Block Island is a refuge for people and nature. You'll discover towering cliffs, stunning views and some of the best beaches on the New England coast... and without the crowds. You see Block Island takes a little bit of effort to get there, and this is good news for you, as most people won't take the trouble to take the one-hour ferry ride from the mainland.
But it's their loss... and your gain.
Block Island is a seaside jewel lying 12 miles off the southern coast of Rhode Island. This is a place where nature clings to every pond, stone-walled trail, beach, and everything in between. It's a paradise for cyclists, and a haven for those ready to leave the trappings and demands of the mainland behind.
Most people take the ferry from Port Judith, which takes one hour across The Sound, and plants you in the hub of Block Island at Old Harbor. A Seasonal ferry service also runs from Newport RI and Montauk NY.
Coming to the Island is a shift in time, with its rugged undeveloped reserves... and open field farmlands... and narrow roads lined with stone walls and wild roses. Block Island invites you to relax in dress and time. It's a chance for you to rediscover nature again, and appreciate this geological remains from the last Ice Age.
Here's suggested destinations to help you enjoy Block Island to its fullest...
THE VIEW FROM MOHEGAN BLUFFS...
You don't want to miss the view from Mohegan Bluffs. Take the Mohegan Trail from the village of Old Harbor out to the Bluffs.
Mohegan Bluffs overlook the southern coast of Block Island, and on a clear day you can see Montauk, NY on Long Island, about 18 miles away. The cliff's tower 200 feet above the shoreline and offer stunning views of the landscape and the Southeast Light. A steep set of wooden steeps leads down to the beach below.
At this beach a marauding band of Mohegan Indians were repressed by the local tribe, and gave name to the bluffs.
THE BLOCK ISLAND LIGHTHOUSES
Block Island has two lighthouses: Southeast Light and North Light.
Southeast Light sits atop Mohegan Bluffs and was moved back from a perilous position on the cliffs in 1993. This is an attractive redbrick lighthouse built in 1875, and contains a museum inside for you to explore.
North Light is at Sandy Point on the northern tip pf Block Island. This is the fourth lighthouse in this location and was built in 1867. Two of the previous lights were washed away and the third was dismantled because its position did more harm than good.
North Light is within the boundaries of the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, and that's where we were heading anyway...
BLOCK ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Located on the North End of Block Island the refuge is now a 127-acre habitat for wildlife and for visitors to enjoy the wonder of this natural environment.
If you're a bird-watcher then the fall season offers a spectacular opportunity to view migratory birds, especially songbirds. Bring your camera and binoculars for a very special trip to a very special refuge.
The shoreline area runs from Settler's Rock to Sandy point and the North Light, and then from here to Great Salt Pond. This is an ideal area for walking, bird watching, and breathtaking views.
BLOCK ISLAND BEACHES and PONDS
Block Island beaches are the first stop for many first time visitors. The choices are many and varied. It has 17 pristine miles of gorgeous beaches.
The two-mile Crescent Beach area consists of four beaches: Frederick J. Benson Beach, Scotch Beach, Mansion Beach, and close to the ferry landing is Ballard's. These tend to be the most popular, but don't forget just a few minutes bike ride away are deserted beaches, where you can enjoy your own spot of peace and harmony.
For such a tiny area, Block Island boasts an amazing 365 ponds - that's right - one for every day of the year. So as you bike and hike around the island, it doesn't matter where you're at... you're only a few feet away from water.
Permits are required to fish the freshwater ponds.
Other things to do on Block Island include: visits to Manisses Animal Petting Zoo, Settler's Rock, located at the end of Corn Neck Road near a beach on Rhode Island Sound - the rock marks the landing point of European settlers of Block Island in 1661, and kayaking in New Harbor.
Block Island is a well-kept secret. Very few people know about it as a superior vacation destination. And to be honest that suits me just fine. I'll continue to take my trips and enjoy the sanctuary it offers. But I've shared it with you now, so you have to promise to visit... soon.
While Block Island is a great place to visit for the day, you'll get more time to enjoy the island if you stay overnight, or even longer, at any of the varied lodging available. But advanced booking is a must.
Inns and bed and breakfasts abound on the island, with many located near the village of Old Harbor and nearby New Harbor.
You have seen pictures of the lavish new luxury resorts; private islands in the shape of palms and Continents of the world. You've heard about the recreation parks for indoor skiing and man made beaches for surfing. You have probably imagined the all out partying that goes on inside all those glitzy skyscrapers. Am I right? Well, you had better think again!
Once again Dubai has shocked Western cultures by jailing visitors for minuscule quantities of banned substances, and sentenced these unsuspecting travelers to four years (YES, FOUR YEARS!) in jail. A growing number of Western tourists who are unaware of the strict, no tolerance policy in the United Arab Emirates, for possession of banned substances, end up in jail when highly sophisticated screening equipment finds traces of drugs on their clothes, bags or shoes. A British man was sentenced last week to 4 years of imprisonment after screening agents found a speck of marijuana in the tread of his sneaker (so small it would be virtually invisible to the naked eye, less than one grain of sugar). And you do not need to enter the country to be targeted for search. Several unsuspecting travelers were merely transiting through Dubai with a change of plane on their way to another destination.
As reported by the Times Online, "A mere speck of a drug forgotten in a trouser pocket can bring a four-year jail term. Since January 2006, possession of even trace amounts of illegal drugs has resulted in four-year jail terms for foreigners in transit through Dubai.The presence of drugs in the body is counted as possession, the Foreign Office cautions. In other words,Travelers can be jailed even if they have no drugs on them: a trace in the blood-stream of a drug consumed before entering the UAE is enough to secure a jail term. Painkillers that are available with a doctors prescription or are even available over the counter in Europe or the United States can be illegal in Dubai."
Even more shocking is the classification of poppy seeds as a prohibited drug. One very unfortunate fellow hastily ate a roll at Heathrow Airport before boarding his plane. You guessed it, three poppy seeds fell into his clothing, and that was enough to get him arrested at the airport in Dubai. Apparently poppy seed possession can bring a jail term of 15 years. Are you kidding me!!! The Daily Mail reports, "Meanwhile a Big Brother TV executive has so far been held without charge for five days after being arrested for possessing the health supplement melatonin." Melatonin is an over-the-counter remedy used by thousands of Westerners to help relieve the symptoms of jet lag. Travelers should also be aware that many common prescription drugs are banned in the UAE whether you have a doctors prescription with you or not.
To be on the safe side, take a look at the US State Department's travel advisory site for the United Arab Emirates. You have no idea just how restrictive it is over there! Individuals are required to possess a personal liquor license, even in their own homes, to enjoy a beer or glass of wine. Tourist hotels certainly serve alcohol in their restaurants and bars, but the consumption of alcohol anywhere else is strictly prohibited.
And you had better not find fault with your hotel bill or restaurant tab either. You guessed right, your passport will be confiscated and you will be detained until the matter is resolved to their satisfaction.
So the next time you see one of those glitzy television specials about how wonderful it is in Dubai, think again, and spend your money in a country with a reasonable judicial system.
Both Cliff Calderwood & Susan Kohlback are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Cliff Calderwood has sinced written about articles on various topics from Destinations, The Ocean Beach and Destinations. For more details on these and other and to pick up your free travel reports go to Cliff Calderwood's. Cliff Calderwood's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.
Susan Kohlback has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Cruises and Argentina Travel. Susan, who has worked in the travel industry for many years, writes a daily blog . Wicked Good Travel Tips is a community of. Susan Kohlback's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.