Edition #15, 21 April 2008
Updated, 27 January 2009

Hello, my name is Cynthia, a mermaid from the cool waters of New England. Thank you for visiting my website on coastal New England. A new article is posted here every two weeks.

If you missed any of my previous articles, you can find links to them here.

As with Nantucket, you may choose to travel to Block Island by air, by ferry, or by ship. Block Island State Airport is located in the south central part of the island, off of Center Road. Year-round ferry service is available from Point Judith, Rhode Island. Seasonally, ferry service is also available from New London, Connecticut and Galilee, Rhode Island. Ferries arrive at Old Harbor, on the eastern side of the island. The town of New Shoreham, incorporated in 1672, is the only town on Block Island.

Block Island features 17 miles of beaches and 365 fresh water ponds. You are never far away from the water. Point in any direction... That is the way to the beach! One of the finest beaches on the island is Crescent Beach. It is found on the island's east coast between Old Harbor and Clay Head. To the north, Scotch Beach and Mansion Beach are also good choices.

Fishing charters are available from both Old Harbor and New Harbor. Sailing charters, parasailing, kiteboarding, surfing, and kayak tours are also available. On land, there is hiking, biking, tennis, and horseback riding. There is always something to do on the island.

Are you a sport fisherman? Block Island Sport Fishing Charters has been fishing the waters of Block Island since the 1980s. This is an adventure you will not soon forget!

Southeast Lighthouse sits atop the Mohegan Bluffs and has guided sailors since 1874. The lighthouse is 67 feet high and weighs 200 tons. It was moved 360 feet in 1993 to prevent damage from erosion. The lighthouse is also a museum and is open to the public during the summer season.

The North Lighthouse is located at Sandy Point. It is 55 feet high and was first erected in 1868. The first floor of the lighthouse building has been converted into a museum, but the lighthouse tower is not open to the public.

Fine dining on Block Island can be found at The Atlantic Inn Restaurant on High Street. The Inn features romantic dining and a fantastic ocean view. Also on the fine dining list are Spring House Hotel and Hotel Manisses, both of which are located on Spring Street.

There is a variety of casual dining possibilities on Block Island. Examples include Finn's Seafood Restaurant, Harbor Grill, and Rebecca's Seafood Restaurant, all located on Water Street.

Further information on Block Island can be found at www.blockislandinfo.com and www.blockislandri.net.  If you should see me in the water, be sure to wave!

Mindy

Hi Mindy,
Thank you so much for the kind words. Do share the pictures of your travels this summer. Once again, happy sailing!

Hugs,
Cynthia

If you own a business and would like to sponsor a past or future article, please write to me for details.

Love,
Cynthia