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Escape without leaving Long Island

Looking for an escape close to home? Three to explore:

#1: THE NAUTICAL MILE

Freeport's Nautical Mile esplanade on Woodcleft Avenue is a scenic waterside place to walk at any time of day. Enjoy full- and half-day fishing cruises aboard the Capt. Lou fleet, fish markets, pubs and dozens of restaurants, including several with waterside dining along Woodcleft Canal. Shoppers can explore boutiques with wares ranging from clothing to nautical-themed souvenirs or play a round at Crow's Nest Mini Golf ($7.50 adults, $6.50 kids and seniors) on South Ocean Avenue. For dessert, you can get a frozen treat at Ralph's Italian Ices or Pips Ice Cream Parlour. Nightlife options include open-air bars and live music as well as dinner and gambling cruises.

#2: THE NORTH FORK

Make a day of meandering through North Fork communities that stretch from Riverhead to Orient Point. Begin with shopping at the massive Tanger Outlet Center. Continue east on Sound Avenue-Route 48, stopping off at for a sample (or a glass!) at any of the wineries in Aquebogue, Cutchogue and Peconic. Pick out some fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers at farmstands along the way. Cap the afternoon off in Greenport, where you can try your luck at grabbing the lucky gold ring on the restored carousel at Mitchell Park. Afterward, wander through a wide variety of shops and replenish yourself with a meal at one of the many restaurants overlooking the water.

#3 FIRE ISLAND

Board the ferry to Ocean Beach from the Fire Island Ferries terminal on Maple Avenue in Bay Shore, which costs $7-$15 round-trip. On the other side awaits 32 miles of shoreline and sandy beach. Disembark in the village, which has shops, restaurants and an ice cream stand. Set off by foot for the beach. Anglers have plenty of options for sport and recreational fishing. If water's not your thing, journey toward Robert Moses State Park and the Fire Island Lighthouse. After dinner, the scene is rife with options as open-air bars crank up the music -- but be warned, the last ferry back to Bay Shore leaves around 9 p.m.