Block Island

Despite the fact that I graduated from the University of Rhode Island and spent my senior year a stone’s throw from the Point Judith Ferry, I did not visit Block Island until many, many years later– this past July to be specific. It had been on our bucket list for so long that I finally gifted it to husband for his birthday this summer. I knew very little about the island – it was small, it was remote and it was relatively quiet compared to its rowdier cousins, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. That completed my knowledge of what to expect. What I wasn’t prepared for was how much I was going to love this tiny little island (all six miles of it), and all its quaint charm, beautiful natural scenery and friendly locals!

How to Get There

The most common way to get to Block Island is by ferry.  While there is a small airport on the island, most people opt to take the Block Island Ferry.  Since we were coming from Plymouth, MA, we had a choice as whether we embarked from Newport or Point Judith.  After reviewing our options for parking our car at both locations, we decided on Point Judith.  Not only was it a less crowded option in the summer, but the parking was less expensive than in Newport.  We ordered our tickets online with ease, choosing the 30 minute fast ferry trip for $56 per person round trip.  The other option is the traditional ferry which at 55 minutes and $23 round trip is an economical option.  We had been assured by friends that a car was not needed on Block Island so we left ours at the lot.  You are able to bring a car on the ferry however if you decide you walking and biking is not your thing.  

Visit the website for ferry schedules, fares and tickets.

Where to stay

When it comes to Block Island, it seems as though there are more inns and hotels than there are homes!  With so many tempting choices, I relied on a friend's suggestion and opted for the well known and much photographed Spring House Hotel.  It did not disapoint! Unlike Martha's Vineyard where I feel like I have to book out six months in advance, I was able to get a room at the Spring House mere weeks before our stay (maybe this was just luck but I was surprised that there was availability in July!).   The walk from the ferry to the hotel was easy, even while wheeling our  luggage, but there were plenty of taxis waiting to help if need be  (Uber is not a thing on Block Island).  The hotel is breathtaking with its sweeping ocean views, rolling green hills, rows of Adirondack chairs, and the covered virandas with comfy seating and cocktails at the ready.   We arrived in the rain and even still, the beauty was awe-inspiring as we walked up the hill to this majestic historic landmark that dates back to 1852.  I would make the same choice again with no hesitation. We stayed in the Main building however there are other options on the property including The Mott House, The Inn at The Spring House, and the Barn Apartments.  While our room was small, it was just the right size for the two of us. With a king sized bed, a comfortable air-conditioned temperature, a spacious bathroom and an ocean view (albeit through small windows), the room was exactly what we had hoped for.   The prices change due to the season so I would consider an off season stay if you are looking to save on accommodations. 

Visit their website for booking details:

What to do

What you choose to do on Block Island all depends on how much you want to move.  Want to chill on the beach and read?  You can do that! Want to explore the island and do a bit of shopping?  There's plenty to see (and buy) for such a small place! As the island is a mere 6 miles long and 3.5 miles wide, biking from one end to the other is doable for most.  That was our plan...until we saw the little blue "Moke" at the bike rental place and decided we just had to rent it.  If you don't know what a Moke is, you are not alone.  I had never seen one of these little souped-up golf cart/cars before coming to Block Island and according to the rental agent, they had just purchased two of these little electric vehicles the day before we arrived!  We had so much fun buzzing around the island, stopping along the way at various spots that caught our fancy.  Since we happened to be on the island during a heat wave, we welcomed the chance to drive over biking in the heat.   Add the easy bluetooth system in the car and we had a blast playing our beach tunes while enjoying the breeze as we drove all over the island. Visit Old Harbor Bike and Moped rentals at 432 Water Street to inquire about rentals.  Two hours is the perfect amount of time to see the island in the Moke. 

Some of our favorite sights, stops and activities were;

1. Mohegan Bluffs (the staircase is a killer on the way back up but the view is worth it)

2. Walking Trails There are several all over the island and they are free and open to the public

3. Empire Theater We didn't get a chance to see a movie here but is just so quaint, this make shift movie theater that doubles as a cool artisan market by day.

4. North Lighthouse We enjoyed a walk along this rocky beach and even watched a few seals splashing about in the waters just in front of us This beach is not for swimming but is a lovely spot for a quiet walk and rock collecting.

5. The front lawn at the Spring House Hotel I can’t stress enough how gorgeous this was. The view, a good book, and a cocktail - what more could you want?

6. The Surf Sitting at the bar, enjoying a fat lobster roll and a margarita while overlooking the beach = heaven. You can find this gem in the Block Island Beach House, 32 Dodge Street

7. Island Bound Bookstore This is a fantastic bookstore with a wonderful staff member who shared lots of fun details about what life is like year round on the island (like the graduating senior class of five students!). I purchased two books here, both of which take place on Block Island and I review them in the Read When You Go section. I highly recommend reading a book that takes place in the place you are staying at! It adds a whole new layer to the experience.

8.. The Barn If you want to treat yourself to an amazing and delectable meal, make a reservation at this unique spot on the grounds of The Spring House Hotel. While the prices are steep, the meal was so delicious and the staff so friendly that we didn’t mind the splurge. Be warned though, if you choose to dine at the bar, it is very tight fit. The payoff is the front row seat to the chef’s meal preparation. Despite enjoying the view the chefs at work, I will opt for a table the next time. And there WILL be a next time for sure!

6. The Jetty Downtown just off the Block Island Ferry Dock, you will find a rock jetty that is the perfect place to walk off dinner and enjoy the sunset.