Shelter Island connects to both the South (Hamptons) and North Fork of Long Island via car ferry. Long coveted for its natural beauty, charm and slow pace, Shelter attracts creatives, iconoclasts, and those looking for the antidote to the glitz and crowds of the Hamptons. An easy jaunt across either South or North Ferry takes you to either the farm stands and wineries along the North Fork, or the beaches and bustling shopping and dining scene in the Hamptons.
The island itself has an infusion of NY creativity and an international undercurrent. Just enough and not too much. As the New York Times put it: “Shelter Island Feels Chic, Relaxed and Timeless.” It is an artist’s enclave with a handful of really great restaurants, farm stands for produce and oysters, one supermarket and gas station, yet also an Andre Balazs hotel/restaurant and jet-set destination on the other side of the island called Sunset Beach. Despite this balance of influences or maybe because of it, the vibe remains at-ease.
Read: Shelter Island Feels Chic, Relaxed and Timeless
New York Times, July 2022
Read: What’s Old Is New Again on Shelter Island
New York Times, August 2022
The house is located on the North East side of the island on Ram Island, which connects to Shelter via causeway, making it the most private part of an already private island. Tuthill Drive and 37 Tuthill look over Coecles Harbor, a protected deep-water harbor that faces Mashomack Preserve, over 2000 acres of interlacing tidal creeks, woodlands and freshwater marshes, easily accessible by paddleboard.
Just across the street from the house is a small beach that’s shared by the neighbors. Paddle boards stay parked here, and morning dips are mandatory in this idyllic spot. Off the beach, 37 Tuthill has a mooring, useable by renters. A short walk to the end of Tuthill Drive brings you to Reel Point, a sand peninsula lined with osprey nest platforms and blankets of seashells.
The house itself sits on 1.3 acres of land, with wraparound porches to take in the views and space for everyone to enjoy, lounge, play or explore.
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Ferries
Run from the island to the NORTH FORK (GREENPORT) and the SOUTH FORK (N. HAVEN/SAG HARBOR). Please check websites for seasonal schedules or callNorth Ferry // 631.749.0139
South Ferry // 631.749.1200The trip takes about 8 mins on the North side and about 4 mins on the South. They run continuously so no need to arrive at a certain time.
Beach Stickers
***Beach stickers are strictly enforced Memorial Day - Labor Day***They can be obtained at Town Hall (38 N Ferry Rd) for weekly or monthly use. Fees are roughly $50/$90 - check website or call 631 749 0400. Beach stickers can only be purchased M-F.
There is now the option to scan and pay at the beach from signs posted in the parking areas. This is only for day passes.
Taxi // 631.210.6677
Police // Non-emergency – 631.749.0600
Pharmacy // Shelter Island Pharmacy
19 Grand Ave // 631.749.0445. Call for hours
Library // Shelter Island Library
37 North Ferry Rd. // 631.749.0042
Great kids section and also internet
Newspapers
The NYT, WSJ+FT are available at the IGA supermarket, Shelter Island Pharmacy and Marie Eiffel MarketThe Shelter Island Reporter is a weekly publication and comes out on Thursday (also online) – a must read for local news.
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Hay Beach / Menhaden Ln.
Good for walks and the longest stretch of beach. Surprisingly calm and good for swimming. Views of North fork and Orient Lighthouse.
Shell Beach
It’s a spit of land with water on both sides. The inlet side is super calm and great for kids because you can walk out quite far and the water is only up to your knees.
Wades Beach
Great family beach. One of only two on the island with bathrooms and lifeguard on duty. A 10 minute walk along the beach from the parking lot has you arriving at a creek where one can catch little fish and crabs with a net.
Crescent / Sunset Beach
Busiest and the most social beach on the island. One of only two on the island with bathrooms and lifeguard on duty. Great for spending the day or going down to watch the sunset in the evening. Across the street form he beach is the famous sunset Beach Hotel and Restaurant. Great food and a spectacular view, especially if you are dining during sunset.
Ram Island (Reel Point)
Pretty drive and stretch of the island. Great little rocky beach worth walking out on at the very end of Ram Island. Has a small inlet with a sandy spot. Super quiet. -
Hiking
Mashomack Preserve // 79 S. Ferry Rd., 631.749.1001
Spans 1/3 of the island. There are 1, 3, 6, and 11 mile circuits to walk on. Just know that there are ticks (make sure to protect yourself). It’s nice to make a little contribution as admission to the preserve. If you take the 6 mile, there is a beach where you can stop for a picnic.
Cycling
Piccozzi’s // 177 N. Ferry Rd., Bridge St., 631.749.0045
You can rent bicycles at Piccozzi’s. Biking is a popular activity on the island, but know that the island has many hills, so it’s not always the easiest ride.
Kayaking
Shelter Island Kayaks // Call Jay at 631.749.1990
Rents kayaks and will deliver to certain beach and town landings. They also offer kayak tours.
Yoga
A few places offer yoga on the Island during the summer. Call for schedules.
Dering Harbor Inn // 13 Winthrop Rd., 631.749.0900
Yoga in the Barn at the Haven’s Barn // 16 South Ferry Road.
Visit website for schedule www.heidifokineyoga.com
Pilates
SI Pilates and Barre // 8 Grand Ave., 631.749.5042
General Fitness
Dering Harbor Inn // 13 Winthrop Rd., 631.749.0900
The inn houses a gym where you can pay per time you visit.
Tennis
Dering Harbor Inn // 13 Winthrop Rd., 631.749.0160
A great tennis pro named Moussa Drame offers classes and clinics at the Dering Harbor Inn
Free SI town courts - first comes first serve (36 Duvall Rd.)
Barre
Shelter Island Barre Studio // 57 N. Ferry Rd., 917.620.4155
Golf
Shelter Island Country Club // 26 Sunnyside Dr., 631.749.0416
A public 9 hole course. Very reasonable greens fees / rentals available.
Mini Golf
The Whales Tale // 3 Ram Island Rd., 631.749.1839
Paddle Bording
Learn to SUP SI // Call Scott, 516.428.2742 for private lessons.
Venture Out – Rentals at Sunset Beach // 631.317.7466 -
IGA
75 N. Ferry Rd., 631.749.0382
The only on-island full grocery store.
Farmers Market at the Haven’s House
16 S. Ferry Rd.
Open from 9-12 on Saturday. This is worth a stop. You’ll see the Farmer’s Market signs all over the island on Saturdays.
Sylvester Manor Farm
21 Manwaring Rd., 631.749.6005
Best place to go if you are looking for a farm stand. They have veggies right from the field, but also flowers, bread, organic meat, eggs, etc. Open most days during the summer (sometimes closed on Tuesdays).
Shelter Island Wine
179 N Ferry Rd., 631.749.0305
Most comprehensive wine / liquor store on the island
Marie Eiffel Market
184 N. Ferry Rd., 631.749.0003
Great prepared food / gourmet items for purchase. Nice place for breakfast and lunch as well - order at the counter and sit at a communal table.
King Andrew Cheese
At the White Oak Wine Stand - 2 Manwaring Rd.
Great selection of cheeses, jams, crackers - everything for your charcuterie board. In the summer he is there daily.
White Oak Wine Stand
2 Manwaring Rd.
Small selection of wine’s produced by a local family. On weekends they have tastings and music. A very sweet spot to relax. -
The Heights/ Bridge St. is the “shopping area” on Shelter Island. All of the below are in that area. Shops are located on Bridge St (aka North Ferry Rd.) and Grand Ave.
All Dogged Up
25 West Neck Rd., 631.749.0702
Great selection of treats and toys for your furry friends!
Bliss Department Store
186 N. Ferry Rd., Bridge St.
Shelter Island souvenirs. Basic clothing and shoes for adults and children.
Coastal Cottage
11 Grand Ave., 631.749.2544
Home accessories and summer clothing.
Finley’s Fiction
8 Grand Ave.
Adult and Children’s Books, Gifts, Toys
Heiberg Cummings
183 N. Ferry Rd., Bridge St.
Upscale candles/ Home items
Jack’s Marine / The Toy Store at Jack’s
188 N. Ferry Rd., Bridge St., 631.749.0114
Toy store, summer goods, fishing gear. Only place on the island that sells bait.
Pure Soul
179 N. Ferry Rd., Bridge St.
Resort wear - Women’s men’s and children. Accessories and summer items.
Ram Design / Marie Eiffel Clothing
181 N Ferry Rd., Bridge St.
Home Design Items / Tunics and summer dresses -
Private in-home massage
Kathleen Lynch // 631.749.2501
Callie Atkins // 406.260.0092
Analy’s Salon
25 West Neck Rd., 631.749.4293
Hair and nails
JBS Salon
3S Ferry Rd., 631.749.0676
Nikki Salon
8 Grand Ave., 631.749.9400 -
Flying Goat
26 Sunnyside Ave., 631.749.5404
Burgers, steaks, salad, pasta. Located on the public golf course.
Isola
15 Grand Ave., 631.749.9036
Rustic, upscale Italian and wood fire pizza. Eat at the bar or in the main dinning room. Full takeout menu available.
Kyles
27 N. Ferry Rd., 631.749.0579
Quirky bakery and restaurants open around 8am for bakery. Sometimes serves breakfast and lunch.
Leon
29 West Neck Rd., 631.749.9123
French Brasserie style, seasonal menu. Indoor and outdoor seating. Reservations recommended.
Pridwin Hotel
81 Shore Rd., 631.749.0476
Seasonally inspired menu. Upscale new-American - nice variety of dishes. Make reservations.
Rams Head Inn
108 Ram Island Rd., 631.749.0811
American bistro menu. Open for dinner all nights and brunch on weekends. Have a drink and relax in one of their outdoor Adirondack chairs.
Salt
63 Menantic Rd., 631.749.5535
Located at a Marina. Basic seafood menu. Beautiful views. Always a good idea to make reservations.
Sunset Beach
35 Shore Rd., 631.749.2001
Fun, seasonal menu. Great outdoor dinning and the quintessential place to enjoy the sunset. Also a perfect place to have drinks. A bit of a scene sometimes - reservations highly recommended.
Vine Street
41 S Ferry Rd., 631.749.3210
Delicious, upscale New-American cuisine. Make a reservation if you go or you can sometimes snag a seat at the bar. They also do take out and have some prepared food in the “market” which is at the back of the building.
Weakfish
23 Grand Ave., inside the Chequit hotel, 631.749.0018
Sushi bar and Japanese influenced menu. Delicious. Make reservations. -
Commander Codys
41 Smith St., 631.749.1851
This is a bit of a dive, but a fun experience. Does mostly take out, but has a few seats. Great fried chicken and fish. They also have a fish market.
Eccentric Bagel
25 West Neck Rd., 631.749.5363
Fresh, handmade bagels. Breakfast and lunch. The bagel dog is delicious!
Islander
63 N. Ferry Rd., 631.749.1998
A true dinner. Open for breakfast and lunch daily and some evenings for dinner. Call for hours and special featured dinner nights.
Eli’s Country Market
35 S. Ferry Rd., 631.749.2844
Deli and daily lunch specials. Open 7 days
Maria’s Kitchen
55 N. Ferry Rd., 631.749.5450
Bright, fresh Mexican food. Take-out and there are a couple tables out back. There is also a brewery next door that will allow you to sit at their outside tables to eat if you are having a beer.
Marie Eiffel Market
184 N. Ferry Rd., 631.749.0003
Gourmet food shop and take out breakfast and lunch. Order there and sit at a communal table. They also do dinner specials to take out.
Shelter Island Brewery
55 N Ferry Rd.
Enjoy a beer outside. Located next to Maria’s kitchen. Grab a taco and enjoy a craft beer!
Stars
17 Grand Ave., 631.740.5345
Coffee shop with yummy breakfast and hispanic inspired lunch. Great coffee - relaxed atmosphere.
Tuck Shop
75 N. Menantic Rd., 631.749.5939
An Island institution serving regular ice cream and soft serve. Open late.