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Town in Rhode Island, United States
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
During the winter months Block Island is the very picture of a sleepy, seaside New England town, with a local population of around 900 people. In summer, the island's population explodes to nearly 10,000 at any given time, and many thousands more on busy weekends or holidays.
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Built in 1867, this is the fourth lighthouse built on Sandy Point, where exposure to the elements and shifting sands make keeping a lighthouse in one piece difficult. The lighthouse is on the grounds of the National Wildlife Sanctuary, which contains hiking trails.
On the southern end of the island, the bluffs rise 200 feet (61 m) above the water and run along the coast for about three miles (5 km). It's the site of the Southeast Lighthouse, built in 1875. This is one of the most visited places on the island due to the gorgeous views and breathtaking sites. Be warned though, to get down to the bluffs on the beach you have to climb down numerous flights of stairs which isn’t the problem, the only problem is coming back up. Be prepared for a good workout.
Stop over and take a visit to one of the most magnificent and beautiful lighthouses in America. The view from the lighthouse looks out from the Mohegan Bluffs which are over 200 feet (61 m) above the water. The sight and atmosphere is so breathtaking it will definitely be worth your while.
Coastal grasslands set on the bluffs above the Atlantic provide habitat for raptors and passerines.
The Block Island Historical Society houses permanent and special exhibits that chronicle Block Island's past.
Tucked away on Corn Neck Road is the Sacred Labyrinth and is unknown to most tourists. Marked only by a series of wooden steps, guests can stop and walk this man-made hidden path. The Labyrinth is an old Mayan tradition and has been brought to life on Block Island. The Labyrinth is a large, round, circular path that one walks in silence while wishing for something. Once the person gets to the middle, they are supposed to leave a tiny gift (anything will do), and the wish is supposed to come true. The Labyrinth is a fun attraction that not many tourists know about.
Dories Cove is a beautiful beach tucked away in a cove. It is a beautiful place to watch the sunset or have a fire on the beach. It can be a little hard to access because Dories Cove Road is dirt and there is little parking at the entrance to the cove. If you are up for the walk it is a great place to relax and soak in the island away from all the tourists.
The seashore is everywhere. The Island encompasses 17 miles (27 km) of beaches and offers many choices. Within walking distance of the ferry landing is 3-mile Crescent Beach, which is divided into three parts: the Fredrick J. Benson Beach, Scotch Beach, and Mansion Beach which is positioned beneath cliffs and the stone walls of a vanished mansion. The beach has lifeguards and restrooms. Food is available from nearby Old Harbor restaurants and concessions. Parking and beach admission are free.
Old Harbor Dock, provides an abundance of fun and diverse watersport activities such as banana boat rides, parasailing, jetboat rentals, sunset cruises and island tours.
Charter boats are available for deep-sea fishing or you can simply cast your line in the surf. The 365 fresh water ponds are home to bass, perch, and pickerel. You can snorkel, scuba dive, kayak, or parasail.
Inshore and offshore trips for experienced anglers and newcomers alike. Target striped bass, blues, fluke & gamefish with licensed, professional captain. Nighttime trophy bass trips and island tours also offered.
Include a story hour at the library, Nature Conservancy hikes, and a petting zoo.
More than 40% of Block Island is protected as open space. Both the Nature Conservancy and the Block Island Conservancy have been instrumental in these preservation efforts. As a result, Block Island retains its rural and undeveloped character. Hikers can enjoy twenty-five miles (40 km) of trails through grassy meadows, stone walls, inland moors and Mohegan Bluffs. The main Greenway trail runs from the Great Salt Pond south to Rodmans's Hollow and the south shore. A second trail system starts on Payne Rd. west to Fresh Pond and then connects to the Rodman's Hollow trails. The third major trail system is Clay Head Trail, starting in the north end of the island off Sachem Pond and following the bluffs of the north-east coast. In the center of the trail are the Mazes, a series of trails through woods and brush. The Clay Head Trail can be accessed at three points on Corn Neck Rd. A map of the trails is available from the Nature Conservancy and can be bought in many island stores.
Block Island is a hotspot during Spring and Fall migration as it is on the Eastern flyway. During the breeding season, Northern Harrier and Merlin patrol the skies while Eastern Towhee and Gray Catbird are common in the thickets.
West Side Road,Provides guided horseback rides on the beach, pony rides for children, and carriage rides for weddings and other special events.
Fishing charters from Old Harbor, Block Island for striped bass tuna, and sharks on a safe and fast diesel powered Ridgeway express.
The only delivery on the island. Papa Pizzeria serves up a wide variety of pizzas, subs, salads, and appetizers.
Get ready for homemade ice cream! This place has a variety of mouth watering flavors and creations, including their famous Turtle Sundae.
Three Sisters specializes in sandwiches. All of their ingredients are fresh and organic. They are only open until 3PM so come early for lunch. It is also a great place to grab sandwiches before heading to the beach.
Fresh bagels are made and served daily. The shop also offers breakfast items like bacon, egg, and cheese, and lunch options like a turkey club on a bagel.
Located in the Old Harbor ferry parking lot. Best lobster roll on the island.
Serving breakfast, lunch dinner and a special late night menu. Fresh local fish, (specials tuna + mahi-mahi when in season) from local fisherman, landlovers menu chowder, clam cakes, salads, and burgers. Eat in or outside. $4–12 "Best prices on the Island" Also visit Rebecca's on the Beach,When going to Block Island most vacationers head straight for the Fred Benson Town Beach, after hours of swimming, tanning, and playing on the beach vacationers often get pretty hungry and there is no better place to grab a burger and fries than Rebecca’s on the beach. Not only are the burgers delicious, but buying a burger and fries at Rebecca’s may be the best value on the entire island. Along with burgers and fries many other great foods are available as well including hot dogs, grilled tuna, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks and ice cream.
May through October, 8AM-1AM. Buffet breakfast and full-service lunch and dinner, including grilled swordfish, sirloin, fried chicken, nachos, lobster rolls, and calamari. $8.25-25.
Corn Neck Road. Contains a very diverse menu from cheeseburgers to seafood entrees.
Water Street. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner overlooking Old Harbor. Affordable wine list, nightly salad bar, fresh seafood, convenient location.
House brewed beer in a family atmosphere. Menu includes wide range of burgers, vegetarian options, Tex-Mex and Asian options. Enjoy A/C in the heart of Old Harbor.
Serves a four-course candle-lit dinner. The Atlantic Inn is a favorite for many famous celebrities.
Contains an à la carte menu featuring fresh seafood, beef & poultry, their own fresh garden vegetables, succulent appetizers & mouth watering homemade desserts.
Serves contemporary cuisine and is well-known to host many weddings.
Contains a menu influenced by French, Italian, American and Asian cuisines.
Pool, large dance floor, dollar beers and drink specials, live music Tu-Su.
Where the locals hang out. Pub food year round, open mic night, karaoke, and unique island ambiance.
Kittens
Sunday night is reggae night! There's a cover, but they always reel in really good live reggae artists. Darts, pool, outside deck, dreadlocks.
Spring St. 23 rooms. Known for their friendly hosts. 1661 ensures a relaxing and comfortable stay. $$$$
Peace and quiet, scenic views and delectable food. 20 rooms, 1 suite.
Summer: +1 401 466-2231, Winter: +1 401 334-1997. Ballards is a great place for those looking to let loose but it is also a wonderful place to lodge for a family vacation. Ballards is very child friendly by comprising an arcade, a toy shop, and lifeguards on the beach. $$
The Inn at Block Island is known for its warmth and hospitality, the Inn is a century old Colonial situated on a knoll in Old Harbor. It was built in 1900 for a sea captain and his family and converted to a B&B in the 1980s. The Inn offers nine rooms and a cottage, all with private baths, air conditioning, some with private entrances and ocean views. Located on the left just past Chapel Street on Old Town Road. It is convenient to both Old Harbor and New Harbor, the airport, town, beach and ferry.
The Barrington Inn is on a hilltop overlooking the New Harbor area. The mood is quiet and welcoming. The Inn offers six rooms and two apartments with private baths, decks and ocean views. The Inn is in walking distance to the town, beach and ferry. The Barrington Inn is situated on the corner of Beach and Ocean Avenue. It is convenient to both Old Harbor and New Harbor, the airport, town, beach and ferry. 6 rooms, 2 apartments.
The Jane Marie Cottage is a 7-bedroom home tucked away in quiet setting off Old Town Road. It can comfortably accommodate up to 18 people. It is perfect for a family in town for that special Block Island wedding or family gathering. The cottage is rented by the week during the summer months from June to September and by the night September to May. Open floor plan with comfortable furniture and bedding. This is a pet free and smoke free home.
The décor is charismatic, the location is idyllic, and the views are pleasant. The location is more private by being set on a hill a little out of town which is ideal if you are looking to stay away from commotion. Bed and Breakfast. $$.
12 rooms, 4 cottages, 3 suites. Beautiful Victorian style within a few feet of the sea. Also, has been newly renovated and has also been said to be Block Island's most romantic Bed and Breakfast!
10-room Victorian B&B with a relaxed atmosphere. Set on a hill, conveniently located between the center of town and New Harbor, with panoramic views of the harbor, ocean and surrounding countryside. The warm & comfortable setting, with inviting rooms, cozy nooks and sprawling lawns. A short walk to town, beaches and marinas. Private baths.
The National is a landmark of Block Island it is in the heart of the historic district and is just minutes from the restaurants, beaches, shops and ferries. The rooms overlook the docks and enclose a very warming New England atmosphere.
The New Shoreham House Inn is a shared bath inn with competitive prices located directly across the street from the Old Harbor Ferry Landing. Easy walking to beaches, shops and restaurants. Deck overlooks town and Old Harbor.
The Old Bakery is on Water Street in the historic district of Old Harbor. This quaint seaside guest house has two suites. The ocean view two bedroom suite and the island view two bedroom suite. Both have access to a large ocean view deck. The Old Bakery is nicely furnished with original hardwood floors and is pet friendly. For your pet there will be an additional charge of $50 per night not to exceed $150 for your stay. 4 guests maximum per suite.
Has a charm of a Bed and Breakfast with the feel of an Inn. Located out of town and just down the road from the airport, which is very convenient.
The Spring House Hotel is the most elegantly recognized historic landmark on Block Island. It overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island foothills. All rooms have queen beds and full service telephones. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. The Spring House Hotel is preferred by many famous celebrities. 50 rooms.
This 36-room historic inn is located across the street from the ferry landing in Old Harbor. The Harborside Inn offers quaint seaside charm with the convenient location in the center of town. Wireless internet, luggage storage also available for guests.
Great place to stay for a family vacation. It is in walking distance to Captain Nick’s and all of the lovely shops.
The Water Street Inn offers 10 rooms all with private bathrooms, ceiling fans and small refrigerator. Some rooms offer views of the ocean while others include A/C. Renovated and located in the historic district. Walk to beaches, shops and restaurants.
Lovely perennial gardens, ocean views and authentic island charm. There are a total of 10 rooms, outdoor sitting areas, a hammock, and kayak. Quietly situated within a short walk from town, restaurants, and ferries in Old Harbor. Fresh continental breakfast included. www.seabreezeblockisland.com
A beautifully renovated property on the beach and steps to everything in town. Every room has a private bath, ocean view, A/C, full breakfast, and afternoon wine hour.
Chapel Sweets is a candy store that specializes in fudge and taffy.
Featuring many books of Block Island for adults and children.
This old fashioned general store has everything any traveler could want. Clothing, candy, and jewelry; this store is a fun filled stop for many visitors to the island.
Full Moon Tide offers an eclectic combination of housewares, giftware, sportswear, jewelry handmade soaps and menswear. Don't miss the unique array of Block Island photographs and funky accessories.
Great tourist shop to buy BI and RI memorabilia.
Be prepared for the sun! Great sunglass shop with designer and fashion sunglasses.
The store specializes in things for the home, from curtains to specialty dinnerware.
This store has items from around the world with a great variety of unique jewelry from shell rings to feather earings.
Womrn's boutique - island sundresses and the latest fashion trends.
Surf apparel -- Roxy, Billabong -- and gear for any water sport.
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