A Day Trip to Block Island: In Photographs

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Where is Block Island?

I grew up only 90 minutes from Block Island, Rhode Island’s summer getaway, but never went there. The excuse always was, “I can go there anytime”. While a valid excuse, it turns out anytime meant never. I took it for granted. And now that I live in Orlando, I can’t just take a day trip to Block Island. So on a recent trip home to Massachusetts, my brother and I visited this tiny island off Rhode Island’s Coast.

Today’s post will be shared in pictures (and for more photos of Block Island, you can visit my Facebook Fan Page  Block Island Photo Album).

How do I Get to Block Island?

There are several options to travel to Block Island. The Block Island Ferry runs from Newport, RI and Point Judith, Narragansett. The Newport Ferry is cheaper, but takes longer. The Point Judith Ferry takes about an hour and will do you fine for a day trip. Get there early since crowds fill up quickly.

What is there to do at Block Island?

Block Island has plenty of activities to keep you busy. Just across the street from the dock where the ferry arrives, you can rent a bike to ride around the island. Take a few minutes to compare prices among vendors – although they are all about the same.

Biking is great to see some stunning landscapes like the Mohegan Bluffs (below), and will give you the freedom and mobility to explore the island at your own pace.

But do pace yourself. After a half-day of riding I was exhausted. Who knew that Block Island had so may hills!?

Along the way, be sure to checkout the lighthouses that dot the island. The SouthEast Lighthouse was actually moved 300 feet inland due to eroding cliffs in the vicinity. Imagine that!

When you’re done, hang out downtown and indulge in some ice cream. There’s plenty of restaurants and ice cream parlors to choose from.

Walking down the jetty near Ballard’s Beach, I came across a someone who was spear fishing.

But at the end of the jetty, away from the chaos on the beach, I was able to lay out on the rocks, watching the boats and people pass by.

The perfect ending to the day.

Fun Block Island Fact

Houses on Block Island don’t have mailboxes (they have PO Boxes instead), and thus don’t have street numbers. So in order for the fire department to locate your house, every house has a Fire Number!

Today’s Lesson:

Is there something in your neighborhood that you’ve been neglecting to visit because you, “can go there anytime?” – but you haven’t yet? Use this Labor Day weekend (or any weekend for that matter) to visit that location. Let us know what you did by commenting!

I’ll see you out there…! And you can always connect with me on my Facebook Fan Page. Also, my “9 1/2 Ways to Ignite Adventure in Your Life” Presentation at the Orlando Public Library is only 3 weeks away!

The Essentials

For More Information: Check out the Block Island Tourism webpage.

Attraction Costs: A round-trip ticket on the traditional ferry from Point Judith costs about $20.00. Bicycle rentals vary by the hour, but plan on around $30 for a half-day.

How to get there: See above. Take the Block Island Ferry.

Suggested Time to Experience Fully: We took the 8 A.M. Ferry from Point Judith and returned around 5 P.M. It was the perfect amount of time. Given one more full day, I would have enjoyed the beach, and the bluffs – both of which I saw, but didn’t have a whole lot of time to enjoy.

Best Time to Visit: Summer. It will naturally be crowded on the ferry, but once you’re on the island it’s easy enough to escape by bicycle and find a quiet place to call your own.

Ben Recommends: If you rent a bike, check the tires, brakes, chain, seat and everything before you depart. We had to swap out a few bikes before we could ride on. You don’t want to be on the other side of the island, only to discover you have a bad chain. Ride your bike to the bluffs first. Don’t be scared by the giant hill. It’s mostly downhill from there.

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