Rhode Island Monthly Summer Guide 2020 | Page 63

around the block Here’s where to wine, dine, recline and shine in New Shoreham (a.k.a. Block Island). TRANSPORTATION There’s two ways to get to this pork chop-shaped piece of paradise located about thirty miles from the main shore, and that’s via water or air. Seafarers can catch the Block Island Ferry out of Narragansett, Newport or Fall River, Massachusetts or the Rhode Island Fast Ferry out of Quonset Point in North Kingstown, while aerophiles can book a $118 round-trip flight out of Westerly with New England Airlines. ACCOMMODATIONS Overlooking picturesque Crescent Beach, the Block Island Beach House (formerly Surf Hotel) offers the only beachfront hotel rooms — some with private, ocean-view balconies — on the island. The newly renovated hotel also offers bright, vintage-inspired decor; a lively beach bar; a cozy lounge area that serves good coffee, signature cocktails and satisfying eats all day long, as well as nightly music on its expansive waterfront deck. BREAKFAST Appropriately situated in the Block Island State Airport complex, Bethany’s Airport Diner has kitschy decor, a spacious outdoor patio and steaming stacks of pancakes — what more do you need? DINNER Set high on a hill outside of the main downtown area, the historic Atlantic Inn offers a scenic, relaxing retreat to visitors of the island. Enjoy the sunset from the wraparound verandah as you pick at some tasty tapas and sip on an artisan mixed drink. NIGHTLIFE Just a five-minute walk from the ferries, the Poor People’s Pub’s motto is, “Nothing fancy, just good grub, tasty cocktails and friendly folks.” Stop by to experience a truly authentic small-town pub vibe. Meanwhile, Dead Eye Dick’s catchphrase may be, “Come for the food, stay for the view,” but its pitchers of sangria just might be the real reason why you double back. Don’t Miss! Kimberly’s The Tap and Grille Eli’s Restaurant Winfield’s Restaurant EARLY BIRD SHENANIGANS Though it may small, this island is jam- packed with heart-pumping activities. Start your morning off right by hiking the Mohegan Bluffs; checking out the numerous stunning lighthouses; bik- ing / mopeding around the island; or fishing, parasailing or kayaking in the surrounding waters. See page 79 AFTERNOON DELIGHTS Feeling beat after a full morning? Luckily, there’s plenty of leisurely tourist activities to partake in. Spend the latter half of the day shopping for various souvenirs and tchotchkes, strolling through the Old Harbor Historic District, visiting the 1661 Inn or digging your toes in the sand at one of the island’s pristine beaches. We recommend Ballard’s for oceanside food / drink services, Mansion Beach for unparalleled scenery or Fred Benson Town Beach for family fun in the sun. Looking to Island Hop? Martha’s Vineyard Take the Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry out of Quonset Point in North Kingstown to Martha’s Vineyard. 1 hr. 45 min. trip Nantucket Take the Seastreak Ferry from New Bedford, Massachusetts to Nantucket. 1 hr. 45 min. trip YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER GUIDE 2020     61 LUNCH The Mohegan Cafe and Brewery truly has something for everyone. Tasty comfort food? Check. Light, healthy options? Check. Traditional American fare? Fancy, from-far-away cuisine? Daily specials? Check, check and check. Plus, true to its name, the cafe relies on a local island brewer to provide all of the flavorful adult libations on the menu. . for ies a co mplete ferr guide to our