Why Block Island is a Top Vacation Destination
So Much To See and Do In Rhode Island's Ocean Getaway
Feb 7, 2009
Block Island is a mecca for tourists and day-trippers seeking unspoiled natural beauty, pristine beaches, arts, great restaurants, Victorian Inns and B&Bs.
The most expedient way to reach Block Island is by ferries which depart from Point Judith and Newport, RI, Montauk, NY, and New London, CT transporting both passengers and cars.
Once on the island, the best way to explore it depends on preference and budget. Whether pedaling a bike, zipping around on a moped, or hopping into a taxi, keep in mind that inland, roads become surprisingly hilly with some twists and turns. If this isn't problematic, bike riding is an excellent choice for cover ing much more ground than walking while still being able to absorb the finer details. Renting is the most cost-effective averaging $20 per day.
After deciding how to get around, your itinerary can be filled with:
- 17 miles of wide-open seashore await carefree bare foot walks and s picnic basket. 3-mile long Crescent Beach is visible from the ferry landing and within walking distance from Old Harbor. Fredrick J. Benson Beach, has a pavilion with shower and bathroom facilities and secluded Mansion Beach is situated beneath cliffs and the stone walls of a mansion toppled during a hurricane in the 1960s.
- Thanks to the Nature Conservancy, 40% of the island is preserved as open space. More than 25 miles of interconnected scenic and easy hikes with 11 access points are open to the public free of charge. Sights include Mohegan Bluffs rising abruptly to a height of 200 feet overlooking the Atlantic, and a striking variety of sand dunes, coastal bluffs, kettle hole ponds, and fresh water marshes.
- Kayaking Great Salt Pond and its connecting tidal ponds is one of the best ways to explore the island’s inland waterways. An expanse of almost 700 acres, these waters are calm and free of powerboats.
- Spring Street Gallery, a must-see artists' cooperative in a renovated barn opposite the Manisses Hotel on Spring Street displays locally created watercolors, oils, prints, jewelry, and photography.
- For a morning pick-me-up, sit out on the patio of the Blue Dory Tea Room on Dodge Street overlooking Crescent Beach and enjoy a specialty coffee or tea and a famous “Block Island Barnacle” cookie. Before leaving, take a boxed lunch to go.
- Down the street near the intersection of Ocean Ave. and Old Town Road across from the Historical Society sits Three Sisters. This tiny cottage turned restaurant satisfies body and soul with signature sandwiches like Molly’s Meatloaf, Brigid’s Beachin’ sub, the vegetarian Hippie Sister, and legendary BBQ ribs grilled outside at night.
- Below the Water Street Inn opposite the ferry docks, Mohegan Café is the only pub on Block Island where brews such as Black Buck Stout, Striper Ale, and a Chili Pepper Pilsner are on tap and made onsite by brewmaster Dave Sniffen.
For a place to stay, you have many historic options. No chains here!:
- The 1661 Inn and Hotel Manisses offer champagne buffet breakfast and afternoon wine. Step into the 19th century with rooms named after local shipwrecks and appointed with antiques and ammenities like ocean views, decks, canopy beds, whirlpool tubs, and gas fireplaces.
- The National Hotel overlooking Old Harbor, circa 1888 listed on the Register of Historic Places, is a 45 room restored hotel with private baths.
- The Gothic Inn, originally built as the private residence of Captain Darius B. Dodge, a 19th Century druggist and sea captain, is now owned and operated by the Wohl family, who are also pharmacists.
The copyright of the article Why Block Island is a Top Vacation Destination in Rhode Island Travel is owned by Steve Mirsky. Permission to republish Why Block Island is a Top Vacation Destination in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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