December 3, 2008
The best of Block Island
Block Island (PHOTO BY MICHAEL MELFORD (BLOCK ISLAND TOURISM COUNCIL))
A couple hours by car, and one more by ferry, life slows down.
On Block Island, R.I., there are 1,000 neighbors, instead of millions of strangers. Sluggish sailboats replace express trains. The breeze smells of seawater, not sewage. And stuffed quahogs outnumber hot dogs.
About 20 percent of the island has been set aside for conservation, and understandably so. Its sprawling beaches and towering bluffs are the stuff of romance novels.
Named for Dutch explorer Adriaen Block, the island -- a less fussy alternative to Martha¹s Vineyard and Nantucket -- is barely seven square miles. For weekenders on the East End, its location just off of Montauk makes it an ideal spot to squeeze in one last summer getaway.
Traveling the island is easiest by moped or bicycle. Rental stands sit at every corner of downtown New Shoreham -- the island¹s sole town. Don¹t bother shopping around for moped deals; businesses collude, setting prices to the day¹s demand (we paid $12 for three hours).
Related links
Seventeen miles of beaches stretch around the peculiarly shaped isle.
Partiers young and old flock to the popular Ballard¹s Beach, drawn by live music and drink service direct to your beach chair.
The more daring can hike to Black Rock Beach, a reputed nudist spot, although Block Island law forbids sunbathing, swimming or gallivanting in the buff.
And if your taste for adventure falls somewhere in between, an uphill bicycle ride leads to Bluffs Beach. It¹s well worth the cardio workout: The breathtaking Mohegan Bluffs rise nearly 200 feet around the water and provide a dramatic view of the Atlantic Ocean.
September draws near, so strike out for Block Island and experience life at a more leisurely pace, if only for a weekend.
Fast Facts
Getting there Drive or take the LIRR to Montauk, where the high-speed Viking Fleet ferry can take you to Block Island in about an hour. vikingfleet.com.
Where to go: Located on the Mohegan Bluffs, the Southeast Lighthouse was built in the 1870s and now houses a small museum.
What to eat: Made with clear broth, Rhode Island clam chowder, is the state¹s pride and a welcome alternative to the New England and Manhattan versions. Try Finn¹s Seafood Restaurant, Water Street, 401-466-2473.
What to buy: Vineyard Vines ties, printed with tiny Block Islands, are a commodity during Race Week. Get them at Water Street boutiques.
Party here: McGovern¹s Yellow Kittens Tavern features live bands, bar games and dancing under a disco ball. Corn Neck Road, 401-466-5855.
For more information: Go to blockislandinfo.com
Mixx it!
Copyright © 2008, AM New York