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 http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com and get a free travel report at his http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com site.
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carA camping gear checklist is an important tool to help... Read More
We weren't planning to go rock and arrowhead hunting in... Read More
The Usamabara Mountains are very special mountains, often that tired... Read More
Scotland has taken its place as the new Mecca for... Read More
Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner.... Read More
It seems like the most adventurous thing in the world.... Read More
"The good news is that there is no reason to... Read More
If you're looking to spot a whale, the first few... Read More
Western Australia ? South-West Coast driving holiday. Great Australian Road... Read More
Knowing a few edible wild plants can make your next... Read More
The Wandle offered wonderful trout fishing up to the latter... Read More
The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new... Read More
TENT CAREYou should seal all floor seams and those seams... Read More
One morning in mid summer, I headed out for some... Read More
Before you take off on that great outdoor adventure, be... Read More
Mystic Seaport celebrates the seafaring past of New England. Known... Read More
Soon, the busy summer tourist season will be over in... Read More
Spain: sun, sea, sand and Spanish... discover us! Spain, a... Read More
It is the end of the season for the year... Read More
Normally when you think Safari you think Big 5. The... Read More
Which is the best African safari company for my safari... Read More
Recently I attended a Boy Scout Leader Roundtable meeting where... Read More
Any vacations in Africa will not be complete without going... Read More
Solo backpacking means peace and quiet. No one to talk... Read More
Hawaii snorkeling is a fun activity available to almost any... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..A Hawaii volcano tour can be a most memorable experience,... Read More
When you think of "adventure travel," what crosses your mind?... Read More
Have you ever gone solo backpacking? If you have, you'll... Read More
Hello Again,Today we will be talking about meal planning. Meals... Read More
A rigid inflatable boat is defined as a hard-hulled boat... Read More
Knowing a few edible wild plants can make your next... Read More
We recently planted our saskatoon berry trees. I am sure... Read More
Visitors to Hawaii frequently see dolphins from shore or on... Read More
Hawaii snorkeling is a fun activity available to almost any... Read More
For the 92nd time, the Tour de France has started.... Read More
WHAT TO HUNT AND WHERE: Alaska is a hunter's paradise.... Read More
If your aim is not good, or is not quite... Read More
Climbing the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in... Read More
If you love the thrill and adventure of kayak travel,... Read More
When it comes to birding, Acadia National Park is a... Read More
No one can truly say... Read More
There's nothing that will quicken the interest of RVers like... Read More
You aren't lightweight backpacking if you are carrying twenty-five pounds... Read More
How many of you take the time to just relax... Read More
If you're a birder, you want to keep a list... Read More
For most people, outdoor cooking is synonymous with barbeque, but... Read More
You CAN grab something to eat, enjoy every bite, AND... Read More
Isn't it time you stepped out of the concrete jungle... Read More
A wonderful way to invest in your families' treasure trove... Read More
Paul Scott Mower once said, "There is nothing like walking... Read More
Outdoors |