Just thirteen miles off the Rhode Island coast, sweetly nestled in the Atlantic, sits a beautiful island famous for its bluffs. We are talking about Block Island, a picturesque getaway with pristine beaches and glorious sunsets. It is home to restored Victorian hotels, boutique-lined streets, restaurants, historic lighthouses, pristine ponds, ocean views, and the Mohegan Bluffs. Though it is often considered a summer destination, it can be surprisingly pleasing to visit off season when the summer crowds have departed. A visit in the fall season can provide a deeply personal experience in nature and offer a memorable time spent with loved ones and friends. It’s a true seaside paradise!
The Block Island Ferry provides year-round service from Point Judith, RI. This is the only ferry that can take vehicles to the island and reservations for vehicles are required. For more information on this ferry or the high-speed catamaran that runs through Mid-October, visit www.blockilsandferry.com. Though the island is only about 10 square miles, and 40 percent of the island is set aside for conservation, there are a multitude of things to do. Block Island’s Southeast Light, a historic lighthouse on the Mohegan Bluffs at the southern tip of the island, and Block Island North Light, obviously on the north side, are worthy of visiting. The red brick Southeast Light, first lit in 1875, became a National historical landmark in 1997 and features what is often described as one of the most architecturally sophisticated lighthouses ever built in the US in the 19th century. The granite Block Island North Light was built in 1867 and features a maritime museum with five rooms of exhibits that are generally open on weekends in September and October until Columbus Day. For more information on attractions or events, visit https://blockislandinfo.com.
Block Island is known for its hospitality and offers a variety of accommodations, from quaint B&Bs and small cottages, to larger historic establishments. The National Hotel, a landmark oceanfront Victorian hotel in the Old Harbor District, is a short distance from the ferry landing and two miles from the Block Island Southeast Lighthouse. The hotel has free parking, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning, plus has a full-service restaurant and a backyard with 8 firepits and nightly entertainment. Though filled with modern amenities such as televisions and private baths, the rooms are simple, clean, and are decorated in the Victorian style – worthy of transporting you back in time. To learn more about the hotel, head to https://www.blockislandhotels.com.
There are many attractions on the island, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. High on the top-rated list of things to do is the Island’s self-guided bike tour, which can also be done on foot, by car, or via moped. There are twelve stations along the way where folks can stop to learn about the history of a particular area. The full bike route is 16 miles long, with a shorter 7.5-mile loop which circles back to town. Whether you’re visiting the Mohegan Bluffs; Block Island’s two-hundred-foot cliffs with great views of the Atlantic, the Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve, a great spot to view migratory songbirds, or the National Wildlife Refuge; a place where nature is conserved, it is difficult to go away disappointed. Hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, and fishing are some fun leisure activities that can be enjoyed during Block Island’s fall season. In addition, the town features art, theatre, shopping, dining, and special events throughout the year. Thus, Block Island is an ideal getaway destination not only in the summertime, but also in the fall when the weather turns a bit cooler, the crowds dissipate, and natural beauty remains.
