Block Island, Rhode Island-the Ocean State’s last great place

May 27, 1:12 AMProvidence Getaways ExaminerRaymond LoCicero

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Mohegan Bluffs-Photo obtained from asergeev.com

New England is one of the most beautiful and vibrant regions in America. This region is home to many majestic mountains, crystal clear ocean water with miles of pristine beaches, important historical venues, and countless attractive and exciting vacation destinations that are in large urban metropolitan areas and sometimes, in smaller rural areas. In particular, if you happen to be seeking to explore one of those smaller rural vacation destinations that reside in New England, you may want to take a trip to Rhode Island. Rhode Island, whose nickname is the “Ocean State”, is home to one small, yet attractive, island paradise-Block Island.

Block Island, designated as “one of the 12 last great places in the Western Hemisphere", is an island 12 miles off Rhode Island’s southern coast that is seven miles long and three miles wide. Block Island, formed by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago, is often categorized as shaped like a pork chop. If you want to travel to Block Island, you must do so by ferry, private boat, and commuter or private plane. Once on this truly fantastic island with only one town, New Shoreham, you will start to relax and enjoy the tranquility as you walk, bike, moped, take a taxi, or drive by private auto to your designated island venues. Visitors of Block Island will be privy to plentiful island attractions, numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, exceptional shopping, dining, nightlife, and accommodations. While on Block Island, you’ll want to be sure to stand tall on the 200 ft above see level Mohegan Bluffs, check out the Southwest Lighthouse, and take the stairs down to the beach, go see some exotic and domestic animals at Abrams Animal farm, explore the web of trails at Greenway, try to catch a big fish or wave at Black Rock, experience wonderful island views at the Ocean View Pavilion, visit the site of where the first European settlers landed on Block Island at Settlers Rock and Sachem Pond, read all about the island’s history at the Island Free Library, view the Remarkable Statue of Rebecca, catch glimpses of fine art at the Arts and Crafts Guilds Fair and numerous private island art galleries, and stopover at the Farmer’s Market.

Block Island is an outdoor lover’s paradise that is highlighted with 15 different beaches spanning 17 miles giving way to fantastic recreational opportunities that include boating, fishing, clamming, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, sailing, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, kayaking, and kiteboarding. Tourists of this island we’ll be pleased to know that there are over 50 different stores to shop in, over 30 outstanding casual and fine dining establishments to choose from, bars that stay open until late in the night where live music is consistently performed, and visitors can stay the night on the island in Historic Victorian Hotels, bed and breakfasts, seaside cottages, and spectacular beach homes.
 

 For more information regarding the Ocean State’s last great place, please visit the Block Island Tourism Council.