you have to schlep stuff to. Since almost everyone has the same wagon, it is often possible to get another's confused with yours, so everyone writes their name on the wagon to avoid confusion. It also is a bit nostalgic for the people who grew up being wheeled around in them.

2. Everyone knows you and you know everyone.

Gif courtesy of Google Images

Since most communities are small, everyone knows everyone. Your parent's friends come up to you and tell you "how much you've grown up" in their fake squeaky voice. Sometimes you recognize them and sometimes you don't, but you smile and laugh with them anyway.

3. The Kids

Photo courtesy of Google Images

There are so many kids running around, and it's the just about the same in almost every town. The kids ride their bikes all over- asking mom and dad for money so they can get pizza or ice cream from the store. There is absolutely no time or excuses to watch T.V. or going on your phone. By day, they're on the beach and by night they're on their bikes, at the park, or playing manhunt all over town. Many of the adults I speak to say that being on Fire Island is like stepping back in time.

4. Lemonade stands and painted seashell sales.

Photo courtesy of Google Images

When I was little, I used to sell lemonade and seashells for a dollar, and I got pretty good at it. The thing about selling lemonade and/ or shells is it's a great way to make money off of anyone who needs to quench their thirst or is wanting a nice memento. Usually people you know come up to you and buy some, and it makes you feel good that people are enjoying it. I, along with the many other kids, made a small fortune while doing this.

5. The deer

Photo courtesy of Google Images

If you're a regular on Fire Island, you've seen plenty of deer during your stays. The first time you see one, it scares the bejesus out of you, but once you see them one hundred some- odd times, you're not phased by them anymore. No matter how many times you see them though, you're always going to be enchanted.

7. Rusty Bicycles and their big baskets

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It's not an odd sight when you see a rusty beach bike with a big basket or even a big tricycle with a basket on the back. There's usually a child- although it's kind of unsafe- riding in the baskets. It's almost not worth bringing a brand new bike here because it's inevitable that it will get rusty. This is no one's fault, but the salty air.

8. No cars

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Starting in the beginning of July, all cars, except in emergencies, are not permitted to drive on the walks on Fire Island. This makes it a safe place to ride and play for kids and parent's have one less danger to worry about.

9. It doesn't feel like you're on Long Island

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Because it''s so isolated, it feels like you got on a plane and went to a tropical island when all you did was take a ferry. It's only takes about 20 minutes on the ferry until you arrive at your chosen community. It really is the easiest way to paradise.

10. The House parties

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No, unfortunately, I don't mean a house party like a rager. There's always something going on on Fire Island. They have contests for both adults and kids: the adults compete for who has the zestiest guacamole, the tastiest margarita, or the juiciest sliders. For the kids it may be Kan Jam tournaments, volleyball games, or hermit crab races. Since everyone knows everyone in the town, a lot of us will get together and have a party. Different people will bring their best dishes and there will be a whole smorgasbord of foods. Sometimes we even borrow tables from the fire house and eat and party on the beach. These are some of my fondest memories: spending time with everyone who matters in my life and creating memories for years to come.

11. Walking in

Gif courtesy of Google Images

Not a lot of people know this, but if you take the Robert Moses Causeway all the way down to the Pencil building (the water tower), in the middle of the round- about and go all the way down to the right, you can either be dropped off or park at Field 5 and walk into Fire Island. It's about a 15-20 minute walk. You can take the scenic route and follow the boardwalk or you can walk onto the dirt road. Either one is a great option! The first town you hit is Kismet, so if you want to go to Ocean Beach or Atlantique, I wouldn't suggest walking.

12. It's so casual

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As the saying goes "No shoes, no shirt, no problem." In most restaurants and stores, you don't have to be wearing a shoes or a shirt. You'll find 80% of the population barefoot at all times. Even when you're going out for the night, its very casual and no one cares how messy your hair is or if you still smell like sun lotion from the day by the ocean.

13. The sunsets

I may sound a bit biased here, but Fire Island has some of the most breathtaking sunsets. They're not only gorgeously colorful the in summertime, when the island is thriving, but they're also stunning in the winter when it's quiet. I've taken hundreds of pictures of them and they are by far some of my favorite pictures of all time. The picture shown above is taken in Kismet, the western-most community that is closest to the lighthouse.

14. The memories

As I have said before, I've been going since I was a baby and every summer I get to appreciate it more and more. As I get older, I realize how many memories I've made during the long, hot summers, the cool breezy nights. All these memories make up everything that I love about the island and the people on it. Fire Island will always be special to me and I hope to never grow out of going there.

When I was just beginning to hang out with my friends, they'd ask to do something and I would be on Fire Island and I'd get what is now known as FOMO, or fear of missing out. Now, I would give anything to spend that much time on Fire Island because I have the responsibility of a summer job and many other things to do. I realized that I am truly the happiest and at peace with myself when I am there. I love Fire Island so much and I hope everyone gets the opportunity to visit and fall in love with it just as I am.