New Shoreham, RI Road Trips

New England has always been one of America's many summer destinations of choice. Every year couples and families flock to the coast looking for seafood, sun, and a strip of sandy beach to call their own. They stay in bed and breakfasts on Martha's Vineyard, rent houses in Cape Cod, and stretch out on Narragansett beaches. Block Island has become a new destination for those embarking on their annual summer exodus. Located 12 mi (19 km) off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island has become one of the most appealing New England summer hotspots. This newfound popularity is due in large part to Block Island's easygoing, low-key atmosphere, which benefits from miles of beautiful beaches, numerous bars and restaurants, and consummate natural beauty.

There are many different sights to see around the island during the summer. All you need is a gorgeous summer day and a pair of walking shoes in order to enjoy all of the sights that Block Island has to offer. Here is a list of some of the main attractions on the island: 1 North Light, Corn Neck Road. Built in 1867, this is the fourth lighthouse built on Sandy Point, where exposure to the elements and shifting sands make keeping a lighthouse in one piece difficult. The lighthouse is on the grounds of the National Wildlife Sanctuary, which contains hiking trails. 2 Mohegan Bluffs, 122 Mohegan Trail. On the southern end of the island, the bluffs rise 200 feet (61 m) above the water and run along the coast for about three miles (5 km). It's the site of the Southeast Lighthouse, built in 1875. This is one of the most visited places on the island due to the gorgeous views and breathtaking sites. Be warned though, to get down to the bluffs on the beach you have to climb down numerous flights of stairs which isn’t the problem, the only problem is coming back up. Be prepared for a good workout. (updated Jun 2018) 3 Southeast Light (Accessible via Mohegan Trail), ☏ +1 401 466-5009. Stop over and take a visit to one of the most magnificent and beautiful lighthouses in America. The view from the lighthouse looks out from the Mohegan Bluffs which are over 200 feet (61 m) above the water. The sight and atmosphere is so breathtaking it will definitely be worth your while. Lewis-Dickens Farm, Cooneymus Road.

Although Block Island mainly consists of 17 miles (27 km) of beachy shore there is still plenty to do: Beaches. The seashore is everywhere. The Island encompasses 17 miles (27 km) of beaches and offers many choices. Within walking distance of the ferry landing is 3-mile Crescent Beach, which is divided into three parts: the Fredrick J. Benson Beach, Scotch Beach, and Mansion Beach which is positioned beneath cliffs and the stone walls of a vanished mansion. The beach has lifeguards and restrooms. Food is available from nearby Old Harbor restaurants and concessions. Parking and beach admission are free. Block Island Parasail & Watersports, ☏ +1 401 864-2474. Old Harbor Dock, provides an abundance of fun and diverse watersport activities such as banana boat rides, parasailing, jetboat rentals, sunset cruises and island tours. Boating. Charter boats are available for deep-sea fishing or you can simply cast your line in the surf. The 365 fresh water ponds are home to bass, perch, and pickerel. You can snorkel, scuba dive, kayak, or parasail. Block Island Fishing Charters, LLC, New Harbor, ☏ +1 401 787-2321. Inshore and offshore trips for experienced anglers and newcomers alike. Target striped bass, blues, fluke & gamefish with licensed, professional captain. Nighttime trophy bass trips and island tours also offered. Children's activities. Include a story hour at the library, Nature Conservancy hikes, and a petting zoo. Hiking on The Greenway. More than 40% of Block Island is protected as open space.

Papa Pizzeria, Corn Neck Rd, ☏ +1 401 466-9939. The only delivery on the island. Papa Pizzeria serves up a wide variety of pizzas, subs, salads, and appetizers. Ice Cream Place, Weldon's Way (Directly Behind Water Street), ☏ +1 401 466-2145. Get ready for homemade ice cream! This place has a variety of mouth watering flavors and creations, including their famous Turtle Sundae. Three Sisters, Corn Neck Rd, ☏ +1 401 466-9661. Three Sisters specializes in sandwiches. All of their ingredients are fresh and organic. They are only open until 3PM so come early for lunch. It is also a great place to grab sandwiches before heading to the beach. Old Post Office Bagel Shop, Corn Neck Rd, ☏ +1 401 466-5959. Fresh bagels are made and served daily. The shop also offers breakfast items like bacon, egg, and cheese, and lunch options like a turkey club on a bagel. Finn's Seafood, 212 Water St, ☏ +1 401 466-2473. 11:30AM-9:30PM. Located in the Old Harbor ferry parking lot. Best lobster roll on the island. Rebecca's Seafood, Water St, ☏ +1 401 466-5411. May through October, 7AM-2AM. Serving breakfast, lunch dinner and a special late night menu. Fresh local fish, (specials tuna + mahi-mahi when in season) from local fisherman, landlovers menu chowder, clam cakes, salads, and burgers. Eat in or outside.

Captain Nick’s, 69 Ocean Ave, ☏ +1 401 466-5670. Pool, large dance floor, dollar beers and drink specials, live music Tu-Su. Club Soda, Connecticut Ave (below the Highview Inn), ☏ +1 401 466-5397. Where the locals hang out. Pub food year round, open mic night, karaoke, and unique island ambiance. McGovern's Yellow Kittens Tavern (Kittens), Corn Neck Rd, ☏ +1 401 466-5855. Sunday night is reggae night! There's a cover, but they always reel in really good live reggae artists. Darts, pool, outside deck, dreadlocks.

Many Block Island homes are offered as weekly rentals during the summer months. 1661 Inn and Guest House, ☏ +1 401 466-2421, toll-free: +1-800-626-4773, fax: +1 401 466-2858. Spring St. 23 rooms. Known for their friendly hosts. 1661 ensures a relaxing and comfortable stay. $$$$ Atlantic Inn, High St, ☏ +1 401 466-5883, toll-free: +1-800-224-7422, fax: +1 401 466-5678. Peace and quiet, scenic views and delectable food. 20 rooms, 1 suite. Ballards Resort, 42 Water St. Summer: +1 401 466-2231, Winter: +1 401 334-1997. Ballards is a great place for those looking to let loose but it is also a wonderful place to lodge for a family vacation. Ballards is very child friendly by comprising an arcade, a toy shop, and lifeguards on the beach. $$ The Inn at Block Island, 474 Old Town Rd, toll-free: +1-877-324-4667, fax: +1 401 466-5880. The Inn at Block Island is known for its warmth and hospitality, the Inn is a century old Colonial situated on a knoll in Old Harbor. It was built in 1900 for a sea captain and his family and converted to a B&B in the 1980s. The Inn offers nine rooms and a cottage, all with private baths, air conditioning, some with private entrances and ocean views. Located on the left just past Chapel Street on Old Town Road. It is convenient to both Old Harbor and New Harbor, the airport, town, beach and ferry. $$$. Barrington Inn, Beach Ave, toll-free: +1-877-324-4667, fax: +1 401 466-5880. The Barrington Inn is on a hilltop overlooking the New Harbor area. The mood is quiet and welcoming.

Block Island Ferry, ☏ +1 401 783-7996, toll-free: +1-866-783-7996. Departs year round and daily from the village of Point Judith, in Narragansett. You have the choice of the passenger-only high speed ferry (runs only in the summer), which arrives at Block Island in 30 minutes or you could take the "traditional" car ferry which arrives at Block Island within an hour. The Ferry’s schedule of departure is every few hours during the winter and fall or every hour during the summer. Prices are reasonable for each ferry, whether it be round trip or one way and children and senior citizens have a discount. Tickets can either be purchased at the box office (located at the ferry departure) or online where you can have them mailed to you or held at the box office. (updated Oct 2017) Block Island Express, ☏ +1 860-444-4624, +1 401 466-2212. Departs May through September from New London, Connecticut. The ferry terminal in New London is next to the train station, offering easy connections to Shore Line East or Amtrak. It does not take cars. (updated Oct 2017) In summer there is also seasonal, passenger-only ferry service between Montauk, New York and Block Island. Cape Air, 660 Barnstable Rd. Hyannis, Massachusetts, +1-866-228-1621. Provides seasonal service. New England Airlines, 56 Airport Rd, Westerly, Rhode Island, +1-800-243-2460. Flights between Westerly and Block Island.

Most areas of Block Island are easily within walking distance of each other but there are plenty of other modes of transportation. If you prefer to travel by car you can flag down a taxi or rent one on the island. For a nominal charge, the visitor may bring a bicycle on ferries that serve the island. Bicycles and Mopeds are also available to rent and are so convenient that you may rent one as soon as you walk off the ferry. The "traditional" ferry from Point Judith, RI is the only ferry that takes cars. (For rates and schedule,Interstate Navigation.) Block Island Taxi, Phone: +1 401 466-2562 McAloon's Taxi, Phone: +1 401 741-1410 Mig's Rig, Phone: +1 401 480-0493 Aldo's Mopeds and Bikes, Phone: +1 401 466-5018 Beach Rose Bicycles, Phone: +1 401 466-5925 Block Island Bike & Car Rental, Phone: +1 401 466-2297 Island Moped & Bike Rental, Phone: +1 401 466-2700 Moped Man Bike Rentals, Water St. Phone: +1 401 466-544

Block Island is by and large a very safe locale, but as with any place there are certain precautions you can and should take to stay out of harm's way. Far and away the most common causes of injury on Block Island are careless bicycle and moped riders. If you plan on renting bikes or mopeds, make sure that you wear your helmets, follow the rules of the road, and absolutely do not drink while operating them. Otherwise, just be aware that other vacationers might not follow these guidelines, and stay alert when on main roads. When on the beach it's wise to wear sunscreen and exercise care when swimming; Block Island's waters are usually calm, but riptides are not unheard of and swimmers have been known to come across the occasional jellyfish. The only real crime that takes places on the island almost always stems from tourists who have had a bit too much to drink: there are instances of drunk and disorderly conduct every week, accompanied by infrequent bar fights and some petty theft. Thankfully, this is restricted almost entirely to the late night bar scene and major holidays. As long you or your fellow vacationers don't get mixed up in any drunken shenanigans, there shouldn't be a problem.