Sunset bonfires on the beach, volleyball tournaments, party waves, beach runs, bike rides, nature hikes, and morning coffees are a few of the reasons why I fell in love with this beautiful island. Located off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is considered similar to Martha’s Vineyard but a less wealthy/entitled crowd and a lot more nature. I moved here in June 2020 to work for the summer. 4 months later I was on the ferry headed to the mainland and ready to share with you all the reasons you must experience Block Island!
Getting There
-From the airport to the ferry terminal: As soon as I exited the airport I walked across a crosswalk to the bus and Lyft waiting area. I was able to get a Lyft to Port Judith for $44. Taxis will charge you $90 and Uber costs $80 when I checked. I was told Uber pick ups arrived in front of the multi-story parking garage you will see to the right from the benches at the Lyft waiting area. There is also a bus through RIPTA that goes directly to the ferry port for $6 that can be picked up to the left of the Lyft waiting zone. This takes about an hour and forty five minutes and your main option of returning to the airport after leaving Block Island.
-Ferry: I took the slow ferry (55 minutes) from Port Judith which cost me $11.30 for a one way ticket. I also paid $9.55 for my surfboard but my suitcase was free.There is a suitcase rack on the lower deck where you can stow your belongings and walk to the upper decks to enjoy the view. Cars can be taxied on this boat as well. The top deck offers benches and open air as the middle deck is closed in with padded chairs and a little snack bar.
Getting Around
-Rent a bike: Island Moped and Bike is right by the ferry and where I bought my bike. Rent a bike from them for the length of your stay and bike along all the dirt roads mopeds cannot access. There are numerous moped accidents every year and are a hazard on the road. Please avoid renting a moped and if you do please don’t drink and drive. There are also car rentals on the island and a good option too if you want to check out those dirt roads. Take it slow and be respectful to other drivers, bikers, or pedestrians on the road.
Eat
-Block Island Depot: This is a mini grocery store selling sandwiches, coffee, fruits, veggies, and basic supplies. I picked up a coffee here regularly on my way to Diamond Blue as there is no wait and a small coffee only sets you back $1.60.
-Block Island Grocery: They have a deli here and offer sandwiches, potato salad, and daily specials. The largest grocery on the island.
-Boat Basin- A convenience store located right next to The Oar selling sweatshirts, snacks, and a small grocery section.
-Payne’s Killer Donuts: Located near Dead Eye Dicks these fresh donuts are served out of an old airstream. Best donuts on the island!
-Aldo’s Bakery: A classic ice cream shop and bakery. They also have an Italian restaurant and we went once – I had the chicken parm.
-The Oar: If you are looking for a lunch with a view go here and try the mudslides, sushi (get the candy cane roll), and wings. A few more of my favorites are the turkey melt, burger, black bean burrito, blackened scallops, and roasted chicken.
-Springhouse: If you are looking for a nice dinner with a view this is your spot! Hands down the best ahi tuna as an appetizer, espresso martinis, and if you stick around for fall try their butternut squash ravioli or scallops.
-Winfields: Try the lobster mac and cheese and their pork chop.
-Odd Fellows Cafe: Great coffee with the best chill workspace upstairs.
-Poor People’s Pub: They serve mac and cheese in a skillet with your choice of protein, good burgers, and other typical pub food.
-Los Gatitios: I usually get their rice and beans, guac, kids quesadilla, and mudslide. Good food and good prices.
-Dead Eye Dicks: Get their lobster fettuccine, cold lobster roll, and try their massive brownie sundae. Request a seat outside at one of the fires for the best experience.
-Eli’s: I had the chicken statler. Great atmosphere and drinks. Make sure to make a reservation as seating is limited.
-The National: I went here weekly after work and sat outside by the fire. Highly recommend the parmesan bacon fries and peanut butter pie.
-The Surf: Great for a quick meal to enjoy the view. Try their fries and grilled shrimp.
-Persephone’s: My go-to was the vegan rancheros: sweet potato, quinoa, black beans, pico de Gallo, and avocado. In the fall they also have an awesome soup of the day.
-Tigerfish: Get their crack fries.
-Beachead: I had the lobster Mac and cheese.
-Cracked Mug: Best coffee and breakfast sandwiches. Open year round.
-Smitty’s: Best ice cream on the island in my opinion. Located next to Dead Eye Dicks. Try their mint patty and peanut butter cup.
-Captain Nicks: Go here for a drink on the weekend when there is live music. Grab a drink on the railing upstairs.
-Old Island Pub: Your typical pub located right next to Poor People’s Pub with a pool table and all the drinks.
-Shols: Our go-to bar just down the street from our housing. Located right on Payne’s dock with great vibes, nightly live music, and good drinks.
-Traders: Located at the end of the dock at Champlin’s and serves up the island’s best mudslide.
-Ernies: Best sit down breakfast spot with a view of Old Harbor. Great avocado on toast and omelettes.
-Hotel Manisses: Good spot for a nice dinner. Make a reservation and grab a drink at their old school bar.
-1661 Breakfast: Mimosas, garden veggie omelets, fruit, toast, and a beautiful view.
-Farmstead Refreshments Food Truck: Located at the 1661 Farm. They have smoothies, cold brew, sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
Do
-Bike to Charleston Beach: From my house (Narragansett Inn) this is a 2 mile bike ride. Google maps says it is a 10 minute ride but with a couple decent hills and a gravel road (Champlin Rd) it will take you more like 20 minutes. As Champlin Rd is gravel mopeds are not allowed and just rent a bike or car if you wish to visit. This beach is beautiful and quite deserted. A few men were fishing and a couple was sunbathing otherwise it was empty! I posted up next to a big piece of driftwood and relaxed and watched a seal swim along the shallow water. This beach has rocks at its shore but transitions into sand within a few feet. When I visited the water was very calm as it is more of a protected beach facing the mainland.
-Bike to the North Lighthouse and walk the beach to the northern point. I went around 11 and the sand was hot. Bring tennis shoes and walk on the rocks. If you are able to this is one of the coolest places to watch the sunset. We drove out to the northern point and had a little bonfire, roasted some hot dogs, and watched the sun go down. A seal was beached on the northern point and many more in the shallow waters. A very idealic Block Island experience.
-Go to the 1661 Farm: Home to an awesome menagerie of animals including camels, lemurs, pigs, donkeys, llamas, ducks, goats, and much more.
-Mansion Beach: A more secluded beach with a great trail from the parking lot.
-Rodman’s Hollow: A beautiful hike down to Black Rock Beach. Mind the poison ivy.
-Clayhead Trail: Another trail to the beach with more trails along the cliff’s edge. I walked left along the beach to more secluded beaches.
-Hodge Preserve: A short trail to Middle Pond with great views.
-Enchanted Forrest: The trailhead is located across the road from the airport and more woodsy trails.
-Trail by Block Island Depot: A short trail to Harbor Pond.
-Bike to the South East Lighthouse and Mohegan bluffs: This ride is about 3 miles from me and Google maps says 21 minutes by bike. There are again a couple of decent hills you will run into but the views are worth it! Check out the lighthouse first and then park at the Mohegan Bluffs. Walk to the lookout point and then down the 141 steps to take in the 200 foot cliffs. The beach is rocky and secluded the further you walk. From here I continued biking along the coast and took a right on Lakeside Dr to do a loop back to town. Lakeside will turn into Center Rd and you will pass the airport. Then take a right on Old Town Road which will lead you back to town. You can also walk from the cliffs right to Vail beach, up the stairs, and back to the cliff’s parking lot to get your bike.
-Dory’s Cove or Gracie’s Cove for sunset: Rocky beaches with driftwood make for a great spot to view the sunset.
-Farmer’s Market: Usually every Saturday and Wednesday. Stands vary from lemonade, baked goods, soups, fresh veggies, flowers, pottery, jewelry, and art. Get the cinnamon rolls!!
-Go fishing.
-Shop at Diamond Blue Surf Shop: If you are looking for less-touristy Block Island gifts and apparel shop here at a small business that is run and staffed by some awesome people!
-Play volleyball on the beach: There is usually at least one court set up during the summer with the entrance two beach accesses north of the pavilion.
-Go for a surf: If you are a beginner head to Baby Beach at low tide or explore the other beaches on the island. Generally by the cliffs it is better at high tide.
-Explore the beaches and off the beaten path: Break away from State Beach to find the less-crowded and more untouched beaches. Bike the quiet roads and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Only on Block for 24 Hours?
If you are visiting just for the day or staying only one night here are my reccomendations to enjoy the island to the fullest!
-Rent a bike and start your day off with brunch at Persephone’s. Bike over to the cliffs, walk down the stairs, and take in the view. Bike up Center Road to The Oar and grab lunch along the water at the Adirondack chairs. Walk the beach to Traders and try their mudslide. Grab your bikes and take your time biking over to Gracie’s Cove for sunset. Leave while you still have some light and bike back into town and have dinner at The Springhouse. Make the most of your time on the island while experiencing all the must-dos!
I hope you fall in love with this island as much as I did! Safe travels and don’t be a kook and rent a moped. Enjoy!
the nomadic nanny 