A quick look at a map of Rhode Island or Greater New England will reveal the tiny bit of land called Block Island shaped, if you have the imagination for it, like a block, with a tail. It can't challenge Cape Cod or its nearby islands of Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket but it does have a charm all its own, one you will bring back happily in days to come if you spend some time offshore and enjoy a Block Island, Rhode Island escape .
Begin at Point Judith, Rhode Island which really is the only ferry service that will take cars aboard. Or if you prefer you can walk on or go on with a bike. During the summer you can also find ferry service from Newport, Rhode Island. Out of staters can hitch a ferry ride to Block Island, Rhode Island out of New London in Connecticut or Montauk, NY. No matter your point of embarkation you will find the ride to Block Island relatively short and pleasant, with enough time to enjoy the view but not so much time that you get impatient to arrive or board with the passing seascapes.
In fact, a Block Island, Rhode island Escape only takes you twelve miles out into Block Island Sound. But the ride of about 30 minutes still gives you that wonderful feeling of separation, like you really are escaping the world of worries and hurries back on the mainland. Arriving at Block Island, Rhode Island you will find yourself on a really small piece of real estate at only about 11 square miles all told. The Island was discovered early on in New England history in 1661 and at first was considered more of an island to avoid than to visit as shipwrecks of Rhode Island bound vessels were frequent and costly in terms of lives and property.
But today Block Island, Rhode Island boasts of a fine harbor that regularly welcomes private boats and commercial ferries loaded with visitors for a day or a week or more. For just under $20 for adults and just under $10 for children you and your family can make the passage safely and quickly and get ready to enjoy the better part of the day. Taking your car is going to cost you almost $100. Considering the fact that Block Island Rhode Island is so small in area you may have second thoughts about hauling a car out there.
If your Block Island, Rhode Island escape is just for the day, try to organize in advance what you want to do. There is plenty to occupy your time, but if you have special interests it's good to schedule them into your day ahead of time. Some activities are obvious. There are wonderful public beaches to choose from providing the experience of swimming off an island, kind of fun. You can also get right into hiking, walking or birding without much preparation.
If your tastes are a tad more exotic it is possible to plan for an island tour, kayaking lessons or a great trail ride . Or depending on your tastes, available time and the weather you might pass some time in the Block Island shops or visit the several historic sites. Speaking of sites, almost any direction you look when you are on Block Island you are likely to drink in an incredible sea view. For some people those views and the simple quiet of the island are all that are really necessary to enjoy a Block Island, Rhode Island escape.
Just remember when you head out for your Block Island, Rhode Island escape understand where you are headed. Block Island is no where near the better known islands that lie off Cape Cod. But therein lies the joy of a Block Island, Rhode Island escape. You won't get lost, you won't waste much time getting from place to place and all the while you can take in the wonderful feeling of truly being away in a place filled with sights and sounds but most of a place that feels like peace.
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Published by Nora Beane
I am a former high school history teacher and Director of Religious Education with a total of 27 years of active experience as teacher and administrator. I am now a semi retired freelance writer. I have two... View profile
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