Block Island, My Favorite Place on Earth
Block Island is my favorite place on earth, and I'm not exaggerating. Often called the Bahamas of New England it has been a vacation spot for tourists for many generations.
Although some call it the playground of the rich, it doesn't take a lot of money, just a thirst for adventure and a free spirit. The island is only two miles wide by 7 miles from north to south and located 12 miles off shore from Rhode Island.
Malcolm Greenaway is a legendary artist and his fine art photography of Block Island can not only be found in his gallery at the end of Water Street on Block Island but also in many restaurants and homes. His images are a gift of summer during a long winter and a brief vacation on a dreary weekend.
As I look at the many moods of the beaches, oceans and coves through the book I am instantly transported to my carefree days of high school when nothing mattered except the beach, boys, and the warm sun that delivered the tan worth bragging.
Day Trip Destination
I grew up in Connecticut, Block Island was my summer day trip destination. My high school friends and I would drive to Pt. Judith, Rhode Island and take the one hour ferry ride to Block Island for the day. Twenty dollars would put gas in the car, pay for the ferry and little else. We packed our lunches, drinks and anything else we needed.
If we took the 8:00 am ferry we would be able to hit Crescent beach at ten that morning and have all day to sit in the sun, cool off in the ocean waves, hang out with friends, and laugh the day away before getting on the seven o'clock ferry home that same night.
In all the years we spent the day on Block Island as teenagers we never left Crescent beach. What were we thinking? There was so much to explore,
Weekend Get Away
After high school, I returned with my family for short day trips, but my dream was to spend a weekend on Block Island in one of the many Inns or Bed and Breakfast resorts. My best friend Laura, who had shared a piece of sand with in high school, always said when our kids were grown and out of the house we would treat ourselves to a girls weekend and return for a weekend get away.
The dream came true in 2011 when we spent four days at the Narragansett Inn. We sat on the deck overlooking the Great Salt Pond, kicked our feet on and relaxed. It was almost like we were teenagers again, but a little bit wiser this time.
We rented bicycles that served as our main mode of transportation, hiked the wildlife conservation trails, ate amazing food at a different restaurant every day, and soaked up the sun until the weariness of the world melted away. We relaxed, but still found time to discover the Block Island in Malcolm Greenaways' book we had never seen.
What Is There To Do On Block Island
There are many things to do on Block Island and it would take an entire summer to complete them.
- Hike down Mohegan Bluffs
- People watch on Crescent Beach
- Visit not one, but two Light Houses
- Dine in fantastic restaurants
- Go horseback riding
- Rent a moped for the ultimate Block Island tour
- Shop at local art studios
- Eat a lobster roll on the boardwalk
- Pet some camels at the petting zoo
- Shop in unique gift shops
- Have a campfire and picnic on the beach
- Watch the boats in Old Harbor
- Bike ride around the island (it would take the day, but what a trip)
- Rent a kayak, a sailboat or take a fishing expedition
- Fish for crabs with a string and hot dogs
A Few Photos From My Own Block Island Scrapbook
Photo Gallery
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Take A Memento Of Your Trip Home
I believe in bringing home souvenirs of places I've visited as a touchstone or talisman. Keepsakes to me hold a memory of the people you are with, feelings you had while there, and remind your of the journey you took.
Discover Block Island For Yourself
Don't take my word for it purchase a copy of the book Block Island, the Jewel of Rhode Island for yourself and decide.
New Englands best kept secret isn't really a secret when Good Morning America does a story highlight on the island. Find out from those in the know why Block Island is called the Bahamas of New England.
Block Island is for lovers, and a perfect location for a wedding proposal and wedding.
