Boston Traveler: Block Island, Rhode Island
With miles of beaches and hiking trails, buzzy nightlife—and did we mention beaches?—it’s easy to choose your adventure on Block Island this summer.
The stairs at Mohegan Bluffs lead to a pristine beach and stunning Atlantic views. / Photo courtesy of Block Island Tourism Council
GETTING THERE
It’s about an hour-and-a-half drive to the Point Judith ferry terminal in Narragansett, Rhode Island, and then another hour aboard the Block Island ferry.
STAYING THERE
Book a luxury cottage at the 1661 Inn for sweeping ocean views and easy access to town. Guests get a complimentary champagne breakfast as well as entrance to the 1661’s farm and gardens, where residents include lemurs, alpacas, and a one-eyed zedonk.
The Mitchell cottage at the 1661 Inn. / Photo courtesy of 1661 Inn
A.M.
Up and at ’em, go-getters: Rent a bike or scooter from Island Moped and Bike and get ready to explore on two wheels. A self-guided tour stops off at 12 points around the island, such as the boating destination Great Salt Pond, the trail-filled Rodman’s Hollow, and the picturesque Mohegan Bluffs. Need some afternoon fuel? Swing into town for a cappuccino and a sourdough melt at Persephone’s Kitchen before you get back at it. More horizontally inclined vacationers, meanwhile, are also in luck, with miles of beaches for lounging. Make a beeline to the private shores of Ballard’s for a pineapple-drink-in-hand kind of day, or head down Corn Neck Road and take your pick of quieter beaches.
P.M.
Had enough fun in the sun? The renovated Block Island Historical Society is the perfect place to cool off, with displays on everything from period fashion to artifacts from the island’s native tribes. When hunger strikes, you’ll have plenty of dinner spots to choose from: Try the yellowfin tuna nachos at Eli’s Restaurant (preferably washed down with a house “Rosarita” or two), or hit the Barn at the Spring House Hotel for salumi boards and stuffed Block Island clams. Late night calls for a pub crawl with your fellow beach-goers, of course, to island favorites like Captain Nick’s and Yellow Kittens Tavern. Then it’s back to the cottage to dream about tomorrow’s adventures.
