The Best Block Island Getaway

One of the most beautiful and traveled summer destinations is Block Island, a small flame-shaped island in between Long Island and the Connecticut coast. Block Island is known for its large, pristine beaches, boating and fishing opportunities, delicious cafes, hotels with a water view and much more. The island offers activities for families, teenagers and couples looking for a romantic getaway.

If you want a quick and amazing three-day getaway, hop on the Block Island Ferry from New London, Connecticut or Port Judith, Rhode Island and check out these activities, restaurants and shops. You will want to come back over and over again.

Day One

• Take a Scenic Bike Ride

Once you arrive at Block Island on the Ferry, you will step off into a large parking lot off of Water Street, the main vein of the downtown area. Here, you can find several bike rental shops that offer day and hourly rental rates. Turn right on Water Street, then head up Ocean Ave. and Beach Ave. until you hit West Side Rd. This road will take you by the Great Salt Pond, several sprawling farm houses and a Veteran's Park. The roads are relatively smooth and well shaded for a pleasant ride.

• Hit up Ballard's Beach

If you're tired from your bike ride, or just want to relax immediately after your ferry ride, sun yourself on Ballard's Beach, which is just yards away from the ferry dock. The beach is a popular spot for younger visitors and you are guaranteed to always find a game of volleyball or Frisbee on this beach. Bands come to play music on the deck of a neighboring bar and grill. If you want to be adventurous, you walk out onto the breakwater and wave in newcomers on the ferry.

• Have a relaxed dinner at Eli's

At 456 Chapel St is Eli's, a cozy restaurant that serves delicious food guaranteed to make your mouth water. Salmon, Mahi Mahi, lasagna and special soups are permanent items on the menu. The restaurant has received rave reviews, and is easily accessible. Be careful though, the wait can get long for a table so show up early! (401) 466-52 30

• Crash at in Inn or B&B

Block Island has dozens of inns, hotels and B&B's for guests to stay in. If you own a boat, you can dock overnight at either the Block Island Boat Basin or Champlain's Resort. Below are three of the best overnight accommodations on the island.

The Hill at Mill Pond, 85 Main St., Barnstable, MA 02630, (508) 362-7417

The Narragansett Inn, PO Box 1801, 466-2626

The Island Home, PO Box 1587, 466-5944, (888) 261-6118

Day Two

• Go Parasailing

If you want to get spectacular views of the ocean and the island shore, then parasailing is the activity for you. Licensed professionals will hitch you up to a parachute and speed you past the large, town beach and up towards the island's tip. Trips can last a few hours. Rates start at about $75. The same company also offers banana boat rides for those who do not enjoy heights! Call Block Island Parasail for more information (401) 864-2474

• Explore downtown shopping

Countless souvenir, clothing, and art shops can be found downtown along Water Street and Chapel Street. Many of located just across from the ferry, sprinkled amongst hotels and small restaurants. Take a few hours to stroll down the main roads, and buy a souvenir or two. If you don't want to spend money, go window shopping instead. Many of these novelty stores sell fun items, like the Mad Hatter. Other stores include Block Island Blue Pottery, Pocket Full of Posies, and Blocks of Fudge (which sells delicious fudge and candy) all on Chapel Street.

• Get clam chowder at the Oar

Located next to the parking lot of the Block Island Boat Basin, the Oar is a great restaurant that serves the best fried fish and clam chowder on the island. The atmosphere is completely laid back and friendly, and the restaurant's interior is covered in, you guessed it, boat oars. Prices are reasonable, and if it's a nice night, you can sit on the deck and enjoy a view of the marina and great Salt Pond.

• Try Aldo's

Aldo is a Block Island legend. A chef and baker, Aldo owns a restaurant, bakery and ice cream shop, and bike rental on the island. Almost every morning, Aldo gets in a small speedboat loaded with baked goods and rides around the Island's two marinas to sell pastries and coffee to boaters. His ice cream is amazing, his cheese Danishes are unparalleled, and his smile is always welcoming. His shop is right down Chapel Street.

Day Three

• Spend the day at the beach

Ballard's Beach is great, but the Fred Benson Town Beach, otherwise known as the Town Beach, is possibly the best beach on the whole island. You can get to the Town Beach by walking across Corn Walk Rd. just across from the Salt Pond. The surf on this beach is fantastic for boogie boarding and wave riding. The sand is pristine, with hardly a sharp rock or pile of seaweed anywhere. The beach is also quite wide, so kids and pets have room to play. A pavilion sits on one end of the beach where you can buy snacks and burgers, rent boogie boards and beach gear, and use the restroom. If you walk far enough down the Town Beach, you will eventually hit Mansion Beach, a beautiful and generally more isolated beach where an old, burned down mansion over looks the water. You can spend an entire day at this beach.

Albion's Pub

If you want delicious bar food and a laid back, fun atmosphere to help celebrate your last day on Block Island, head over to Albion's Pub. Located on Ocean Avenue people can gather inside to listen to great music and enjoy a few pints, or head outside on the lighted balcony and sit down to dinner. Call Albion's for more information about hours and making reservations. (401) 466-9990