From BED to FRG a good route is to fly to ORW and then take V16 at a
VFR altitude over the sound. If you are nervous about the overwater
part...then just head across to CCC when you get near the Madison VOR.
If you aren't using flight following then i would recommend you call NY
approach on 118.0 and tell them you are over CCC enroute to republic
and would like to transition the charlie. They will give you a squawk
code and descend you thru the charlie (sometimes right over Islip) and
terminate your radar service after you leave the inner circle of the
Charlie. be sure you have the Atis at republic (126.65) and just call
the tower at FRG (118.8). If you do this on a VFR Saturday or Sunday be
prepared for alot of traffic. Farmindale is the third busiest airspace
in NY (only after JFK and LGA).

The FBOs are about the same...I have a hangar at Atlantic..don't know
the transient fees..both have expensive AVgas. There is selfserve at
Atlantic if you are so inclined and want to save a few bucks. Its
located on the far southwest corner of the airport.
Enjoy.