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 the air . Seafarers can sail away on the Block Island Ferry out of Narragansett and Newport , while aerophiles can book a round-trip flight out of Westerly with New England Airlines . blockislandferry . com ; blockislandsairline . com
The Mohegan Bluffs in Block Island .
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 sports bright , vintage-inspired decor , a lively beach bar and relaxing lounge area that serves good coffee , signature cocktails and food all day long , as well as nightly music on its expansive waterfront deck . blockislandbeachhouse . com
SEE ALSO : the Spring House Hotel , springhouseblockisland . com
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 ? facebook . com / bethanysairportdiner
EARLY BIRD SPECIALS Though it may be somewhat small , this island is jam-packed with heartpumping activities . Start your morning off right by hiking the Mohegan Bluffs ; checking out the numerous stunning lighthouses ; biking / mopeding around the island ; or fishing , parasailing or kayaking in the surrounding waters . blockisland . com
LUNCH Open April through October , 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 the flavorful adult libations on the menu . moheganblockisland . com
GOOD AFTERNOON Tired after a full morning ? We don ’ t blame you . Luckily , there are 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 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 . ballardsbi . com ; blockislandinfo . com / maps / beaches-parks-map
DINNER Set high on a hill outside of the island ’ s main downtown area , Restaurant 1879 at the Atlantic Inn offers a scenic , relaxing retreat to visitors of the island . Enjoy the sunset from the wraparound veranda as you pick at some tasty tapas and sip on an artisan cocktail . And FYI : The Atlantic Inn also makes for a great stay . atlanticinn . com
GETTY IMAGES / NICO _ BLUE
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 . vineyardfastferry . com
NANTUCKET Take the Seastreak Ferry from New Bedford , Massachusetts , to Nantucket . → seastreak . com
NIGHTLIFE 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 . pppbi . com
SEE PAGE 5 FOR MORE LOCAL FERRY SERVICES .
YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER GUIDE 2021 49