Poolside at The Deck in Fire Island Pines. Swank by the sea!

"Fire Island, Fire Island, Fire Island!!!!"

Yes, it's a mantra repeated for decades by many NYC gays who love to jaunt out to this beachy enclave for weekends (or longer) every summer so they can soak up the sun, sand and social sassiness that takes over this car-free sandbar off the southern coast of Long Island (Reachable only by ferry! Bon voyage!).

Fire Island is home to many summertime communities, but for LGBT travelers there are two towns that pull the biggest number of queer visitors. Cherry Grove is a folksy, low-key village frequented by daytrippers, gay men, lesbians, families – a little bit of everything, really. The houses here tend to be a fun hodge-podge of cabins and condos, and the vibe is one of a quirky and slightly kitschy small town. It's cute, quaint and always fun for a folksy vacay.

Meanwhile, Fire Island Pines is more of a glossy, full-throttle summer playground for gay men and their friends and families. All are welcome in the Pines, but it’s no secret that for years, this coastal haven has largely been a vacation hotspot for gay men who love the beach and the social swirl. And it's thriving now more than ever!

For summer 2011, the forces behind the big core businesses known as Fire Island Pines Ventures, which make up much of “town” in Fire Island Pines’ harbor, have spent months prepping, revamping, upgrading and revitalizing their properties, and the results are pretty damn fab.

Visitors have lots of options on places to dance, dine, shop and get pampered and be entertained. Every week and weekend is packed with talented performers, major parties, good food, smart events and a million ways to treat yourselves. AND… the harbor’s legendary Hotel Ciel has even experienced an upgrade, with even greater plans for a completely new structure for the future seasons.

But let’s just break it down for you. Here’s a quick overview of what’s new and improved out in the Fire Island Pines this summer.

The Pines harbor got a little haute hotness this summer. Welcome, Oak!

WHAT’S NEW

- A revamped website for all of The Pines’ core businesses has launched, and it’s major! ThePinesFireIsland.com is a gem of a resource for all you need to know about big parties, who’s performing, who’s DJing at the daily tea dances, travel info, hotel booking and beyond. Plus, all the social media hookups (Facebook, Twitter) so you can stay clued in to everything going on all summer long.

- OAK has opened! Yes, NYC’s fiercest and most fashionably forward boutique (with hubs in Manhattan and Williamsburg, Brooklyn) has popped up for the summer in the Pines. Oak is infusing some serious downtown chic and arty fun style into the beach scene at Fire Island. Check out beachwear from the likes of killer brands like Acne, Alexander Wang, Comme des Garcons and Oak’s own house brands.

- Wanna work it out? The Pines’ gym has majorly upgraded for 2011. This summer it’s moved indoors (into the former Pines Supply grocery store space) and is now called The Rack. Check it out!

- The fab café known as Canteen is still open daily, serving up great breakfasts and lunches. And by night it turns into a tasty taqueria called Canteen-a.

- Are you a Pines regular? There’s a new resort card called "Pink Pass" that can be used at all Fire Island Pines Ventures properties, so no cash needed! It can be refilled on the island or via the new website.

- If you must do work while you’re out on the island, fret not. A new business center is available in the Hotel Ciel (on the ground floor) for those that want to stay out an extra weekday or two, but need the use office supplies (fax, copier, etc.)

- Need a backrub? Or whole body-rub? Or a facial? Or more? A blissed-out new joint called Sugar Shack Spa is open now. They’re offereing “after-sun treatments,” as well as peels, waxing and more!

-Take the Tea-Time Express! A day-tripper Long Island Railroad deal is just started which includes the train, jitney and ferry in one price package.

SHOWS, PARTIES & MORE!!!

-Watch out for soggy popcorn! Get into new "Dive-in Movie" screenings by the pool (out back behind Canteen) with their all-new inflatable movie screen! Watch TV and film classics! Re-enacts scenes from “Splash” or that big lake-dancing scene from “Dirty Dancing.” Nobody dunks Baby in the corner!! Weeknights at 8:30pm.

- Get smart! Dig into some serious cultural discussions with weekly Saturday panel discussions dubbed "Boardwalk Talk" with writers, personalities, gay activists, etc. Pump your brain with dialogue and dish from the likes of Paul Rudnick, and other cultural icons. It’s free and every Saturday at 3pm at the Blue Whale.

- Drag-hosted all-you-can-drink brunches on Saturday/Sunday on the pool deck. It's called Boozy Brunch and rocks from 12p-2p. Cheers!

- The classic Blue Whale café and bar (It’s a Fire Island legend, folks!) is bringing live performances, drag acts, and more all summer long. "Porsche & Friends" with the famed impersonator drag queen is every Thursday, while "Blue Whale LIVE" every Monday serves up a new live act. Other drag performances are being booked for Fridays/Saturdays. And of course the popular staple Showtune Sundays will continue with VJ Tony Built. Get up dates daily at ThePinesFireIsland.com.

- The Friday-night Underwear party has being rebranded as "Fleshdance Fridays!" And it’s getting supersized with a sexy striptease/lapdance element to it, in addition to the good old underwear party folks are used to. Strip down and party up!!!

- Finally, don’t miss the daily classic Low Tea at the Blue Whale daily all summer at 5pm, High Tea at the Pavilion at 7pm, and then on the Saturdays, get serious dancing at Middle Tea at 8pm downstairs at the Pavilion. Dancing insanity!

Anyway… Get prepped for a mad, magical summer! And seriously, get all the updates you need at ThePinesFireIsland.com. And follow for updates via Twitter (@PinesFireIsland) and on Facebook.

DIRECTIONS: Need to know how to get to Fire Island Pines from NYC? Get the full train & ferry rundown at ThePinesFireIsland.com.