Jamie Krauss Hess: The 5 Biggest Changes You'll Find in Fire Island Pines This Summer

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It's that time of year again: time to buff up, bare all and hit the beach. Any good gay knows that Fire Island, specifically the Pines region, is one of the most beautiful, historic and hedonistic summer destinations in the world. You may also know that the Pines had it rough over the past couple of years. A devastating fire leveled the beloved Pavilion nightclub in 2011, and Hurricane Sandy took its toll in 2012. But much like the resilient population that inhabits its shores, the Pines won't be quieted. In the face of adversity, it rises up stronger than before. And how could it not? This year marks the Pines' 60th anniversary. Here are five things that will make summer 2013 in the Pines the best one ever... and why you'll want to be there to experience it.

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Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, so goes the Pavilion. Finally rebuilt after the fire that demolished it two years ago, the space was reimagined by the acclaimed design firm Hollwich Kushner (HWKN). The resurrected venue includes a first-floor Welcome Bar and a second floor that boasts a 2,760-square-foot terrace outside and a 2,000-square-foot dance floor inside. "We designed the new Pavilion around the Fire Island community," says Matthias Hollwich, co-founder of HWKN. "The building forms intimate spaces out of a single volume." Hollwich adds, "Aside from designing a building with personality, our primary focus was to recreate the social engine that was so unique to the famed Pavilion of the '90s."

Legendary New York promoter Tony Fornabaio has signed on as Entertainment Director, promising to bring back the true "sound of the Pines." Once known for its cutting-edge music, the Pines was the birthplace of a unique set of sexy, sultry sounds -- a special brand of beachy house and nuevo disco. "We're looking to recapture the unique sound the island used to have," explains Fornabaio. "Musically, the island has moved away from what it used to be. It's become reliant on pop music. While there is nothing wrong with pop, it is our intention to bring back that memorable, soulful sound that Fire Island is known for." Just what does this mean? Take a look at the opening-weekend lineup. With disco legends like Robbie Leslie and Michael Fierman commanding the DJ booth, the dance floor is sure to be awash in that sexy Fire Island vibe. Nostalgia not your thing? Don't worry. Eddie Elias and Tony Moran are on hand Saturday night to deliver their special brand of beats, treats and hard-hitting circuit sounds. (Photo courtesy of the Fire Island Pines Historical Preservation Society)

Let's face it: Sometimes the Pines gets a bad rap. People think it's all about partying, hot guys and... ahem... you know what. True, the Pines vacationer traditionally likes to get his drink on, and there's nothing wrong with a little cruising during High Tea. But this summer, the Pines will up the cultural ante with an elevated roster of interesting, innovative programming and an infusion of visual and performance art. When the Pavilion is not busy pumping out beats from its state-of-the-art sound system, it will play host to variety shows (comedians, drag shows, vaudeville and burlesque), as well as the return of the popular "Boardwalk Talks" series, which, last year, offered discussions with the likes of Larry Kramer. Ben Rimalower is performing his one-man show Patti Issues throughout the summer, Haus of Mimosa will bring a hilarious review unlike anything you've ever seen, and the infamous Candis Cayne will be back in the Pines frequently, bringing her trademark glamor and pizazz. Art will be another main focus this summer, appearing in ways Pinesgoers have never experienced. Matthew Blesso (CEO of Blesso Properties, the managing owner of the Pines) is known for infusing art into everything he does (take a look at his Tantalo Hotel in Panama City) and has planned for a major art infusion to run throughout the commercial district. Dotting the landscape will be sculptures, murals and temporary installations curated from a global portfolio of artists. Be prepared for an exciting upgrade with this forward-thinking aesthetic. Trust us, this ain't your granddaddy's Pines experience!

Because between all the partying, you are on vacation, after all! General Manager Constantino Papadakis promises a fully upgraded, unmatched hospitality experience for residents, guests and daytrip visitors alike. "Fire Island is a magical getaway for people, and we want to make sure that every person who steps off the ferry is made to feel welcome and accommodated," he explains. "Bartenders that are smiling and friendly, highly trained wait staff and a management team that helps people navigate the intricate ins and outs of the island -- this finely tuned staff will be in place, and available to our guests like never before." The food and beverage experience has changed too, with the introduction of all-new menus at the Canteen and Blue Whale that include organic and gluten-free options. The wine selection is all locally sourced from wineries in upstate New York and Long Island, and master mixologiest Sean Labbe (Top of the Standard, aka the "Boom Boom Room") will ensure that drinks at the Pool Deck, the Pavilion and the Blue Whale and the smoothies at the Muscle Bar are all over-the-top creative. As if you needed another reason to get tipsy.

In the midst of sunny, beachy days and wild, salacious nights, it's nice to also feel that you've done something good for humanity and the environment. The Pines has got you covered. Blesso has enacted a sustainability plan for summer 2013 that has never been attempted in the Pines. In addition to composting food for fertilizer and introducing an updated recycling program, they acquired all "green" materials for food and beverage service, including sourcing biodegradable materials for the 200,000-plus cups used for serving booze (yes, folks, that's how many drinks you go through in a summer!). Charitable efforts abound all summer long, kicked off by the Worldwide Orphans fundraiser in July, which will be hosted by Rosie O'Donnell. Papadakis is also cultivating a wide range of charitable partnerships, including the launch of the HERO program, which will offer discounts to public safety service personnel, such as members of the military, law enforcement and firefighters.

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