Snug Cottage In Cherry Grove: Relaxing Sleep

Enjoy a getaway to the historic charm of Fire Island’s Cherry Grove in this soothing bedtime story narrated by a female voice with ocean sounds. As the last echoes of summer fade, revel in the quietude of the off season. Arrive by ferry with a beloved pup to enjoy the best of the barrier island, from sun-drenched beach walk to a tranquil, moonlit evening by the sea. Relax fireside in "The Cherry Shack," your personal oceanside cottage, where you may fall asleep. Allow the spirit of Cherry Grove to usher you to a place of freedom, self-acceptance, and love. It's time to dream away.

Mentions: Storms, Nostalgia, Pets, Food, LGBTQ+, Swimming

Transcript

Sometimes,

Out of necessity,

The most peaceful,

Welcoming getaways come to life in the most unexpected places.

You are listening to Snug Cottage in Cherry Grove.

A soothing journey for sleep,

Set on the historic and vibrant landscape of Fire Island.

The last echoes of the lively summer season fade as many cottages and shops begin to close for the end of the year,

Leaving a profound quietude.

As the balmy weather of early autumn arrives,

You'll get to experience the best of the season's change.

A leisurely day at the beach,

A fiery sunset over the bay,

Followed by a misty cool night beneath a full moon.

This is a time of quiet reflection,

A pause between the vibrant energy of the season and the peaceful stillness of the approaching winter.

In this remote,

Car-free destination,

Where wooden boardwalks weave through lush beach grass and bamboo,

Connecting a community of unique cottages from bayside to oceanside.

Find fireside refuge in one of these cherished cottages and relish the mental holiday you deserve.

It's time to dream away.

Welcome to Michelle's Sanctuary.

I'm Michelle and I hope my voice feels like an old,

Trusted friend.

One of you recently asked what my favorite vacation spot is,

And for more than the last decade,

I've found it on Fire Island.

I've only recently started to spend time in Cherry Grove,

And this week found myself there to enjoy the perfect contrast of a moody,

Misty,

And stormy day,

Followed by an ideal sunny beach day that reminded me it's still summer,

Even though it's fading fast.

Cherry Grove has long been a place of inclusivity,

And Fire Island remains one of the safest places I've ever felt,

Except for a few potential standoffs between my feisty chihuahuas and the local deer.

Fire Island is a place like no other,

And for those of you who have not or may not ever go,

I do hope this story gives you a peaceful depiction of what life is like there on sleepy days in the off-season.

I'm so grateful you've chosen to be here during this delicate time before sleep,

And encourage you to change the details in any way that suits your preferences.

In the sanctuary of your room and mind,

You are safe to conjure imagery and journeys that will transition into the best dreams.

We're going to enjoy a brief relaxation together to set the tone for the night.

Release a sigh,

Making a sound as you exhale,

Then sip in the air slowly,

Imagining the clean,

Salty aromas of the Fire Island landscape.

Picture your space softening,

Becoming the heart of an old beach cottage nestled just at the edge of the ocean overlooking the rolling dunes.

Let out a long,

Gentle sigh,

Releasing any tension or lingering thoughts from the day.

Appreciate the stillness of this moment as the quiet energy of the evening finds its way to your space.

Continue to inhale,

Maybe yawn and sigh at the rhythm and pacing that feels good to you now as I count us down.

Each breath becomes softer and more grounding.

5.

Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose,

Connecting with the scent of damp sand,

Of seagrass,

And the subtle briny aroma of the ocean beginning to calm.

The vast sea is awe-inspiring,

And the island is a refuge.

4.

A deep sense of gratitude washes over you,

Appreciating this time for yourself.

A peaceful pause from the day's demands.

The gentle whisper of the wind across the open dunes stirs a longing to remain in this cozy haven for as long as you can.

3.

A wave of comfort and a wave of warmth spreads through you,

Feeling utterly safe and nurtured by the crackling fire nearby,

Which deepens your relaxation.

2.

Your muscles soften,

Your joints find more space,

Your face relaxes into a delicious surrender.

You envision the coziness of a fireplace in a snug beach cottage,

3.

Sensing the warm honeyed glow of the dancing flames.

This light gently flows from the crown of your head,

Down your spine,

And the front of your torso.

It continues to soothe your arms and legs,

4.

Leaving a delightful sensation in your palms and the soles of your feet.

A gentle release from head to toe occurs,

Preparing you for the most idyllic retreat by the Atlantic.

1.

You return to your inner peace,

And all is well.

You are nestled in a cozy beach house by the sea.

As you inhale,

Yawn and sigh one last time.

Ease your breath back to its most natural sleepy tempo,

As our bedtime story begins.

The name Cherry Grove was given by Archer and Elizabeth Perkinson in 1868,

After they purchased a parcel of land on a barrier island just to the south of Long Island.

A forest of black cherry trees grew on the land they purchased,

And the name would one day become an iconic motif with layers of meaning.

But the island's history stretches back much further.

A story told in the shifting sands and the whisper of the wind.

Before the Europeans arrived,

The land was a sacred hunting and fishing ground for the indigenous people of the region.

On quiet night walks on Fire Island,

It's not hard to imagine the canoes gliding gently and silently through the bay,

Fires lighting up the shoreline,

And the deep and ancient connection to this land that many souls encountered for centuries.

But as the world changed and modernized,

Fire Island became an escape,

An oceanside getaway for many of the residents just across the bay.

And Cherry Grove became a haven for those who didn't conform to the rigid expectations of American life in the 1950s.

Back then,

Visitors would arrive by ferry,

And with a bit of luck,

Encountering a man named Frank Murray.

For just $20,

He would find you a quiet place to rent for a few nights.

A cottage with no electricity,

But plenty of peace.

Since the 1950s,

The island has continued to evolve into a unique oasis.

A remote and removed sanctuary from the rules and societal norms of the mainland.

Cherry Grove,

In particular,

Became a cherished spot where generations of the LGBTQ community found a place to live freely and create a deep sense of belonging.

It's truly amazing to consider how a place so bucolic is just a mere train and ferry ride from one of the world's biggest cities.

Beyond the culture,

The landscape has transformed,

Diversified,

And beautified by those in the passionate community who have invested their resources.

It's once flat landscape of beach grass is now lush with sprawling landscaping that reflects influences of Southeast Asia,

With its share of fountains and towering bamboo.

A world away from the ancient gnarled trees of the sunken forest to the west.

Towering pines and vibrant maple trees now dot the forested areas,

Where native deer tuck away in dens,

Reclaiming the island all to themselves when seasonal homes are shuttered for winter and much of the spring.

The island has also endured with community-led dune projects and restoration efforts to ensure this thin strip of land,

This precious barrier island,

Will hopefully last for generations to come.

The special place has held strong against the powerful,

Erosive forces of the Atlantic.

And every generation who falls in love with Fire Island only hopes its legacy will avail itself to the next generations.

Traveling by ferry truly elevates the experience of visiting Fire Island.

A 20-minute ride across the glistening bay is a sacred passage to peace and to fun.

The bay can be a moody body of water.

The weather's comrade in stormy mischief,

Reflecting the sky's deep hues of plum and slate.

On those tumultuous days,

The bay responds with the churning of surging,

Restless waves.

But today,

With a sky of pure crystal blue,

The tranquil water glimmers.

It carries thousands or perhaps millions of tiny reflections,

Each one a jewel born of the rich morning light.

You travel on the roof deck on the first ferry of the day,

Eager to spend every last minute of the waning summer light on the island with your beloved pup.

Ferries run more infrequently this time of year,

And come winter,

Only once or twice on the weekends,

Weather permitting.

The warm sun contrasts the cool morning breeze off the bay.

Every now and then,

The vessel splashes down on a rogue wave,

And those near the side balcony rails are treated to a cool spray.

The bay smells distinctively different from the ocean,

Earthier and with more minerality.

The white and icy blue outlines of a storied hotel,

Inspired by Venetian architecture,

With Roman pillars and towers,

Stand out amongst the weathered gray wood siding of cottages and bayside homes.

A wave of contentment washes over you as the ferry docks.

You and your pup disembark last,

And the ferry horn blares a final low note.

As it pulls away,

Leaving you on a long dock that leads into the heart of the hamlet.

Your pup stirs to life,

Wagging their tail to greet other passengers and pups who come to this pet-friendly island.

Your pup's tail becomes a blur of motion against the backdrop of seagrass,

Sand,

And the deep brown of the new wood planks.

You loop the leash around your palm and take a moment to breathe in the salty air,

A sweet wild scent that is a mix of the sea,

Sun-warmed wood,

And the hint of pine.

The taste of salt is on your lips.

Cherry Grove is still waking up,

Not a place as known for many early risers as it is for festive gatherings that go deep into the night.

The few people you come across are sleepy-eyed locals heading to the general store,

Or early-bird day-trippers with beach bags slung over their shoulders as they call out from work.

You make a quick stop at an outdoor cafe to grab a delightfully unique drink before heading to the cottage.

The wide selection on a remote island is amazing,

And it's clear the care given to each espresso and icy drink is meant to cater to a community with a refined palate.

Drink in hand,

You sip as you explore.

The main walk,

A wide boardwalk that serves as the town's spine,

Is already warming under the morning sun,

Its surface smooth and welcoming beneath your feet.

You meander down the winding boardwalks,

The soft thud of your steps a comforting rhythm as your pup's nails click on each plank.

The air is so light and clean,

With just a hint of the Atlantic,

And you pass other visitors and long-time residents who all have a knowing smile,

As if to say,

Summer's not over yet.

The sun is a warm,

Golden hand on your shoulders,

Filtering through the bamboo.

Many charming homes along the way have themes with names like Dune Our Best and Cherry Haven,

Each one with its own personality and unique theme.

This bohemian atmosphere,

With its unique mystique,

Has endured.

One home is a kaleidoscope of sea-glass buoys and painted shells,

Its front porch a riot of cerulean blue and vibrant green,

While another is a minimalist structure with clean lines and a Japanese-inspired zen garden,

Its smooth river stones arranged in a calming spiral.

Another is a mermaid and merman theme,

With statues towering before the modern dwelling.

Another,

Named Pouquet Cottage,

Is so abundant with statues,

Fountains,

And lush flora.

It transports anyone who walks beyond the gates to a Thai oasis.

Fire Island is a place where some of the most brilliant minds,

Poets and novelists,

Musicians and entertainers,

Come to recharge and to create.

The houses are not uniform,

They are expressions of their owners.

Some with shingles peeling in layers of soft gray,

Others with fresh coats of paint and deep jewel tones of sapphire and ruby.

The boardwalk narrows,

And the sounds of the main hub fade behind you,

Replaced by the persistent rustle of leaves and the distant rhythmic crash of the ocean.

You feel a sense of belonging here,

A quiet understanding that this is a place for kindred spirits,

For those who seek to live a full life,

To find beauty in the simple,

To connect with the untamed,

Who may not want to follow all the strict rules all the time,

Which is another reason.

This is one of the few places in all of New York where dogs may frolic in the surf and run down the wide sandy beaches all year round.

You follow a narrow boardwalk,

Trailing away from the main path,

Your pup leading the way,

Sniffing up at the salty air as you arrive at your own private haven,

An almost fairytale-like cottage.

The path is overgrown with a thick canopy of leaves,

Creating a tunnel of dappled light.

You remove the dog leash,

And your furry pal trots ahead,

Their nose close to the ground,

Sniffing at every new scent,

The sweet smell of wild honeysuckle,

The minty tang of pine needles.

You feel a thrill of anticipation as the path becomes more secluded,

A secret world just for you.

Your destination,

Aptly named the Cherry Shack,

Conjures its rustic origins as one of the original cottages that has survived many storms and has been updated through time.

Above the gate,

A hand-carved wooden sign sways,

Its recently repainted ornamental cherries shimmering in the light as it squeaks ever so softly on old hinges.

In a block font,

It reads,

The Cherry Shack.

As you open the high gate to the property,

A thick wooden barrier that swings open with a soft groan.

You are suddenly immersed in a new world,

A private refuge that is still very much a part of the community.

Your pup bounds through the gate and you follow.

The air changes,

Now rich with the scent of pine and the smells that come from a well-tended garden.

A winding wooden path,

Elevated about ten feet above the ground,

Leads to the home with manicured gardens and fountains below.

The cottage gives the sense of being in a treehouse,

And like many of the properties surrounding,

Decks and patios are often designed to accommodate the wide trunks of trees as they age.

As you pass is by a delicate fairy garden,

Complete with miniature stone houses and tiny moss-covered furniture.

A trickling fountain sends a soft,

Melodic sound through the air.

Pots overflow with vibrant autumn blooms like velvety,

Burgundy chrysanthemums and purple asters,

Their petals soft and delicate to the touch.

Their colors a rich,

Deep tapestry against the green.

The porch beckons with two outdoor rattan loveseats,

Covered in plush blankets of purple orange and burnt sienna plaid.

A perfect place to settle and enjoy breakfast in the morning or watch the stars at night.

The creaking of the wood and the rustling bamboo create a curtain of privacy,

A second layer of sound beyond the gate,

A gentle shushing that soothes your senses.

The cherry shack has the energy of a good witch's cottage,

With its shingles painted a deep purple and emerald.

Crystals dangle from the eaves,

Catching the light and creating a gentle melody as they clink against the wind chimes.

Each crystal is a prism,

Throwing tiny rainbows onto the shingled walls.

The welcome mat has a playful image of three witches holding hands,

Dancing by the sea beneath the stars and reads,

Girls will be girls.

You enter the historic cottage,

The door's bell jingling with a soft chime as you step inside.

The air is cool and smells of old books and fresh baked apple muffins left as a welcome gift on the counter.

The cottage,

In its original days as a vacation spot,

Had an interior that looked like someone's garage sale,

With random secondhand furniture and bohemian art collected on the mainland.

The black and white photos on the ivory wooden walls reveal this transformation,

Showing the cottage through the years.

But no matter the interior design or decor,

It has a cozy charm and is a soothing space for the soul.

Its current incarnation is boho chic with a touch of autumn magic.

The cozy living room features a stone fireplace and exposed wooden beams,

The kind that creaks softly with every change in the wind.

Cherry red chenille crocheted blankets,

Their texture a comforting mix of soft and slightly pilled,

Are tossed over plush furniture,

Inviting you to settle in.

A sunroom off the living room has stained glass windows with cherry designs.

It leads to an outdoor shower,

Overlooking the backyard,

Nestled beyond a cedar wood stall.

Your pup runs about,

Nose to the ground,

Exploring every corner of this new home.

You smile,

Making your way to the main bedroom,

Where you leave your bags.

Here,

The most luxurious king-sized bed with a plush mattress and fluffy freshly laundered duvet sits in the center of the room.

It's all you can do to resist hopping on the bed like a kid at a hotel.

The scent of clean linen fills the room,

A promise of sweet dreams to come.

And keeping true to the theme,

The end of the duvet is adorned with embroidered cherries,

And the name elegantly sewn across it,

The Cherry Shack.

You change into your beach attire,

A soft cotton shirt and linen shorts,

Packing the muffins and dog toys and treats and water in a canvas bag.

Your pup,

Now a bit more settled,

Is ready for your next adventure.

You return to the boardwalk and make your way to the beach.

The air is so light and clean,

And you pass other visitors and long-time residents,

Who are ready to make the most of this perfect beach day.

The sand is a wide expanse of soft,

Pale gold,

Stretching out to meet the vibrant blue of the ocean.

You find a quiet spot not far from the dunes,

Spreading out your blanket as a few wisps of white clouds dance in the sky above.

The water,

At its warmest of the season,

Beckons to you once settled,

And your dog leads the way to its soft,

Lacy edges.

It feels wonderful as you walk ankle-deep,

And your pup playfully splashes in the surf,

Their paws kicking up a spray of white foam.

The taste of salt is sharp and present.

You meander to a sandbar that seems to resemble the barrier island,

Surrounded by the intense surf beyond,

And a gentle tidal pool that resembles the bay.

The sound of the waves is a deep,

Powerful roar on one side,

A soft lapping on the other.

Balancing on the sandbar stirs a sense of adventure,

And you revel in this time for great comfort.

Breathing becomes easier,

And attention you hadn't realized before is now gone.

And only in its absence do you realize how much you needed this time for yourself.

Wading through the shallow water,

You search for shells with your pup as the sun rises high in the sky.

Some take to the Atlantic for a quick dip in a place where bathing suits may be optional,

But there's never pressure either way.

There's an easiness,

An unbotheredness,

The true mantra of this bucolic place.

You return to your blanket and enjoy a bite before lying down.

As your pup hollows out the sand and falls asleep on the cooler,

Damper sand below.

The muffins are warm and soft,

The apple pieces still a little firm and hard.

A delightful hint of autumn's gentle arrival.

The cinnamon adds a delightful spice on your tongue.

Satiated and content,

You lie down and leisurely lucid dream.

The sounds of the ocean and a carefully curated playlist of disco and mellow dance songs playing from a speaker down the shore.

The music is a rhythmic pulse,

A gentle thrumming beneath the roar of the waves.

The perfect soundtrack for the snap.

Time seems to go by without reason here,

And soon sunset is approaching.

People begin to disappear,

Returning to their cottages or walking to the small heart of Cherry Grove to congregate for various events that may be low attended this time of year,

But still honor the energy of summer.

You follow the trail of those en route to the harbor to enjoy the sunset over the bay with your pup.

The fiery light fills the sky,

The sun a magenta orb,

Shimmery and metallic as it disappears beyond the gentle sapphire water that takes on a molten hue.

The colors shift from fiery orange to soft lavender to deep indigo,

A breathtaking light show.

You then rise and return to the cottage.

Once back,

You use the outdoor shower,

Your pup standing guard as the music from the harbor is faintly heard amidst the crashing ocean waves and susurrating bamboo.

The luxurious cherry-almond soap offers a rich lather and a sweet scent,

Another reminder of how remarkably balanced,

Rustic,

And luxury are in Cherry Grove.

The scent is a sweet,

Warm cloud around you,

And you linger to take in the sky as the steam rises above.

By the time you towel off and change into cozy loungewear,

The sky deepens into the darkest shades of blue and purple as the first stars appear.

You step into the sunroom,

Where woven baskets dangle from the beams,

Abundant with lush greenhouse plants,

And find your way to the kitchen.

The kitchen,

A delightful blend of the past and present,

Is the very heart of the cottage.

On the worn butcher block wooden countertop sits a pair of glossy cherry red appliances,

An antique mixer with a sturdy weighted bass,

And a matching blender.

Their retroforms a charming nod to a bygone era.

Their scarlet finish seems to pull the color from the air,

A bold contrast to the sleek stainless steel brilliance of the ultra-modern stove and burner that dominates the space.

This is a room that honors its history while embracing convenience.

The cherry motif is subtly woven throughout,

And the tiny,

Crimson-hued fruit painted on the ceramic salt and pepper shakers,

And the whimsical cherry patterns embroidered on soft,

White tea towels draped over the oven handle,

And most exquisitely in the delicate ruby-red glass tiles that form the kitchen's backsplash,

Catching the amber glow from Edison light bulbs like scattered jewels.

The scent of baked muffins still lingers,

Mingling with the clean,

Fresh smell of the wood,

Creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

You create a simple meal and feed your pup,

Enjoying the shared meal,

The quietude,

And the smell of wood in the house.

A sense of bone-deep peace settles over you,

A profound calm that seeps into every cell.

Darkness falls,

And you put on your hoodie and a pair of loafers,

And leash up your pup to return to the beach for one last walk.

There's a chill as the full moon rises,

A huge,

Perfect pearl in the inky sky,

And a mist hovers over the wet sand as the tide draws out.

A profound sense of peace washes over you as the stars come out,

Tiny pinpricks of light in the vast darkness.

It's hard to ever want to leave your perch on the steps that lead to the beach.

You sit with your pup and watch the waves crash down,

Their opal lacy crests reflecting the moonlight.

The sound is a deep,

Powerful exhale,

A sigh of the sea.

The smell of wood smoke fills the air,

And inspires an urge to return to the cherry shack and light a fire yourself.

But you stay for a few more breaths,

Inhaling the saltwater air,

And feeling the sense of peace that every person deserves to feel.

You rise,

Return to the cottage,

And light candles and start a fire.

The strike of the match,

The crackle of the wood as it catches,

The growing warmth,

These are all small,

Perfect moments.

Your pup cuddles up on a bed near the hearth,

As you open a journal and empty your mind into its lush,

Cream pages.

The candles give off an inviting scent of autumnal notes,

Cinnamon,

Clove,

And nutmeg.

With ease,

Your hand graces the pages,

And you honor yourself by writing down these thoughts.

The flames turn to embers,

A soft,

Pulsating orange glow.

And you stand and stretch,

Your eyes and legs heavy,

Ready for sleep as you blow out the candles.

Your pet rises and shakes,

Following languidly behind as you enter the quaint bathroom,

With ivory tiles adorned with cherries and cherry red cabinets.

You make the last preparations for bed,

Catching your reflection,

Seeing evidence of your time in the sun,

A healthy glow on your face,

And a grateful sparkle in your eyes.

You return to the bed,

Listening to the songs of crickets and the sounds of the surf,

And in this perfect,

Peaceful place,

Settled with your pet,

You begin to drift and fall asleep.

The spirit of Cherry Grove ushers you to a place of freedom,

Self-acceptance,

And love.

Finding peace.

Finding serenity.

Finding sleep.

That's it.

Reviews

Excellent! Put me to sleep right away! Thank you kindly for your gift of sleep! Don’t recall any of the story. I will have to listen again! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

I fell asleep like a charm as always Michelle. Thank you

Another cozy cottage bedtime story, I couldn’t love it more. Thank you, Michelle. 💜

So relaxing would love to visit fire island some of my favourite vacation have been to Cornawll with the family so know how special places can be. Thank you Michelle xx