With the summer coming up, I’m going to dedicate a few extra posts to the gorgeous East Coast! I am biased-since i’m a girl from the 603, but there is no better place in the world to visit in the summer than New England.
Kick back, enjoy the ocean, cookouts, and weekend getaways to Cape Cod, Block Island, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, or the Hamptons. Growing up, the Cape was my love. A very big love. I enjoyed day trips to the Vineyard and was lucky enough to have good friends in Edgartown-which might be one of my favorite spots and I highly recommend.
My husband loves Block Island, and I am now fortunate enough to vacation here in the summer. As i’ve mentioned, in my “About Me” section, we have two maltipoos—They LOVE BLOCK ISLAND.
If you are looking to disconnect from the world, this is your spot. Unlike many different vacation destinations that have become over populated and built up—this is the opposite. You can either take a 10 minute flight from Westerly, RI or Cape Air (via Hyannis) or you can take a ferry from Pt. Judith, Newport, or Fall River. In the summer, having the option to go to Montauk as well. Just like Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, there is a high speed and traditional speed ferry. Dogs are allowed on all modes of transit FYI!
To protect the land on Block Island, they have made it so your house must only be 4% of your land. So, think Ireland in the states. From any house on the island, you see land… not into your neighbor's house. Green grass, stone walls, blue ocean, blue skies… it's a Slice of Heaven! Block Island is the perfect relaxing island. The small airport does not allow private jets— which means, we don’t get the crazy.. in your face money and also no golf courses.
Am I painting a picture?—it’s perfection. Very low key: the opposite of a pretentious spot. The Nature Conservatory added Block Island to its list of "The Last Great Places"; the list only consists of 12 places in the Western Hemisphere. About 40 percent of the island is set aside for conservation.
If you don’t have a car on the island, you can easily bike the whole island without an issue. The Island is only 9.734 sq miles, located 14 miles east of Montauk Point and 13 miles south of Rhode Island mainland. However, if you are looking to rent a jeep or moped, that is readily available right off the ferry.
Block Island is a very family friendly island—actually it’s also a very friendly dog island. Dogs are allowed on the beaches here.. yes, you read that correctly.... The WHOLE family (even our non human friends) are welcome to the beach.
What to do: Besides enjoy the natural beauty of the island?!
- Walk the trail at Mohegan Bluffs: You can find this by looking for the Southeast Lighthouse.
- Block Island Southeast Lighthouse: This is a fun spot to bike to, but you can get here by all means of transportation: moped, driving, taxi, biking, or walking.
- Block Island North Lighthouse: If you come out here, there will be a little slushie station! Also, at some points you can see seals off the point.
- Rodman’s Hollow Trail: Great walking trail on the way to the west side of the island. Feel free to bring dogs, but there are a few spots that you may want a leash for: cliffs-lookouts.
- Walk the Clayhead Trail: This is towards the north part of the island near Mansion Beach. Nice walking trail with beautiful cliff views down to the ocean. These are the cliffs you see when arriving by ferry on the right hand side.
- Clamming: I would recommend going to Andy's Way, but make sure you have your clamming license which you can get right next to the OAR. This is also a good location for kayaking and kite surfing.
- Bonfire: This is a great spot to enjoy one on the beach with friends at night. You can go to the fire station and get a permit.
- Pet Feeding Farm: This is right next to the Manisses Hotel, there are lots of animals to pet and feed. Fun activity for the kids.
- Rent a fishing Charter at Block Island Fish Works with Chris Willi
- Surfing : Depending on the breeze, you can catch waves on the East side and South side. There are shops on the island to rent surf boards and paddle boards! Diamond Blue Surf Shop
- Downtown: all sorts of shops, candy stores, ice cream. If you are looking for a theater, you are in luck. The downtown area has an old theater that changes movies every night.
Beaches: Well, because it's summer and that is what we do!!
- Scotch Beach: A little further up the road from State Beach
- Vail Beach: Southeast side of the island, right near the painted rock. *The painted rocks changes color (sometimes daily) Anyone can stop by and paint the rock.
- Mansion Beach: This is located near Clayhead walking trail. Might be the more difficult beaches to get to without a car distance wise, but like I said, the island is only 9.347 sq. miles.
- State: Short walk from town, located across from Beachhead restaurant.
- Coast Guard Beach: Great spot for kids and people learning to fish on land. This is where you see the boats coming in and out.
My Favorite Restaurants:
- The Oar: This restaurant has outdoor and indoor seating overlooking Great Salt Pond, great place to grab a cocktail or some seafood and watch the boats come in and out. The restaurant is covered in Oars made by all the customers. This is the one-need-to-visit spot.
- Springhouse: One of the best views of the Ocean. located on a slight incline with seating all overlooking the ocean as well. I recommend coming here for a cocktail on the lawn right before sunset.
- Beachhead: Across the Street from State Beach. Great views of the Ocean with a great sunset on the backside of the restaurant. You can enjoy cocktails and a great menu.
- Dead Eye Dick’s: If you are looking for a lobster roll, especially a hot-buttered one, this is your spot! This is located right near Payne's Dock.
Manisses Hotel & Restaurant: This is my favorite finer-dining experience on the island. If you want a romantic night out--the menu is great and the setting is a bit more intimate.
Easy Breakfast Spots:
- Payne’s Dock: You must get the killer donuts. They are freshly made for you as you wait. Honestly, I’m not a donut eater… these donuts are deadly and delish! Also, this is a great option to bring home to your family to save on eating out costs.
- Bethany’s Airport Diner: Diner at the airport (just like the name suggests) but its great for breakfast, located in the center of the island, so based on where you are staying on island this may be a good choice.
- Rebecca’s: Two locations, one in town and the other at Payne's Dock. This is a great take-out option. Think Clam rolls, chicken fingers, wraps.. etc! It's a great menu for lunch. Also opened for breakfast.
- National Hotel: Located right in the center of town. You can sit on the front deck and watch the ferry come to dock, or sit on the back with your pup. This is a great option both because of location and food options.
- Surf Hotel: Right downtown with views to town and also State Beach. You have the feeling of outdoor seating even when the clear shades are down (which are lifted when the weather is clear.) The back side bar is a great spot for cocktails after a day at the beach.
Late Night Spots:
- Captain Nick’s : Right next door to Poor People's Pub. Live music at night with lots of dancing.
- Poor People’s Pub: Might be a fun spot to watch a sports game, it's more low key. You can play bags outside on the lawn.
- Yellow Kitten’s: Located right near town, great late night dancing. A fun spot to let loose.
- Ballards: Probably the most wild spot on the island. People sometimes just take the ferry over for the day and enjoy live bands and day drinking.
- Club Soda: Social Spot to grab drinks.
Where to Stay
- Rent a House for the week: Block Island Realty
- Springhouse
- Manisses Hotel
- Atlantic Inn
- The National
- The Surf Hotel
- Tons of B&B's as well
If you are looking to relax and take advantage of all that beauty nature has to offer, I highly recommend Block Island. You will not find a place better fit for a family or even a couples retreat.
Until next time, Safe Travels!!