Block Island Rhode Island
Memorable Vacations Are Made of This
by: Cliff Calderwood
Block Island is a seaside jewel lying 12 miles off the southern
coast of Rhode Island. This is a place where nature clings to
every pond, stone-walled trail, beach, and everything in between.
It’s a paradise for cyclists and a haven for those ready to leave the
trappings and demands of the mainland behind.
Most people take the ferry from Port Judith which takes one hour
and plants you in the hub of Block Island at Old Harbor. A
Seasonal ferry service also runs from Newport RI and Montauk
NY.
Coming to the Island is a shift in time, with its rugged
undeveloped reserves… and open field farmlands… and narrow
roads lined with stone walls and wild roses. Block Islands invites
you to relax in dress and time. It’s a chance for you to rediscover
nature again.
Here’s suggested destinations to help you enjoy Block Island to
its fullest…
THE VIEW FROM MOHEGAN BLUFFS…
You don’t want to miss the view from Mohegan Bluffs. Take the
Mohegan Trail from the village of Old Harbor out to the Bluffs.
Mohegan Bluffs overlook the southern coast of Block Island, and
on a clear day you can see Montauk, NY on Long Island, about 18
miles away. The cliff’s tower 200 feet above the shoreline and
offer stunning views of the landscape and the Southeast Light. A
steep set of wooden steeps leads down to the beach below.
THE BLOCK ISLAND LIGHTHOUSES
Block Island has two lighthouses: Southeast Light and North
Light.
Southeast Light sits atop Mohegan Bluffs and was moved back
from a perilous position on the cliffs in 1993. This is an attractive
redbrick lighthouse built in 1875, and contains a museum inside
for you to explore.
North Light is at Sandy Point on the northern tip pf Block Island.
This is the fourth lighthouse in this location and was built in 1867.
Two of the previous lights were washed away and the third was
dismantled because its position did more harm than good.
North Light is within the boundaries of the Block Island National
Wildlife Refuge, and that’s where we were heading anyway…
BLOCK ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Located on the North End of Block Island the refuge is now a 127-
acre habitat for wildlife and for visitors to enjoy the wonder of this
natural environment.
If you’re a bird-watcher then the fall season offers a spectacular
opportunity to view migratory birds, especially songbirds. Bring
your camera and binoculars for a very special trip to a very special
refuge.
The shoreline area runs from Settler’s Rock to Sandy point and
the North Light, and then from here to Great Salt Pond. This is an
ideal area for walking, bird watching, and breathtaking views.
BLOCK ISLAND BEACHES & PONDS
Block Island beaches are the first stop for many first time visitors.
The choices are many and varied. It has 17 pristine miles of
gorgeous beaches.
The two-mile Crescent Beach area consists of four beaches:
Frederick J. Benson Beach, Scotch Beach, Mansion Beach, and
close to the ferry landing is Ballard’s. These tend to be the most
popular, but don’t forget just a few minutes bike ride away are
deserted beaches, where you can enjoy your own spot of peace
and harmony.
For such a tiny area, Block Island boasts an amazing 365 ponds
– that’s right… one for every day of the year. So as you bike and
hike around the island, it doesn’t matter where you’re at… you’re
only a few feet away from water.
Permits are required to fish the freshwater ponds.
BLOCK ISLAND ATTRACTIONS
Other things to do on Block Island include: visits to Manisses
Animal Petting Zoo, Settler’s Rock, located at the end of Corn
Neck Road near a beach on Rhode Island Sound - the rock
marks the landing point of European settlers of Block Island in
1661, and kayaking in New Harbor.
While Block Island is a great place to visit for the day, you’ll get
more time to enjoy the island if you stay overnight, or even longer,
at any of the varied lodging available. But advanced booking is a
must.
Inns and bed and breakfasts abound on the island, with many
located near the village of Old Harbor and nearby New Harbor.
For more information on inns and bed and breakfast
accommodation check out www.blockisland.com.
About The Author
Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of www.new-
england-vacations-guide.com. You can read more about Block
Island and get a free travel report at his www.new-england-
vacations-guide.com web site.
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