Here’s a beach and community that got its name from a contest. In 1868, William Engemen developed the area just east of Coney Island and held a contest in 1878 to name it. A local businessman won with the name Brighton, from the resort community bearing the same name in England. Being so close to New York City and such a great beach, everyone knew the community would last. In fact, Brighton Beach has the largest Russian community in the United States! Many locals call Brighton, “Little Odessa” since a lot of them migrated long ago from that city in the Ukraine.
Come here and prepare to stand on this breezy shore and take in Americana. It’s the focal point of Southampton and a wonderland of sand that carries off into the distance. Yet people are drawn to Flying Point Beach in Water Mill not because it’s the only thing here, but because it is such a gem and the locals know it. Plan on spending a day here, and if you can, grab a bed and breakfast nearby. The bed and breakfast route is amazing almost any time of the year, and especially in the fall. This beach is fun for just about anything, but remember because of the onshore breeze, it can be a challenge for some sports.
Some of the best beaches in New York can be found along Long Island. If you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat. Drive the entire length of the island and you’ll probably take a good 3 hours. But stop at some of these spectacles, and you could take a lifetime. It’s one postcard after another and much unlike the hustle of downtown New York City. No wonder those who know this area of the country continue to come back time after time. Much like Rio and the beaches that surround it - you just need to get away some time. Unfortunately these beaches cannot be enjoyed year-round like Rio, but still, they make for a wonderful summertime visit.
It is hard to find a soul in the United States older than 50 that doesn’t have some memory of Coney Island, or has heard the term used to describe either some sort of food, or the famous park itself. New York, well, Brooklyn - can be proud to have someone so thoughtful to bring to this community some outlet of entertainment that was free to minimally affordable through years when this country had a hard time rubbing two nickles together. It took the stress off of millions of Americans and other nationalities that visited its wonderful and amazing displays. The beach, yes, the beach - isn’t bad at all and still enjoyed by millions each year.
