so block island 2014

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the Island is Callingthe insider’s guide to the best Block Island summer everwww.SORhodeIsland.com

Block IslandSummer 2014

* reservation required for vehicle transportationPassenger Bikes Vehicles* Trucks* Freight

Pt. Judith Hi-Speed Ferry

Newport to Block Island

Fall River to Block Island

www.blockislandferry.com866-783-7996

Sail Away on theBLOCK ISLAND FERRY

30 Minute Hi-Speed Ferry

60 MinuteTraditional Ferry

Pt. Judith Traditional Ferry

Dates Days Departing Pt. Judith Departing Block Island

Jan 6 thru

March 23

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun

Mon, ThuTue, Wed

FriSatSun

Mon, ThuTue, Wed

FriSatSun

MonTue - Thu

FriSatSunMon

Tue -ThuFriSatSun

MonTue, Wed, Thu

FriSatSun

Mon

Mon - Fri

Tue - ThuFri

Sat - Sun

Mon - Fri

Sat, Sun

Mon - Fri

Sat, Sun

6:30a, 11a, 4:45p10a10a

6:30a, 11a, 4:45p9a, 1p, 6p

11a, 4p11a, 4p

6:30a, 11a, 4:45p10a, 2:15p9a, 1p, 6p

6:30a,11a, 4p11a, 3p

6:30a, 11a, 4:30p7:30a, 11:30a, 4:30p

7:30a, 1p, 6p6:30a, 11a, 4:30p

11a, 3p

6:30a, 9a,11a, 3p, 5p9a, 11a, 3p, 5p9a, 11a, 3p, 7p9a, 11a, 2p, 5p

9a, 11a, 3p6:30a, 9a, 11a, 3p, 5p

9a, 11a, 3p, 5p9a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p,7p9a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p9a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p

6:30a, 9a, 11a, 3p, 5p9a, 11a, 3p, 5p

9a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p9a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p

9a,11a, 1p, 3p, 5p

8:15a, 2:30p, 6:30p12:30p, 4p

10:45a, 4p. 7:30p8:15a, 2p, 5:30p

1p, 5p

8:15a, 2:30p, 6:30p9:30a 2:30p, 6:30p

9:30a, 4p, 7:30p8:15a, 3p, 6p

1p, 5p8:15a, 11:45a, 3p, 5p8:15a,11:45a, 3p, 5p 8:15a, 11:45a, 3p, 5p

8:15a, 11a,, 3p, 5p8:15a, 11a, 3p, 5p

8:15a, 11:45a, 3p, 5p8:15a,11:45a, 3p, 5p

8:15a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p8:15a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p8:15a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p

8:15a, 11:45a, 3p, 5p8:15a,11:45a, 3p, 5p

8:15a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p8:15a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p8:15a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p

8:15a, 2:30p, 6:30p2:30p2:30p

8:15a, 2:30p, 6:30p10:45a, 4p

8:15a, 2p, 5:30p12:45p, 5:30p

March 24 thru

April 13

April 14 thru

May 2

May 3 thru

May 18

May 19 thru

May 25

May 26 Memorial

Day

May 27thru

June 15

Jun 16thru

Jun 20

Jun 21thru

Aug 24

Aug 25thru

Aug 31

Sep 1LaborDay

Sept 2thru

Sep 7

Sep 8thru

Oct 10

Dec 22thru

Dec 28

Dec 29thruJan 42015

8a, 9:30a, 10:30a, 11:45a, 1:30p, 3p, 5:45p, 7p

8a, 10a, 11:30a, 12:45p, 3p, 4p, 5:15p, 7:45p

8a, 10a, 11:30a, 12:45p, 3p, 5p, 6p, 8p, 9p

8a, 9:30a, 10:30a, 11:45a, 1:30p, 4p, 6p, 7p, 8p

8:15a, 11a, 1:30p, 3:30p, 5:15p, 7p

8:15a, 11a, 1:30p, 3:30p, 5:15p, 7p

8:15a, 10a, 11:30a, 12:45p, 3p, 4p, 5:30p, 7p, 8p

8:15a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p9a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p

8:30a, 11a, 1:30p, 3:30p, 5:15p, 7p

8:30a, 11a, 1:30p, 3:30p, 5:15p, 7p

FriJuly 4 8a, 9:30a, 10:30a, 11:45a, 1:30p, 4p, 5p, 6p, 8p

8a, 10a, 11:30a, 12:45p, 3p, 4p, 5:30p, 7p, 8p

8a, 9:30a, 10:30a, 11:45a, 1:30p, 3:30p, 5p, 6p, 7p

Mon

Mon - ThuFriSatSun

MonTue - Thu

FriSatSun


8a, 9:30a, 10:30a, 11:45a, 1:30p, 3:30p, 5p, 6p, 7p

8:15a, 10a, 11:30a, 12:45p, 3p, 4p, 5:30p, 7p, 8p

9a, 11a, 3p, 5p8:30a, 11a, 1:30p, 3:30p, 5:15p, 7p

9a, 11a, 1p, 5p9a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p

6:30a, 11a, 4:45p10a, 4p

9a, 1p, 6p11a, 4p11a, 4p

6:30a, 11a, 4:45p10a

10a, 2:30p

9a, 1p, 6p11a, 4p11a, 4p

8:15a, 2:30p, 6:30p12:45p, 5:30p

10:45a, 4p8:15a, 2p, 5:30p12:45p, 5:30p

8:15a, 2:30p, 6:30p2:30p

12:30p, 4p

10:45a, 4p8:15a, 2p, 5:30p12:45p, 5:30p

Oct 11thru

Oct 13

Oct 14thru

Oct 19

Oct 20thru

Nov 23

Nov 24thru

Nov 30

Dec 1thru

Dec 21

SatSunMon

Tue, WedThuFriSatSunMon

Tue, WedThuFriSatSun

MonTue, Wed

ThuFriSatSun


9a, 11a,1p, 5p9a, 11a, 1p, 5p

8:30a, 11a, 1:30p, 3:30p, 5:15p, 7p7:30a, 11:30a, 4 :30p

6:30a, 11a, 4:30p7:30a, 1p, 6p

7:15a, 11a, 4p8a, 12p, 4p

6:30a, 11a, 4:45p10a, 2:15p

6:30a, 11a, 4:45p9a, 1p, 6p

11a, 4p11a, 4p

6:30a, 11a, 4:45p10a

6:30a, 11a, 4:45p9a, 1p, 6p

11a, 4p11a, 4p

6:30a, 11a, 4:45p10a, 2:15p

6:30a, 11a, 4:45p11a

9a, 1p, 6p10a, 3:30p7a, 11a, 4p

9:30a, 2:30p, 6:30p8:15a, 2:30p, 6:30p

9:30a, 4p, 7:30p9a, 2p, 6p

10:a, 2p, 6p

8:15a, 2:30p, 6:30p12:30p, 4p

8:15a, 2:30p, 6:30p10:45a, 4p

8:15a, 2p, 5:30p12:45p, 5:30p

8:15a, 2:30p, 6:30p2:30p

8:15a, 2:30p, 6:30p10:45a, 4p

8:15a, 2p, 5:30p12:45p, 5:30p

8:15a, 2:30p, 6:30p12:30p, 4p

8:15a, 2:30p, 6:30p12:30p

10:45a, 4p, 7:30p12:45p, 5:15p9a, 2p, 5:45p

8:15a, 11a, 3p, 5p8:15a, 11a, 3p, 5p

8:15a, 11a, 1:30p, 3:30p, 5:15p, 7p

8:15a, 11:45a, 3p, 5p8:15a, 11a, 1:30p, 3:30p, 5:15p, 7p

8:15a, 11a, 3p, 5p8:15a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p

Christmas ~ No Ferry Service

9a, 11a, 3p, 5p8:30a, 11a, 1:30p, 3:30p,

5:15p, 7p9a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p

8:15a, 11:45a, 3p, 5p8:15a, 11a, 1:30p, 3:30p,

5:15p, 7p8:15a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p

Dates Days Departing Pt. Judith Departing Block Island • Docks in the center of town at Old Harbor

Dates Days Departing Newport Departing Block IslandJune 21

thruSept 1

Mon-Sun 9:45a, 12:30p 11:15a, 6:05p

Dates Days Departing Fall River Departing Block IslandJune 21

thruSept 1

Mon-Sun 8:30a 6:05p

Departs Perrotti Park, Downtown Newport

Departs State Pier, One Water Street, Fall River

Dates Days Departing Pt. Judith Departing Block Island

May 22 thru

June 20

Sept 2 thru

Oct 13

June 21 thru

Sept 1

Mon -Fri

Sat, Sun

Mon -Fri

Sat, Sun

Mon-Sun

8a, 10:30a, 12:30p, 5:30p

Memorial Day - Monday, May 26 - use Sunday schedule

8a, 10:30a, 12:30p,3:30p, 5:30p

7:15a, 9a, 11:10a, 1:20p, 4:40p, 6:45p

8a, 10:30a, 12:30p, 5:45p

8:15a, 10:30a,12:30p,3:30p, 5:45p

7:55a, 10:05a, 12:15p, 3:30p, 5:45p, 7:35p

9a, 11:30a, 4:30p, 6:30p

9a, 11:30a, 1:30p, 4:30p, 6:30p

9a, 11:30a, 1:30p, 4:30p, 6:30p

Labor Day - Monday, Sept. 1 - use Sunday schedule

Columbus Day - Monday, Oct. 13 - use Sunday schedule

9a, 11:30a, 4:30p, 6:30p

Visit the website for a full schedule

/TheBlockIslandFerry@BlockIsleFerry

Service from Pt. Judith, Newport, and Fall River.

Departs State Pier, Galilee

Departs State Pier, Galilee

Check Our Website For Vacation

Packages!

79A Tom HarveyRoad

Right near the airport

L I G H T I N G H A R D WA R E P L U M B I N G

Detox.

Ardente WaterSpot is conveniently located near the airport in Westerly, just minutes away by flight. We have daily deliveries to Block Island. Call us and we’ll pick you up at the Westerly Airport.

79A Tom Harvey Road Westerly, RI 401-315-2727 water-spot.com

BosToN | NATICK | PRoVIDENCE | WEsTERLY | WooNsoCKET

SO Block Island | 5

(401) 295-1100 • [email protected]

affORDabLE & CONVENIENT

Let us be your #1 choice

to and from the ferry!

Eat in, or take out - sit and enjoy the view from our decks

Only live lobster tank on the island

atfill

Seafood Restaurant & Fish Market

212 Water Street, Old Harbor Block Island, RI • (401) 466.2473 Across from the ferry landing

Paddleboard & Surf Lessons

Surfing instruction for allAges and skill levelsGuided spearfishing excursionsEquipment rentals

Vacation Packages and Paddle Membership AvailableOcean Adventures(401) [email protected]

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Contents 9 Transportation

Get to and around the island

10 Accommodations

Find a cozy place to stay

13 Calendar of Events

Keep the fun going all summer

18 Block Island Map

Learn the lay of the land

21 Water Street

Explore the lively town center

23 New Harbor

Venture over to the other side of the island

25 Dodge Street &

Corn Neck Road

Visit some of the locals’ favorite haunts

26 Beach Guide

Come on in, the water’s fine

29 Get Active

Stay on the move by land or sea

30 Nature & Scenery

Take in the island’s natural beauty

32 Dining Guide

Have a taste of the island’s food scene

The soaring cliffs of Mohegan Bluffs are one of the island’s most famous landmarks 29

Find up-to-date events and more information at

www.SoRhodeIsland.com

On the cover:A view of Water Street

and Old Harbor from

the Surf Hotel.

photographed by:

Michael Melford

BlockIslandBedAndBreakfast.com (401) 466-2912

6 | SO Block Island

Block Island’s Premier Waterfront Hotel

�45�rooms�with�private�baths,�televisions�&�telephones

Full�service�restaurant�serving�breakfast,�lunch�and�dinner

Right�across�from�the�Ferry�Landing

Live Entertainment

Come try our award winning Clam Chowder

Summer Special*

*Use Promo Code SOBI online or mentionthis ad when making your reservation.

Book Any Room Midweek Night And A�Three-Course�Dinner�Is�Included!

(800) 225-2449 • www.blockislandhotels.com

Original Block Island Inspired Gifts & Unique Accessories

For Cottage, Beach, Baby, Pets And Much, Much More

401.859.1524 • Water Street (under the National Hotel)www.BlockIslandTradingCompany.com

Provisions for Island Time

ice cream shakes

smoothies waffle cones

Only 100 Steps From The Ferry!

Located Right Across From The Ferry Landing In Old Harbor – Water Street

(401) 466 - 5430

SO Block Island | 7

Old Harbor Dock

401-864-2474

Established 1989

www.blockislandparasail.com

banana boat Rides aRe back

1070 Main St., Suite 302, Pawtucket RI 02860 For advertising rates call: 401-305-3391

www.SoRhodeIsland.com • [email protected]/SoRhodeIslandmag

PublishersBarry FainRichard FleischerJohn Howell

Publishing DirectorJeanette St. Pierre

Executive EditorJulie Tremaine

Special Projects ManagerJohn Taraborelli

Digital ManagerElyena de Goguel

Associate EditorGrace Lentini

Art DirectorMeghan H. Follett

Assistant Art DirectorVeatsna Sok

Advertising Design DirectorLayheang Meas

We welcome all contributions, but we assume no re-sponsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part with-out prior written permission.

Graphic DesignersCaitlin Musso, Jason Lee

Account ManagersAnn Gallagher, Kristine Mangan, Elizabeth Riel

Contributing PhotographersMarylou Butler, Stacey Doyle, Stephanie Izzo, Tiffany Medrano, Michael Melford, Julie Tremaine

InternsAnita Baffoni, Miranda Bassage, Daren DeFrank, Elizabeth Lorenz, Christina Mice-la, Paige Snyder, Stacey Swift

Brought to you by

Copyright ©2014 by Providence Media, All rights reserved. Distributed by Special Delivery

Welcome to Block Island. Whether you’re a first timer or a return visitor, there is always something new and wonderful to discover in the Ocean State’s island getaway. Once you step off the ferry (or plane) you’ll discover a destination that is both booming summer resort town and unspoiled nature retreat. With a bustling town center, some of the best beaches you’ll find any-where and acre upon acre of preserved land to explore via hiking trails, Block Island offers enough to do for a weekend escape, an extended vacation or even a whole summer.

Of course, we could never cover all that Block Island has to of-fer, but this is your introduction to some of the can’t-miss things to see, do and discover. A quick note before you set off: exact street addresses are maddeningly rare on the island. Most build-ings don’t have street numbers in a place where the locals still collect their mail at the post office. Thus, we have done our best to provide you with useful locations and contact info, but when in doubt, ask a local!

Your Island Adventure Awaits

8 | SO Block Island

When You’re Ready For The Best, Call Little Rest

Clean comfortable vehicles to meet your every expectation

Mainland Transportation Of Choice

401-294-1414 • Located in South county Book onLine at LittLereStLimo.com

Little Rest Livery Inc.

ChartersOld HarbOr • blOck ISland

since 1982

All BAit & tAckle Provided

2 HOurS $290 • 3 HOurS $390 • 4 HOurS $490 Great rateS

reServatIOnS OffIce: 401-466-5151 • bOat: 484-431-7131

cAPtAin Bill Gouldwww.GWilliecharters.com

BASS • BlueS • FlukeINSIDER TIP:If you don’t feel like paying to park at the airport or ferry dock, or just want to arrive in style, A Airline Express (401-295-1100, air-lineexpresslimousine.com) and Little Rest Livery (401-294-1414, lit-tlerestlimo.com) both offer car service to and from your destination.

TransportationGetting to the island by boat or plane

(we don’t recommend swimming)

The best-known method of trav-eling to the island is, of course, the Block Island Ferry. It even has its own theme song (cue steel drums) and signature cocktail (the Chai-tini). There are both a bar and snack bar on board, but take a lesson from us: no matter how much you beg and plead, the bar will not serve alcohol until the ferry leaves the dock.

There are three departure points for the ferry. Point Judith is the most common, offering both traditional (55 minutes) and high-speed (30 minutes) service. Newport and Fall River offer high-speed service only. For full schedule and more information, visit blockislandferry.com or call 401-783-4613.

Point Judith304 Great Island Rd., NarragansettBoth traditional and high-speed schedules vary throughout the season. Check the website for a detailed schedule.

NewportPerotti Park, America’s Cup Ave.June 21-September 1Monday-SundayDeparts Newport at 9:45am and 12:30pm; departs Block Island at 11:15am and 6:05pm.

Fall RiverFall River State Pier, 1 Water St.June 21-September 1Monday-SundayDeparts Fall River at 8:30am; departs Block Island at 6:05pm.

If you absolutely can’t wait a whole half-hour to get your is-land adventure started, your aerial option will get you there in a scant 12 minutes. Departures

from Westerly State Airport are every hour on the half-hour dur-ing peak months. 56 Airport Rd., Westerly. 800-243-2460, block-island.com/nea

Block Island Ferry

New England Airlines

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Sunset on the ferry

SO Block Island | 9

Dodge Street, Block Island • (401) 466-2918www.thegothicinn.com • email: [email protected]

The Gothic Inn

Situated by the sea in the heart of the historic

district, the Gothic Inn

combines the convenience of

location with the warm hospitality

of a family run country inn.

Some pet friendly

roomsSpecial rates Mon-Thurs

through Labor Day

ONLY 12 MINUTESBetween Westerlyand Block Island

Discover Block IslandThe Bermuda of the North

Unspoiled Beaches • The Bluffs• Windsurfing • Sailing...

Hourly Flights • Daily • Year-RoundCharter flights anywhere

Westerly 401-596-2460 • E-mail: [email protected] Free 800-243-2460

www.Block-Island.com/nea

INSIDER TIP:Want to get around and learn about the island at the same time? There are no public bus or trolley tours, but MIg Rig’s Taxi (401-480-0493) will arrange a one-hour guided tour narrated by your driver. Pickup is available at the Taxi Stand located in Old Harbor or any location of your choice.

TransportationOnce you’ve arrived on the island,

you’ll need to get around

Block Island is easy to navigate without a car. Much of what you want to see and do is within an easy walk from the ferry, but if you really want to explore, your best options are taxi, bicycle and moped.

McGovern’s Taxi401-862-6087 mcgovernstaxi.com

Mig’s Rig Taxi 401-480-0493 migsrigtaxi.com

Rondo’s Taxi 401-446-5550

Aldo’s Mopeds and BikesWeldon’s Way401-466-5018

Island Moped and Bike41 Water St.401-741-2329bimopeds.com

Old Harbor Bike ShopWater St.401-466-2029 blockislandtransportation.com

The Moped Man435 Water St.401-466-5444 themopedman.com

Taxi

Bicycle/Moped

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10 | SO Block Island

Atlantic InnNumber of rooms: 21Room types: 21 guest rooms of all different sizesAmenities: Private bath and telephone, wrap-around verandaDining: Fine dining, tapas and cocktails, complimentary continental breakfast Distance from ferry: 0.5 mileHigh St. 800-224-7422, atlanticinn.com.

Ballard’s InnNumber of rooms: 5Room types: two queens, king, deluxe with two queens and balconyAmenities: private baths, 40-inch flat screen with DirecTV, air conditioning, wireless inter-net, private beachDining: Full restaurant and barDistance from ferry: 0.1 mile Water St. 401-466-2231, ballardsinn.com.

The Gothic InnNumber of rooms: Nine guest rooms, one large guest suite and three apartments Room types: Standard guest room, one large guest suite with a queen size bed and queen size sleeping sofaAmenities: Private bath in suites, TV/satel-lite, refrigerator, apartments each have a kitchen and two bedrooms, pet-friendly Dining: continental breakfastDistance from ferry: 0.4 mileDodge St. 401-466-2918, thegothicinn.com

Hotel ManissesNumber of rooms: 17Room types: Double, queen, king and two doublesAmenities: All rooms have private baths; some have refrigerator, TV, spa tub or pri-vate porchDining: Fine dining served nightly in the Dining RoomDistance from ferry: 0.2 mile

5 Spring St. 401-466-2421, blockislandre-sorts.com

Narragansett InnNumber of rooms: Four Victorian style buildings with 17 guest rooms totalRoom types: Queen or two twins, room for two with running water or private bath, two- or three-room suite with private bathAmenities: Private beach for guests Dining: Catered events and a dinner menu full of seafood prepared by Chef Al Lemire Distance from ferry: 0.5 mileOcean Ave. 401-466-2626, narragansettinn.net

The 1661 InnNumber of rooms: 9Room types: Queen, king and double queenAmenities: All rooms have private baths, television and small refrigerators; canopy beds, decks and whirlpool tubs available in some rooms.

Dining: Champagne buffet breakfastDistance from ferry: 0.2 miles5 Spring St. 401-466-2421; blockislandresorts.com

The National HotelNumber of rooms: 45Room types: Double, ocean or island view twin or queen, queen/double, queen supe-rior, skylight deluxe, ocean or island view suite, Old Harbor suiteAmenities: Recently renovated; rooms feature private baths, televisions and tele-phones; includes a wrap-around porch Dining: Tap & Grille Steak House (seafood and steak)Distance from Ferry: 0.2 mileWater St. 800-225-2449, 401-466-2901, blockislandhotels.com

The Atlantic Inn exterior, lobby (L) and bar (below)

AccommodationsWhere (and how) to stay on the island

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SO Block Island | 11

Sea Breeze InnNumber of rooms: 10Room types: Two bedrooms with one shared bath and a sitting room, or five rooms with private entrances and private baths, some with porches.Amenities: Daily room cleaning, beach tow-els, bike rentals, racks, helmets, locks, island maps, menus, trail books, hairdryers, irons available on request, small guest refrigera-tor, outdoor shower Dining: Freshly baked pastries, organic yogurts, seasonal fruit, locally roasted or-ganic fair trade coffee

Distance from ferry: 0.4 mileSpring St. 401-466-2257, seabreezeblockis-land.com

Spring House HotelNumber of rooms: 33, plus four cottages Room types: Standard, studio suite, suite, double, deluxe suiteAmenities: All rooms have private bath, ceil-ing fan and flat-screen TVDining: Fine dining in Dining Room; casual fare in Veranda Café; coffee, dessert and cocktails in Victoria’s Parlor Distance from ferry: 0.4 mileSpring St. 401-466-5844, springhousehotel.com

Surf HotelNumber of rooms: 35Room types: Single, double, double plus single bed, one handicapped with bathroomAmenities: Wash basin in every room; HDTV, giant chess set and library in lobbyDining: Breakfast, lunch and dinner in dining room or outside on deck; cocktails in the in-door and outdoor bars (with entertainment) Distance from ferry: 0.1 mile32 Dodge St. 401-466-2241, thesurfhotelbi.com

Other Resources HOUSE RENTALS Ballard Hall Real Estate 401-466-8883, blockislandproperty.com

Beach Real Estate401-466-2312, bibeachrealestate.com

Lila Delman Real Estate401-789-6666, liladelman.com

VISITOR INFORMATION Block Island Accommodations 401-466-2912, blockislandbedandbreakfast.com

Block Island Chamber of Commerce800-383-BIRI (2474) blockislandchamber.com/visitor-info/ accommodations

Block Island ReservationsWater St. 401-466-2605, blockislandreserva-tions.com

A cottage bedroom at the Spring House

Accommodations CONTINUED

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Enjoy a cocktail at the Spring House’s beautiful veranda bar

The National Hotel


CASUAL DININGALDO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & PIZZE-RIA Family business serving traditional Ital-ian favorites for over 30 years. Chapel St. 401-466-5871, aldosrestaurantblockisland.com L D $$-$$$

THE BEACHEAD Fresh seafood classics served on a great wraparound porch across from Crescent Beach. Corn Neck Rd. 401-466-2249, thebeachead.com L D $$

BETHANY’S AIRPORT DINER Hidden trea-sure serving hearty, diner-style breakfast and lunch fare. Block Island State Airport, Center Rd. 401-466-3100 B L $

FINN’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Fresh, clas-sic preparations of seafood from the restau-rant’s own in-house fish market. Water St. 401-466-2473, finnsseafood.com L D $$

MEXICAN ON THE DECK Mexican favor-ites with a seafood twist on the deck at McGovern’s Yellow Kittens. Corn Neck Rd. at Ocean Ave. 401-466-5855, mexicanon-thedeck.net L D $$

MOHEGAN CAFÉ Block Island’s only brew-pub, offering locally brewed beer to comple-ment seafood, sandwiches and more. Water St. 401-466-5911, moheganbi.com L D $$

THE OAR Casual fare, including famous chowder and a full sushi bar, with a view of Great Salt Pond. Jobs Hill Rd. 401-466-8820, blockislandresorts.com L D $-$$

PAPA’S PIZZERIA Quick, casual pizza, sand-wiches, wraps and salads. Corn Neck Rd. 401-466-9939 L D $

POOR PEOPLE’S PUB Creative pub fare and daily specials with a relaxed, friendly vibe. Ocean Ave. 401-466-8533, poorpeoplespub.com L D $$

REBECCA’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT A convenient first (or last) stop for classic din-er and shore fare, just steps from the ferry landing. Water St. at the Old Harbor Ferry Landing. 401-466-5411 B L D $-$$

UPSCALE DININGDEAD EYE DICK’S Fresh, local seafood and raw bar with creative cocktails and a great selection of wines and craft brews. Ocean Ave. (at Payne’s Dock). 401-466-2654, deadeyedicksbi.com L D $$-$$$

ELI’S Fine dining and seafood with lots of vegetarian options and famous desserts. Chapel St. 401-466-5230, elisblockisland.com D $$$

WINFIELD’S Haute New American cui-sine with French, Italian and Asian influ-ences, and a great wine list. Corn Neck Rd. 401-466-5856, winfieldsrestaurant.net D $$$

HOTEL DINING1661 INN Famous brunch buffet with com-plimentary champagne, offering a taste of New England. Spring Street. 401-466-2421, blockislandresorts.com Br $$

ATLANTIC INN RESTAURANT Local seafood and homegrown vegetables with award-win-ning wine list in an elegant setting. High St. 800-224-7422, atlanticinn.com D $$$

BALLARD’S INN Great seafood and casual fare, with cocktail service directly to the beach. Water St. 401-466-2231, ballardsinn.com L D $$

HOTEL MANISSES Eclectic, upscale meat and seafood dishes in a romantic atmo-sphere. Spring Street. 401-466-2421, blockis-landresorts.com D $$$

NARRAGANSETT INN Creative seafood and meats, plus house-made pastas, with dramat-ic sunset views. Ocean Ave. 401-466-2626, narragansettinn.net B D $$$

SPRING HOUSE HOTEL Upscale cuisine in the Dining Room, casual fare in the Veranda Café and dessert and cocktails in Victoria’s Parlor. Spring St. 401-466-5844 springhouse-hotel.com L D $$$

THE TAP & GRILLE Block Island’s only steak-house, located in the National Hotel with great views of the harbor. Water St. 401-466-2901, nationalri.com/tapandgrille B L D $$-$$$

Dining GuideEnjoy the flavors of Block Island

Key B breakfast Br brunch L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+

Full Bar Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating Open Late Family Friendly Live Entertainment

Dine al fresco at the Spring House


Touches of the past... the comforts of today.Come enjoy old-fashioned hospitality, timeless ocean views, comfortable rooms,

and enjoyable dining. We’re close to town, but pleasantly removed from the hubbub.

The 1661 Inn & Hotel ManissesOpen year-round • Dining in-season • 401-466-2421 • blockislandresorts.com

Hotel Manisses, Circa 1880

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ALL SUMMERThe Block Island Glass Float Project con-sists of 550 glass floats (glass orbs about the size of a grapefruit) that are hidden around the island. One super special float is made entirely out of gold leaf. Find-er’s keepers, but one per person, please. blockislandinfo.com/glass-float-project

JUNEMAY 30-JUNE 1: A $5 button gets you deli-cious food samples and exclusive shopping discounts at participating restaurants and merchants during the Taste of Block Island. 800-383-2474, tasteofbi.com

JUNE 10-15: Rock out to six days of the free Block Island Music Festival, featuring music by the best “undiscovered” musicians in the north-east. Captain Nick’s Rock n’ Roll Bar, 34 Ocean Ave. 401-466-5670, blockislandmusic.com

JUNE 16-22: Enjoy three-course prix-fixe meals and specials at exceptional prices at over 17 participating restaurants during Block Island Restaurant Week. blockis-landchamber.com

JUNE 20-21: Live every day like it’s Shark Week during Block Island Sharkfest, a two-day fishing tournament. Block Island Boat Basin. 860-739-7419, jbtackle.com

JUNE 23-27: Attend or participate in Block Island Race Week XXVI and enjoy the beauty as sailboats race around the island. Block Island Boat Basin. 203-458-3295, blockislandraceweek.org

JULyJULY 3: Watch the Block Island Fireworks from the beach at dusk in honor of the In-dependence Day. Crescent Beach. blockis-landchamber.com

JULY 3: Or, pair your fireworks with a picnic in front of the beautiful Sullivan House at the second annual Fireworks Picnic. Corn Neck Rd. 401-466-5020, cgspblockisland.org

JULY 4: Stroll along with friends and family

and join the celebration at the Block Is-land 4th of July Parade, which begins at 11am. Begins at New Harbor and ends in the Old Harbor. blockislandchamber.com

JULY 4: Head over to Firebarn for the Fire Department Steak Fry to enjoy a delicious cookout after the parade. Beach Ave. 800-383-2474, blockislandchamber.com

JULY 6: The Block Island Arts & Crafts Fair features jewelry, knitted items, paint-ings and more created by local artists and craftspeople. Block Island Historical Soci-ety Lawn, Old Town Rd. blockislandcham-ber.com

JULY 9, 23: Grab your beach chairs and blankets for the Blues on the Block con-certs. Fred Benson Town Beach

JULY 13: Start planning the perfect wed-ding at the 5th Annual Block Island Wed-ding Show. The Sullivan House, Corn Neck Rd. 401-659-6059, blockislandwedding-show.com

ISLAND TRIVIAThe statue of Rebecca at the Well was erected by the Women’s Christian Temperance Movement, but a close look at the modern day statue (a faithful replica of the original) and her grapes and amphora hint that the late-1800s statue supply company may have mixed up the biblical figure with a more wine-friendly Greek god-dess, Hebe.

Summer CalendarMake the most out of your trip with these fun events

JULY 4: Block Island 4th of July Parade


JULY 16: Renowned organist Walter Hilse per-forms as part of the free Block Island Summer Concert Series. Harbor Baptist Church, Water St. [email protected]

JULY 23: Virtuoso Ian Ethan Case brings his double acoustic guitar to the free Block Island Summer Concert Series. St. Andrews Parish Center, Spring St. [email protected]

AUGUSTAUGUST 2: The annual Block Island Tri-athlon begins with a 1/4-mile swim, fol-lowed by a 12-mile bike and concludes with a four-mile run on Block Island’s East Beaches. Fred Benson Town Beach, Corn Neck Rd. 401-466-7717, blockislandcham-ber.com.

AUGUST 3-6: The Tri State Canyon Shootout is one of the premier fishing tournaments in the Northeast, departing from the Block Is-land Boat Basin. 860-739-7419, jbtackle.com

AUGUST 3-17: Spend the day at the Block Island Artist Guild Fair and browse items by local artists, photographers, weavers, ceramists and candle-makers. Block Island Historical Society Lawn, Old Town Rd. 401-466-2481, blockislandferry.com/events-2

AUGUST 6: World class classical pianist Martin Soderberg makes his island debut

at the free Block Island Summer Concert Series. St. Andrews Parish Center, Spring St. [email protected]

AUGUST 6: The music continues in August with another installment of Blues on the Block. Bring your chair and enjoy. Fred Benson Town Beach

AUGUST 20: Soprano vocalist Megan Bisceglia performs at the free Block Is-land Summer Concert Series. St. Andrews Parish Center, Spring St. [email protected]

AUGUST 25-26: Head over to the Block Is-land Schooner Rendezvous and check out all of the ships, such as the Mystic Whaler, which will serve as flagship for the event. Paynes Dock, Great Salt Pond, 133 Ocean Ave. 401-466-5572, blockislandschooner-rendezvous.net

AUGUST 25-29: Sign up the kids for BI Surf Camp where they can learn the basics of catching waves. 800-383-2474, blockis-landchamber.com.

SEpTEMbERSEPTEMBER 3: Jazz-fusion trio Kyoshii performs at the free Block Island Summer Concert Series. St. Andrews Parish Center, Spring St. [email protected]

SEPTEMBER 6: Participate in the 39th an-nual 15K Run Around the Block, a two-loop course with plenty of water stops along the way. Starts at Fresh Pond on Center Rd., ends at Champlin’s Marina in New Harbor. 401-466-5001, blockisland-chamber.com

AUGUST 2: Block Island Triathlon

Summer Calendar CONTINUED

ISLAND TRIVIARiptides at Cow Cove once carried a dog miles offshore in a matter of minutes. He was, incredibly, res-cued by a fishing boat, but legend says earlier generations of surfcast-ers were not so lucky.


Your button is your passport to savings and events. Buy

them at the ChamberOffice in Old Harbor.

www.tasteofbi.com800.383.2474 • 401.466.2474

Two Great Events ForSpring & Fall

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SEPTEMBER 8-15: Attendees of the 20th Annual East Side Art Cen-ter Workshop will have the opportunity to work with a professional painter while visiting Block Island’s most beautiful scenery. Summer Hill, Connecticut Ave. 401-331-2021, eastsideartcenter.com.

SEPTEMBER 12-14: Fish all weekend and win prizes at the Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament. Check in and register at Block Island Fishworks on Ocean Avenue or Twin Maples on Beach Avenue. 401-466-5392, bifishworks.com

SEPTEMBER 26-28: The Taste of Block Island returns to wrap up the summer. As always, a $5 button gets you delicious food samples and exclusive shopping discounts. 800-383-2474, tasteofbi.com

SEPTEMBER 26-28: The Taste of Block Island

Summer CalendarCONTINUED

ISLAND TRIVIAbefore the Old Harbor breakwater opened it up to tour-ism in 1872, block Island was a farming and fishing community known for its excellent produce (the secret: Seaweed mulch) and “double-ender” small fishing sail-boats that could be pulled up on shore.

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Aldo’s ItAlIAnseAfood RestAuRAnt

Weldon’s Way • 401-466-5871www.aldosrestaurantblockisland.com

In the Heart of old Harbor

PAstA & seAfood • PIzzA • sAndwIcHes sAlAds • full BAR (Specialty MartiniS)

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Poor PeoPle's Pub

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The Narragansett InnAvailable for private functions,

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Please call for reservations!

The

NarragansettInn

1 Ocean Avenue, Block Island401-466-2626

www.narragansettinn.net


Water StreetBlock Island’s bustling town center

by Pippa Jack

WHERE TO FIND:Aldo’s 401-466-2198, aldosbakery.com

Block Island Trading Company Water St., at the National Hotel. 401-859-1524, blockislandtradingcompany.com

Bonnie & Clyde Water St. 401-466-8895

Building Blocks and Star Department Store Water St. 401-466-5541

Eli’s Chapel St. 401-466-5883,elisblockisland.com

Empire Theatre Water St. 401-466-2555

Finn’s Seafood Water St. 401- 466-2473, finnsseafood.com

Froozies Dodge St. 401-466-2230, frooziesblockisland.com

Glass Onion Water St. 401-466-5161, glassonionblockisland.com

Golddiggers Chapel St. 401-466-2611

Hotel Manisses Spring St. 401- 466-2421, blockislandresorts.com

The Ice Cream Place Weldon’s Way. 401-466-2145

Island Bound BookstoreWater St. 401-466-8878, islandboundbookstore.com

Jessie Edwards Water St., 2nd flr. 401-466-5314, jessieedwardsgallery.com

Mohegan Café Water St. 401-466-5911, moheganbi.com

Photo Dog Water St. 401-466-5858

Rebecca’s Water St. 401-466-5411

Spring House Hotel Spring St. 401-466-5844, springhousehotel.com

The Wave Water St. 401-466-8822

Most visitors arrive here first, fresh off the ferries from Point Judith, Newport and New London, and a Visitor’s Center near the docks offers bathrooms, maps, help with last-minute lodging and other friendly guidance. Finn’s Seafood, a classic shore dinner hall, is still the best spot for raw bar and lobster dinners; it also boasts a small fish market with outstanding fresh offerings, and a takeout window for that last lobster roll before you board the ferry home.

Walk up to Water Street proper, and bicy-cle and moped rental businesses line the strip alongside small shops and cafés. Just past the statue of Rebecca (a landmark erected in 1896 by the Women’s Christian Temper-ance Movement at the intersection of Wa-ter, Spring and High Streets), the post office building also houses Island Bound Bookstore (you know you don’t want to risk your Kindle on the beach) and Jessie Edwards art studio. Beyond that are upscale dining destinations the Hotel Manisses and Spring House Hotel.

Back in town, grab lunch to go, like solid, well-priced diner food from Rebecca’s takeout or excellent breakfast burritos, falafel, grilled cheese and smoothies at Froozies, tucked away on the back porch of the National Ho-tel; or escape the heat at Mohegan Café, a brewpub with air conditioning. Don’t forget to

check out the billboard of the historic Empire Theatre to see what’s playing. Fashionistas will delight in The Wave and Bonnie & Clyde; kids will love Building Blocks and Star Department Store; interior designer types will find much to tempt at Glass Onion, Photo Dog and Block Island Trading Company. Venture down Cha-pel Street to find original island-themed jew-elry designs at Golddiggers; opposite is tiny fine-dining hot spot Eli’s. On Weldon’s Way, The Ice Cream Place and Aldo’s vie for best ice-cream.P

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Dine at the Hotel Manisses


226 Water Street 401-466-5254

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This cluster of bars, restaurants and hotels lining the southern shore of the is-land’s pristine Great Salt Pond is a 20-min-ute walk (or five-minute cab ride) up Ocean Avenue from Old Harbor, where the ferry ar-rives. Three marinas organize the layout. First comes Payne’s Dock, where a cluster of at-tractions includes the Block Island Maritime Institute’s sea-life touch tanks, a sure winner with kids or anyone who wants to see how fast a scallop can move (you’ll jump!) when a crab gets too close. The tanks are on the edge of the pond, right behind a building that houses the irresistible Payne’s Donuts. Next comes Dead Eye Dick’s, an old island favor-ite that’s recently upped its game (think up-dated classics like Nicoise salad and truffled

lobster fettuccini). The Narragansett Inn is a lovely Victorian that’s the only historic hotel still run by the family that built it, and features a gracious porch with outstanding views of the pond at sunset, plus cocktails and well-executed seafood standards. Ocean Avenue turns into wooden docks after that, where you can grab a good burger at The Burger Bar at Payne’s Dock or sip that island clas-sic, a frozen Mudslide, while listening to local favorite Walter McDonough play Irish tunes

at Mahogany Shoals, a small shack built over the water and surrounded by million-dollar yachts that provide opportunities for ogling.

Go up West Side Road and the Boat Basin marina beckons down a short road, includ-ing a small marine shop and great sushi and fried chicken at The Oar. The next right leads to the large Champlin’s Marina, with a suite of amenities including Oceanwest Theater, small boat rentals, a pool for guests complete with tiki bar and restaurant, and Trader Vic’s, another bar built out over the docks, with a breezy second-floor patio.

New HarborDine and drink on the shores of Salt Pond

by Pippa Jack

WHERE TO FIND:Block Island Maritime Institute Ocean Ave. 401-466-7938, bimaritime.org

Boat BasinJobs Hill Rd. 401-466-2631, blockislandboatbasin.net

Champlin’s MarinaWest Side Rd. 401-466-7777, champlinsresort.com

Dead Eye Dick’sOcean Ave. 401-466-2654, deadeyedicksbi.com

The Narragansett InnOcean Ave. 401-466-2626, narragansettinn.net

The OarJobs Hill Rd. 401-466-8820

Oceanwest Theater West Side Rd. 401-466-2971

Payne’s Dock Ocean Ave. 401-466-5572

Payne’s Donuts Ocean Ave. 401-466-5758

Burger Bar at Payne’s DockOcean Ave. 401-466-5572

Trader Vic’s West Side Rd.

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Water Street curves into Dodge right at the Surf Hotel, which re-opened last year after a five-year hiatus. It offers food, cocktails and amazing views from its back deck. Opposite is the Island Free Library, the best (and almost the only) rainy day ac-tivity for kids. It boasts a treasure trove of books and other activities aimed at young-er readers, as well as plenty to keep adults happy, including a well-stocked periodicals room. Bird’s Nest and Watercolors are next; both charm with eclectic home goods. A little further down lie Red Bird Liquor Store, which keeps up with the times with pre-mixed cocktail options and a small but well curated selection of wines; and Juice ’n Java coffee shop, which does the same with pay-as-you-go wifi, Hawaiian shaved ice and to-die-for fresh smoked bluefish.

At Bridgegate Square sit two icons of modern-day Block Island: on one corner, Diamondblue Surf and Kiteboarding, with beginner-friendly stand-up paddle-boarding lessons as well as surf and kite-board rentals; and kitty-corner across from it, the Block Island Historical Society, an approachable window into the island’s unique past stuffed with fascinating curios

and attended by friendly and knowledge-able staff.

This intersection marks one corner of the island’s Bermuda Triangle of late-night fun. Captain Nick’s Rock ‘n Roll Bar and Poor People’s Pub lie straight ahead up Ocean Avenue (think sushi and live bands at one, good pub grub and outdoor patio at the other), while to the right, McGovern’s Yel-low Kittens Tavern and The Old Island Pub offer live music and frozen drinks vs. pool tables and a locals scene.

If you’re more about the food than the Mudslides, be sure to check out Winfield’s on the Neck for fine dining, and the free-dom to finish that nice bottle of wine on the deck of Kittens next door. Just around the curve from the bars, where Corn Neck settles into a straight and sand-duney aspect, lies The Beachead restaurant, with consistently executed, straightfor-ward but never dull fare that, admirably, does not trade on the restaurant’s amaz-ing surfside location. Come here to catch a breeze on the hottest days, and come back during a fall hurricane to sit at the bar and watch the waves wash right up on the road outside.

The Poor People’s Pub

Dodge Street & Corn Neck RoadHang out where the locals do

by Pippa Jack

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WHERE TO FIND:

The BeacheadCorn Neck Rd. 401-466-2249, thebeachead.com

Bird’s NestDodge St. 401-466-5080

Block Island Historical SocietyOld Town Rd. 401-864-4357

Captain Nick’s Rock ‘n Roll BarOcean Ave. 401-466-5670, captainnicks.com

Diamondblue Surf and KiteboardingDodge St. 401-466-3145, diamondbluebi.com

Kimberly’s OwnOcean Ave. 401-466-8600

Island Free LibraryDodge St. 401-466-3233, islandfreelibrary.org

Juice ’n JavaDodge St. 401-466-5220

Marye-KelleyDodge St. 401-466-8833

McGovern’s Yellow Kittens TavernCorn Neck Rd. 401-466-5855, mcgovern-syellowkittens.com

Old Island PubCorn Neck Rd. 401-466-2400

Poor People’s PubOcean Ave. 401-466- 8533, pppbi.com

Red Bird Liquor Store Dodge St. 401-466-2441

Surf Hotel Dodge St. 401-466- 2241

Watercolors Dodge St. 401-466-4538

Winfield’s Corn Neck Rd. 401-466-5856, winfieldsrestaurant.net

Seaside Fun & Shopping

WaterColors

Beautiful jewelry, gifts & clothing

Dodge Street | (401) 466-2538

Boards, Rentals, Lessons, Clothing & More!

Diamondblue Surf Shop442 Dodge St. | 401.466.3145

www.diamondbluebi.com

The Bird is theword for Barbecueson Block Island

Come in and see our wide selection of wines for any occasion. Or, let us order exactly what you want.

(401) 466-2441Monday-Thursday: 9am-9pm

Friday-Saturday: 9am-10pm • Sunday: 10am-6pm

Fine Wines • Beers • Liquor • Kegs soda • Cigarettes & Cigars

The Red Bird Liquor Store

Beachcomber (401) 466-2777 • 64 Dodge Street, Block Island

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Unrivalled and un-mucked about with, Block Island’s 17 miles of white sand harken back to an era before ticket machines and acres of blacktop became ubiquitous beachgoing experiences. All are open to the public, and small camp-fires may be permitted (licenses available at the Police Station). Parking is free, and spacious expanses offer plenty of room, but amenities are few, lifeguards are few-er, and if you want to escape the crowds on a busy July or August weekend, you’ll have to hike a little. It’ll be worth it, we promise.

Ballard’s BeachWalk off the ferry, turn left, and some visitors never get any further. Why? Bal-lard’s broad beach sits directly south of Old Harbor’s long eastern breakwater (great for exploring), so charter fishing boats and watersport rides offer plenty to see and do on the adjacent docks. To the south, there’s a path up to the Ocean View Nature Pavilion. Volleyball nets and picnic tables amp up the party atmosphere. This is the only beach on Block Island where it’s legal to drink alcohol, and the adjacent Ballard’s Inn makes the most of it with a tiki bar, outdoor music on weekends, and servers who keep the beer and daiquiris flowing right to your beach towel.

Crescent Beach & BeyondThis two-mile arc of sand is one of the first things visitors see from the decks of the ferries that pull into Old Harbor, and its southern base is just a five-minute walk from the downtown docks. Go north, and you’ll discover:

Surf Hotel BeacHCollege-age revelers invade on July Fourth, but otherwise this quiet, seaweedy spot below the iconic gingerbread-style hotel from which the beach takes its name

draws snorkelers to explore the eelgrass beds, lobster burrows, and the tautog that haunt the big rocks just offshore; novice surfers flock to a small break to the north.

BaBy BeacHA short path from Corn Neck Road park-ing (look for two posts near the intersec-tion with Beach Avenue) and gentle surf make this a popular spot for local families with young children.

fred BenSon town BeacHTwo sandy parking lots off “The Neck” of the island flank a beach pavilion that features lifeguards, bathrooms, showers, and a snack bar with burgers and fries at lunch and the best deal in town for ba-sic breakfast sandwiches. Umbrella and beach chair rentals and soft-serve ice cream make this the quintessential family beach destination.

ScotcH BeacHDon’t count on finding space in the small parking lot, but posts mark other access points from parking alongside Corn Neck

Road. Locals set up a volleyball net every summer for hotly contested tourneys, skim-boarders work the waterline, and for teens and 20-somethings, this is see-and-be-seen central. To the north, crowds thin rapidly as rocks and surfcasters dot the shoreline.

ManSion BeacHPark among the overgrown ruins of the Searles Ball mansion and hike down to find the biggest surf and the smallest

Baby Beach

Mohegan Bluffs

Hit the BeachBecause you didn’t come here to stay on land all day

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crowds of all the Crescent beaches. To the north, surfers swarm Jerry’s Point, and a rocky hike around Pots and Kettles Point will bring you to the unmarked beachside access for Clay Head Nature Trail, a pre-mier hiking area.

Southern & Western BeachesHarder to find and often rockier or rougher than Crescent, Block Island’s less-well-known beaches offer a chance to get away. Excellent fishing draws surfcasters, spear-fishers and charter boats offshore; cell re-ception may be spotty. Plan to bring all your snacks and drinks in (and out – there are no public waste bins). Watch for riptides.

MoHegan BluffSNear the Southeast Light, a small parking lot, stunning cliff-side views and an infa-mous 250-step staircase greet visitors to one of the island’s best known landmarks.

The physically fit are rewarded with a sandy south-facing cove and big swells. Hike to the west around a rocky outcrop-ping and you’ll find remote Vaill Beach, where you may have the small curve of sand entirely to yourself. A little further west, Black Rock lies offshore, marking a favorite surfing spot. You can also access this area along a narrow, rocky hike from Snake Hole Road, but arrive early to bag one of a handful of parking spaces. Don’t climb on or get too close to the bluffs, which are not stable.

dorieS & grace’S coveS Pebbly west-facing beaches reached by eponymously named dirt roads are lined with big private homes and are perfect for sunset gazers.

cHarleStown BeacH & tHe cutVenture down Champlin Road to a small

parking lot near the landmark decommis-sioned Coast Guard Station to be rewarded with three distinct options. Ahead lies the beach at “The Cut” into the Great Salt Pond, a wonderful spot for birdwatching, picnick-ing and watching yachts sail by. On the ocean side, Charlestown Beach offers undisturbed hiking along its sandy length. On the pond side, quiet Cormorant Cove is a great space for beginner swimmers and, in season (check at Town Hall), clammers.

weSt BeacHPast the town’s Transfer Station, eroding dunes reveal the weathered refuse of the re-cent past (think a whole, rust-covered car), when this area was the site of a landfill. Fur-ther north, a long, quiet strip of beach may be marked off with piping plover fences; a few private homes give way to the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge and its thousands of shore birds. Up at the island’s northernmost tip lie historic North Light, Cow Cove and the Settlers’ Rock memorial to the island’s first white settlers, also ac-cessible from the northern tip of Corn Neck Road; signs warn of dangerous riptides.

The beautiful coastline boasts many places to take in the sun and the sandBallard’s Beach

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Hit the Beach CONTINUED


800-383-2474 • www.blockislandinfo.com

For Summer & Fall 2014 Packages Visit www.blockislandinfo.com

Win a Block Island GetawayRegister online !

Tourism Council

/blockislandtourism@blockislandinfo

401.466.2241 • [email protected] • www.thesurfhotelbi.com PO Box C, Dodge Street, Block Island, RI 02807

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Ocean View Rooms &

Beachside Bar

Kid friendly

Private beach


Many people bring their own bi-cycles over on the ferry (or rent) for an in-expensive and active way to see the island. At ten square miles, even the biggest of the island’s hills is over quickly. (Although rusty cyclists – we feel your pain – might want to make sure they’ll be going downhill when they hit Airport Hill.) There are, of course, many ways to take advantage of the ocean all around. Pond and Beyond offers kayak rentals in New Harbor, including nature les-sons and special child-friendly outings led by knowledgeable owner (and mom) Corrie Heinz. BI Parasail and Watersports will hoist you aloft for a solo or tandem ride of surpris-ing peacefulness (foot dips in the ocean are optional) or challenge your ability to hang on with a wild banana boat ride. Charter fishing boats – like Hula Girl and G. Willie Makit – will take you onshore for blues and stripers, or offshore for shark and tuna. Go for spectacular seaside horseback rides with Rustic Rides Farm; attempt board lessons of all kinds with the folks at Diamondblue; or, if you know how to sail, rent a Hobie Cat at Champlin’s and fly around the Great Salt Pond (pontoon boats are a more sedate al-ternative). Block Island Fishworks will sell

you fishing tackle, arrange a charter or find you a guide for surfcasting, flyfishing and spearfishing lessons. Skate rats will love the Ian Kortbek Memorial Skate Park at Ball O’Brien Park on West Side Road, and their younger sibs will enjoy the playground and adjacent pebbly beach, great for hunting seashells and the arrowheads that Manisses Indians left alongside the Great Salt Pond.

Get MovingOutdoor activities by land and by sea

by Pippa Jack

WHERE TO FIND:Block Island Fishworks Ocean Ave. 401-466-5392, bifishworks.com

BI Parasail and Watersports Old Harbor Dock 401-864-2474,blockislandparasail.com

Champlin’s West Side Rd. 401-466-7777, champlinsresort.com

DiamondblueDodge St. 401-466-3145, diamondbluebi.com

G. Willie Makit 401-466-5151, gwilliecharters.com

Hula Girl 401-263-3474, hulacharters.com

Ian Kortbek Memorial Skate Park at Ball O’Brien Park West Side Rd.

Pond and Beyond 401-578-2773, blockisland.com/kayakbi

Rustic Rides Farm West Side Rd. 401-466-5060

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Parasailing, kayaking and charter fishing are all popular activities on the island


See the SightsExperience and explore the island’s open spaces

by Pippa Jack

WHERE TO FIND:

Abrams Animal Farm Spring St. 401-466-2421

Atlantic Inn High St. 401-466-5883, atlanticinn.com

Audubon Society of RI 401-949-5454, asri.org

Bethany’s Airport Diner 401-466-3100

Block Island Grocery Ocean Ave. 401-466-2949

BI Motoring Event blockislandchamber.com

Block Island State Airport Center Rd. 401-466-5511

Empire Theatre Water St. 401-466-2555

Historical Society Old Town Rd. 401-864- 4357

Island Cemetery West Rd.

Nature Conservancy High St. 401-466-2129, nature.org

North Light Fibers Spring St. 401-466-2050, northlightfibers.com

Ocean View Pavilion Water St. oceanviewfoundation.org

Rodman’s Hollow Cooneymus Rd.

Town Hall Old Town Rd. 401-466-3200

Ruling Passion 401-741-1926, rulingpassion.com

Perhaps the island’s best outdoorsy attraction is that it boasts plenty of great areas for hikes, none particularly strenuous, plus more than 25 miles of protected Gre-enway Trails and related conservation areas. Maps are available at the Visitors Center or the Nature Conservancy. History lovers might start with the Island Cemetery (West Rd.) or the Historical Society’s annual House Tour (call for dates). The Labyrinth is a small, low maze mowed into a field on the North End of the island (look for a small marker) that is perfect for a contemplative stroll. Nearby, the Hodge Property offers a short hike through open meadows and stunning views to the west. Slightly more ambitious, the Clay Head Nature Trail (look for the post on Corn Neck Road just past Mansion Beach Road), aka The Maze, features winding paths through inland shrubs and past bluff-side vistas, and is big enough to actually get lost in, at least for a minute. Rodman’s Hollow, a sheltered basin off Cooneymus Road, of-fers crisscrossing trails, rare wildlife and roll-ing vistas that end at the southern bluffs. It serves as an enduring testament to the island’s tradition of land conservation, first born when neighbors came together to save the hollow from development.

Other options for young, old and everyone in between: Visit Town Hall for a clamming license, then hit the clam flats at Andy’s Way. Get a cocktail and tapas on the Ad-irondack chair-strewn lawn of the gorgeous Atlantic Inn, then inquire at the front desk about borrowing the croquet set. Hook up with the Audubon Society of RI for tips on bird watching. Come to the fall BI Motoring Event for an eyeful of vintage automobiles. Hike a quarter mile up the beach from Corn Neck to see the North Light, or drive right up to the Southeast Lighthouse Museum, which lies inside the red-brick landmark that islanders moved 360 feet back from erod-ing cliffs in 1993. Watch the airplanes come in at Block Island State Airport, where sin-gle-prop two-seaters tie up on the green, thrilling amateur aviationists, and Bethany’s

Airport Diner offers ample, home-style breakfast and lunch dishes.

Kids will love the Abrams Animal Farm, tucked behind the Hotel Manisses, with its camels, lemurs, emus, ducks, kangaroos and fainting goats (they fall over when star-tled), plus free pellets to tempt the animals closer and a rare zeedonk (that’s a cross between a zebra and a donkey). Next door, see spinners at work at North Light Fibers textile mill, transforming fibers from the alpacas that roam nearby into lovely blan-kets, shawls and sweaters.

Kids will also love morning nature hikes with The Nature Conservancy (mucking around in the pond), bird banding at Ocean View Pavilion, rainy day matinees at Empire Theatre, and the annual Glass Float Project, in which 550 hand-blown glass fishing floats are hidden around the beaches and Green-way Trails starting in May. If you find one, you get to keep it, but please, keep only one (hon-or system). Parents might hire a babysitter (check the message boards of Block Island Grocery on Ocean Avenue to find one) to see live music, go night-sky viewing with Ocean View or take a sunset wine-and cheese sail aboard the trimaran Ruling Passion.

Abrams Animal Farm

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Visit our office at 61 DoDge street

Featured ProPerty Block Island | rIRowan House | $10,500,000 | 401.466.8777 | liladel.re/RowanHouse

Mohegan Trail - $1,895,000 off High - $1,050,000Grace Cove - $990,000

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(401) 466-5883www.atlanticinn.com

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