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.
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.
Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com. You can read more about Block Island and get a free travel report at his New England Vacation online Guide site.
In The city of Arcadia California, right next door to... Read More
Stay warm or die. That's what it comes down to... Read More
Contrary to what many think, ultralight backpacking is not just... Read More
Ask me which Pacific island has the most to offer... Read More
Ask about perfect wildlife destinations and a Tanzania safari will... Read More
Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More
You would think that a cheap safari in Africa for... Read More
I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More
The thing with enjoying the great outdoors is seeing aspects... Read More
White-water rafting can be one of the most exhilarating experiences... Read More
"The good news is that there is no reason to... Read More
The call of the wild can be seductive. The exquisite... Read More
TENT CAREYou should seal all floor seams and those seams... Read More
Picture this. You are stuck at home knee deep in... Read More
A rigid inflatable boat is defined as a hard-hulled boat... Read More
WHAT TO HUNT AND WHERE: Alaska is a hunter's paradise.... Read More
Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington - NHThe highest... Read More
Normally when you think Safari you think Big 5. The... Read More
Going on a gorilla safari must rank as one of... Read More
Most people, who go on a family beach vacation, take... Read More
A South Africa safari is the ideal wildlife trip to... Read More
A saddle is a static object, but your horse is... Read More
Rafting through the Grand Canyon is the experience of a... Read More
Hawaii snorkeling is a fun activity available to almost any... Read More
Hiking shoes versus hiking boots? Hiking shoes win. Okay, next... Read More
Camping is a delightful and adventurous way to spend your... Read More
The quaint little balcony was large enough to accommodate two... Read More
Eaton Canyon Natural Area Nature Center, entrance, 1750 N. Altadena... Read More
Knowing a few edible wild plants can make your next... Read More
Recently we stayed at a state campground in Michigan near... Read More
The Cairns Fishing Adventure A Great Australia Road TripYou love... Read More
Isn't it time you stepped out of the concrete jungle... Read More
White Water on the Comal river in Central Texas is... Read More
Have you ever thought you might like to try a... Read More
The Royal Barge Procession in Bangkok, conducted on very rare... Read More
Recently I attended a Boy Scout Leader Roundtable meeting where... Read More
Tamil Nadu is a delightful anachronism. With a rich culture... Read More
Everyone has a travel dream. For many it is hitting... Read More
How to get the most out of your trekking poles... Read More
Boston is a great destination city for a vacation. There's... Read More
As the weather cools in late summer and the days... Read More
If your aim is not good, or is not quite... Read More
The Kenya safari circuit is one of the best in... Read More
Stay warm or die. That's what it comes down to... Read More
Western Australia Driving Adventure Great Australian Road Trip Large... Read More
WHAT TO FISH AND WHERE: Alaska offers some of the... Read More
The most famous Egyptian pyramids to be built are the... Read More
Bryce Whitmore designed the modern whitewater inflatable pontoon boat, and... Read More
Simply sitting and watching birds is a popular hobby around... Read More
I bet you're wondering where the heck this articles going.... Read More
My river-rafting adventure started on a bicycle. The small daypack... Read More
Yuma, Arizona. In the winter, it's the best town in... Read More
When you're on the Internet looking for discount camping gear,... Read More
Romancing History ? A Holiday in RajasthanRajasthan, the name evokes... Read More
Most people, who go on a family beach vacation, take... Read More
So unknown is this treasure of Lake Jipe not many... Read More
Back from our family's vacation to Costa Rica, I am... Read More
The dictionary defines a tent as 'a portable shelter usually... Read More
You would think that a cheap safari in Africa for... Read More
It was the end of my first year as a... Read More
It is the end of the season for the year... Read More
Before you take off on that great outdoor adventure, be... Read More
Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington - NHThe highest... Read More
Hello Again,Today we will be talking about meal planning. Meals... Read More
Drive along one of South Africa's scenic strips and you... Read More
It seems like the most adventurous thing in the world.... Read More
Outdoors |