Finding Fire Island (2025 - 2026)

We explore how Cherry Grove became the birthplace of Drag and Disco, contrast the quaint cottages to the Pines’ mansions, landmark venues of The Ice Palace and The Monster and the queer female population.

We trace The Pines’ closeted past to its present day sex and party-forward atmosphere. We explore the architecture of Pines homes via Horace Gifford and the impact of Pines owner John Whyte who brought celebrity. Plus — The Meatrack, The Pavilion, the Pines Pantry and history of Tea at The Blue Whale.

We focus on the legendary parties Fire Island is known for, beginning with the history of The Tea Dance and DJ Lina Bradford’s 10-year reign in The Pines. We detail The Morning Party, The Underwear Party and The Pines Party. Plus, the thriving sober communities which balance it out.

We experience the very first Invasion of the Pines in 1976 as told by its leader, “Panzi,” and how the annual July 4th event evolved over the years. We go deeper on the history and evolution of Drag in Cherry Grove and New York City via Lady Bunny’s Wigstock and Drag Race.

Stories of Madonna, Liza Minnelli, Carol Channing, Andy Warhol, Calvin Klein, Sarah Jessica Parker, Andy Cohen and more escaping to Fire Island. We uncover star-studded tales from Fire Island Pines & Cherry Grove — plus the filming secrets of “The Normal Heart” and incredible cultural treasures discovered inside Pines homes.omes.

We trace how the HIV / AIDS crisis transformed Fire Island. As more women gained financial independence and began buying homes in Cherry Grove, Fire Island’s identity evolved alongside a rising epidemic. We also explore the emotional history of The Meatrack, which moved from a place of freedom to a site of remembrance, where ashes and roses were laid for those lost.

We hear stories of fires, storms and hurricanes on Fire Island (Cherry Grove & The Fire Island Pines) which often threaten to destroy it as mother nature punishes with beach erosion. Plus — Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s and how to survive winter on the island with several year-rounders.