The Bellport Life

Located just 60 miles from New York City on the South Shore of Long Island, the idyllic community of Bellport began as an outpost of farmers and seafarers. Many of the homes on Bellport Lane were built by sea captains. The village was named for two of them - The Bell brothers. Thomas and John Bell, who arrived in the early 1800s, built a dock into the bay and a shipyard -- and then carved out cross streets and thoroughfares. In 1834, when the Post Office was established, the community was named Bellport. The 19th century was also a time when Bellport was one of Long Island's most popular summer resorts, attracting statesmen, financiers, actors, writers, journalists and artists -- as it does today.

Proud of its history and intent on preserving it, the Village of Bellport has officially designated a number of historic districts. The village, which has a mayor and four trustees, offers a four-week summer Kids camp and provides some senior programs. Bellport is home to the Gateway Playhouse, a 500-seat theater in its 70th year for summer stock. There is also the Bellport Country Club, Tennis Center, Village Marina, and the Bellport Brookhaven Historical Society.

"Bellport is one of those best kept secrets of Long Island, a

New England-style town whose main intersection is still called "the four corners."

Forbes

BELLPORT BEACHES

Beach lovers enjoy Ho-Hum Beach (called Bellport Beach by most residents) which is the jewel of the Village and is located on Fire Island between Smith Point County Park and Watch Hill / Fire Island National Seashore on the ocean. It is serviced by the village-owned 42-passenger ferry, the Whale House Point or by private boat. The Beach is rarely crowded, with 65 or 70 visitors considered unusual. Following local custom, residents and guests line up their sandals and sneakers at the head of the stairs that lead down to the beach. There is a beach concession for food and snacks and lifeguards are on duty when the ferry is in operation. Mother's Beach, located on the bay, offers a closer alternative and is often filled with families, just a quick walk from the center of town.

OUR UNIQUE COMMUNITY AMENITIES

Bellport residents enjoy some of the most diverse community amenities on the South Shore of Long Island. In addition to The Gateway Playhouse and dozens of lovely shops and restaurants, this idyllic village is home to the The Bellport Marina, Bellport Country Club, Tennis Center, and Bellport Golf Course, a pristine 18-hole layout and one of only a handful of golf courses in America that dates back to the 19th Century.

The Bellport Marina is busy year round. During the warmer months, sailboat races happen every week and residents gather to socialize while children play on the newly refurbished playground. When the bay freezes solid during the colder months, hockey games, skating and sledding are just a few of the numerous activities happening while ice scooters race across the bay as fast as the wind will carry them. The Marina offers a spectacular view of the Great South Bay and Fire Island. It is surrounded by lush park grounds, a playground, and a band shell. There are over 150 berths in the Marina along with a launching ramp and preference is given to village residents. Fishing and crabbing from the dock is a must!

For the most up to date information on facilities, activities and events, visit the Village website. 

BELLPORT VILLAGE TENNIS

The Facility
The Tennis Center is located at the Bellport Country Club just south of South Country Road on the north side of the Golf Course. The facility is managed by Bob Costanzo who sees to it that our five Har-Tru Courts are well maintained at all times. Bob, who is a PTR professional provides tennis instruction and runs a very successful Junior Development Program. In addition, he coordinates a full schedule of events throughout the summer for the benefit of the membership, including special events, men's and ladies' doubles round robins, singles and doubles ladders, interclub matches as well as weekend member tournaments.

Membership
Full season memberships are available at the Village Hall for both village residents and non-residents.

BELLPORT VILLAGE MARINA

The Facility
Located at the end of Bellport Lane, the Bellport Village Marina is busy all year round. During the warmer months, sailboat races happen every week and residents gather to socialize while children play on the newly refurbished playground.

When the bay freezes solid during the colder months, hockey games, skating and sledding are just a few of the numerous activities happening while ice scooters race across the bay as fast as the wind will carry them.
 
The Marina offers a spectacular view of the Great South Bay and Fire Island. It is surrounded by lush park grounds, a playground, and a band shell. There are over 150 berths in the Marina along with a launching ramp and preference is given to village residents. Transient slips are available on a first come, first served basis. Fishing and crabbing from the dock is a must.

BELLPORT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Bellport has an annual outdoor art fair and a summer concert series at the village bandshell at the Bellport Marina. This is on Friday evenings throughout the summer months.

BROOKHAVEN HAMLET and POST-MORROW

Created in 1969 the Post-Morrow Foundation procures undeveloped land as well as properties and buildings of regional significance. Acres surrounding wetlands, creeks and other river areas have been protected by the Foundation. The Foundation also conducts a boat-building school in the Hamlet.

ICE SCOOTERING

When the temperature hovers below 20 degrees and the chill winds blow hard, most people avoid going near the beach. Not here in Bellport. That's when members of the South Bay Scooter Club pull out their ice scooters and gather in force along the Bellport shore.

Ice scooters, which are indigenous to Bellport, have been sailing Great South Bay for more than 100 years. At first, locals used them to bring supplies across the icy bay to the US Lifesaving Station on Fire Island. With runners attached to their wooden hulls, the craft could both skim over the ice and scoot over open water. The scooter is typically 14 to 16 feet long with a bowsprit, called a horn, and carry two sails. The rig is rudderless so the skipper steers with the sail. The scooter can travel to speeds of 50 to 60 mph when the winds are strong. This is not laid back. You take a few friends out and you quickly learn there are two kinds of people: Those who want to get off!! and those want to stay on. Most will make up their minds in one ride. The scooter was the influence for the Old Purchase Properties logo in the early days of our business.

The South Bay Scooter Club meets at the Bellport Yacht Club at the Bellport Marina and is open to anyone interested in ice scooters during the winter.