Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
IF YOU HAVE A FEW MORE DAYS
Unspoiled
Block Island
, separated from the rest of Rhode Island by 12 miles of open
ocean, offers simple pleasures: rolling farms, uncrowded beaches and miles of
quiet hiking and cycling trails.
Ferries dock at
Old Harbor
, the main town, which has changed little since its
gingerbread houses were built in the late 19th century. The beaches begin right at
the north side of town. If you continue north 2 miles you'll come to the
Clay Head
Nature Trail
, which follows high clay bluffs above the beach offering good bird-
watching along the way.
Rodman Hollow
, a 100-acre wildlife refuge at the island's
south end, is also laced with interesting trails.
A mere 7 miles long, Block Island begs to be explored by bicycle; several places
near the ferry dock rent them for $25 a day. The
Block Island Chamber of Commerce
( 800-383-2474;
www.blockislandchamber.com
)
, at the ferry dock, can help with accom-
modations, but be aware the island's four-dozen inns typically book out in summer
and many require minimum stays. The
Sea Breeze Inn
( 401-466-2275;
www.seabreezeblockisland.com
;
Spring St, Old Harbor; r $230-310, with shared bath $150-180;
)
of-
fers the cutest digs in seafront cottages sat above a wild meadow.
$25.55/12.50, high-speed $35.85/19.50)
operates high-speed (30 minutes) and traditional
(55 minutes) ferries from Galilee State Pier in Point Judith.
Drinking & Entertainment
Fastnet
BAR
(
www.thefastnetpub.com
;
1 Broadway; 11am-1am)
Named for a lighthouse off the coast of
Cork, this pub serves classics such as bangers and mash and fish and chips, beside an
ever-flowing river of Guinness. There's live Irish music every Sunday night.
Newport Blues Café
CLUB
( 401-841-5510;
www.newportblues.com
;
286 Thames St)
This popular rhythm-and-blues bar
and restaurant draws top acts to an old brownstone that was once a bank. It's an intimate
space with many enjoying quahogs, house-smoked ribs or pork loins at tables adjoining
the small stage. Dinner is offered 6pm to 10pm; the music starts at 9:30pm.
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