Discovery.

Branching out to explore parts unknown to a Connecticut Yankee.

Growing up in Connecticut we never ventured down or across. We always traveled up to Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine.

Recently, I expanded my horizons and boarded the ferry from Patchogue on Long Island to Davis Beach on Fire Island National Seashore.

Sometimes the best escapes are just a ferry ride away.

My trip to Davis Park Beach proved that a 30-minute boat ride can feel like a full reset button.

The trip was long enough to shake off mainland worries, short enough that you do not need to pack much beyond the necessities.

The ferry slid into port. Boats were docked and there was a quaint grocery store also serving lattes and cappuccinos.

Davis Park is a no car zone.

The 5 minute boardwalk stroll drops you at the beach and suddenly there it was, an immaculately kept beach of soft, white sand that looked like it had its own staff of perfectionists armed with rakes.

Davis Park is not a scene. Actually, it is calm, peaceful and just a touch of lively by the bar and restaurant. It is the kind of place where even the seagulls seem well-behaved.

After the obligatory sunscreen reapplication and a few hours of a captivating beach read it was time for lunch at the Casino Café.

The homemade shrimp tacos were crisp and citrusy, the fresh ahi tuna wrap was satisfying, stuffed with cole slaw and toasted coconut.

Eating fresh seafood steps from the ocean is one of life’s rare moments when everything lines up: the food, the view and the unspoken agreement that calories consumed near salt air simply don’t count.

Davis Park doesn’t overcomplicate things.

After a full day the trip home was enjoyable, the view spectacular and the couple we sat up top with were charming.

Surprisingly, we ventured into the political arena which is forbidden by our family in this part of the country. I just knew they were on the correct side of democracy (never say right). The lovely lady reminded me to proceed with caution when discussing politics in this particular geographic area…I appreciated and acknowledged the head’s up!

The delightful, relaxing interlude ended with a smooth return ride after a day spent on a gorgeous beach.

Who knew that we would become Davis devotees.