especiallPrior to the arrival of the Europeans, the territory of present-day Freeport belonged to the Meroke Indians as early as the 1640s. Fast forward to the 1800s, after the Civil War Freeport became a commercial center for oystering. However, this fleeting industry began to decline in the early 1900s due to increased pollution in the Bay. Throughout the first half of the 20th century, Freeport grew in popularity as a destination outside of the city. Despite the several hour journey on a coal-powered train or single-lane road, many wealthy politicians and businessmen came to Freeport during the summer. Around this time period, Freeport concurrently developed its thespian societies and became an unofficial theatrical artists' colony. Several actors even came together to form the LIGHTS, the Long Island Good Hearted Thespian Society.
Due to its prime location on the water, Freeport has always had a large boat building industry. From ferry boats and Coast Guard or Navy vessels to recreational fishing and duck boats, the boating industry has largely influenced Freeport's economy throughout history. During Prohibition, Freeport Point Shipyard was a port destination for rum runners and bootleggers (maybe the prelude to why today Nautical Mile is a strip of bars???) In addition to boating, Freeport (and all of coastal Long Island) is prime fishing territory. With an inlet to the Atlantic Ocean between Long Beach and Jones Beach, offshore fishing is also possible. From fluke, flounder, and tuna to oysters, clams, and crabs, the south shore is famous for the wide array of fish types and shellfish inhabiting the water year-round. (Unfortunately I have not had any luck in catching one single fish..just one measly little crab. They must all be hiding every time I've gone out!). Oystering especially has made its mark, dating back to as early as the 1800s, on the Long Island Sound (North Shore). You can pay just a $10 fee to go oystering (much cheaper than buying them from the store!). Today, Freeport, in combination with nearby Point Lookout, is the largest commercial fishing area nearest to New York City, which is a mere 30 miles west.
Due to its prime location on the water, Freeport has always had a large boat building industry. From ferry boats and Coast Guard or Navy vessels to recreational fishing and duck boats, the boating industry has largely influenced Freeport's economy throughout history. During Prohibition, Freeport Point Shipyard was a port destination for rum runners and bootleggers (maybe the prelude to why today Nautical Mile is a strip of bars???) In addition to boating, Freeport (and all of coastal Long Island) is prime fishing territory. With an inlet to the Atlantic Ocean between Long Beach and Jones Beach, offshore fishing is also possible. From fluke, flounder, and tuna to oysters, clams, and crabs, the south shore is famous for the wide array of fish types and shellfish inhabiting the water year-round. (Unfortunately I have not had any luck in catching one single fish..just one measly little crab. They must all be hiding every time I've gone out!). Oystering especially has made its mark, dating back to as early as the 1800s, on the Long Island Sound (North Shore). You can pay just a $10 fee to go oystering (much cheaper than buying them from the store!). Today, Freeport, in combination with nearby Point Lookout, is the largest commercial fishing area nearest to New York City, which is a mere 30 miles west.
Hidden amidst a quiet, older neighborhood, the Nautical Mile is a pretty day-time, hopping night strip. From boating and convenient stores, ice cream, putt putt, and fresh-out-of-the-water seafood restaurants, Nautical Mile has a variety of options. The seafood is incredible, a completely different dining experience than store-bought, farm-raised seafood. Add in the water-front views and it is a dining experience not to be missed out on given the opportunity. Once the sun starts setting, it turns into a hopping bar scene. However, because of it's neighborhood location, at 11:00PM the noise ordinance takes effect. To keep the party going, guests at one popular venue (Bracco's) all sport a pair of headphones, and the scene turns into a silent disco.