Island Time: The Comfort and Pull of Living by the Water
I’ve been fortunate to spend much of my life on islands that vary wildly in scale — from tiny, remote outcrops to the vertical island that is Manhattan. Some people dismiss Manhattan as an island in the same way you’d dismiss a city neighborhood, but anyone who has actually lived there knows the truth: you always reach it by bridge, tunnel or ferry, and the presence of water surrounds you even when you can’t see it at street level.
For those of us who truly love being near water, the sensation is constant. It’s a quiet, steady presence that can be rediscovered in a stroll along a riverfront, on the deck of a ferry, or from a bridge looking down at tugs, marine patrol boats, waiting tankers and working slips. That proximity to marine life and activity is both comforting and energizing, a reminder that the island exists within a larger, moving world.
There is one island truth most of us accept: islands are at their best in summer. Manhattan is the exception; its compact heat and density make it less comfortable in the hottest months, which is why many people decamp to coastal islands — from the Hamptons and Fire Island to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod and the islands of Maine. People go to these places for fresh air and beaches, but island seekers are often looking for something deeper than a shoreline: a break in routine, a change of pace and a ritual of travel that marks the start of relaxation.
The journey to an island matters. It frequently requires more planning and a little extra effort than driving to a mainland destination, and that effort becomes part of the experience. A ferry crossing, a small plane ride, a winding drive to a bridge, or an evening sail all create a transitional space where the city’s tensions begin to fade. That transition — the time spent en route — is a kind of decompression that announces the start of island time.
Light is another island hallmark. There is a particular clarity and shimmer near the sea: sunlight reflecting across the water, refracted by air and spray, creating a concentrated brightness that feels like a soft, enveloping filter. This quality of light changes how you perceive color, distance and even mood. It makes ordinary mornings feel luminous and prolongs the memory of a beautiful day long after you return to your routine.
Of all island experiences, anchoring overnight off an island ranks at the top for me. Anchoring off an island is distinct from dropping anchor off a mainland shore: you are an island off an island. Your boat is both your transport and your private retreat. Stepping out on deck with a cup of coffee and watching the sunrise mirrored across calm water is a kind of silent joy — a mix of satisfaction, anticipation and the simple peace of being surrounded by the sea.
There is a wide range of island experiences to choose from. Some islands are popular and full of activity, with restaurants, beaches and family-friendly attractions. Others are remote, quiet and suited to solitude, hiking, and long stretches of shoreline with very few people. You can rent a cottage in a village, stay in a converted lighthouse B&B, book a condo on a barrier island beach, or go out on your own boat and make the island your private harbor for the night. Each choice offers its own pace and pleasures.
If you haven’t made islands part of your summer routine, consider adding one this year. Even a short trip can reset your perspective and replenish energy. Seek out the journey as much as the destination; savor the light, the sounds of the water, and the small rituals that make island living feel timeless. Keep the memory of a sunrise at anchor with you through the year — it will be a lasting reminder of calm and possibility.
See these related articles:
- 11 Ideas for Summer Fun
- 1. Row, row, row your boat
- 2. Take in a show
- 3. Supermoon on the rise
- 5. Build a fire on the beach
- 6. Unplug and reconnect
- 7. Words for the wise
- 8. Bare it all
- 9. Stroll the docks at a wooden boat show
- 10. Get the kids hooked
- 11. Explore
July 2014 issue