This past Fourth of July weekend, I was lucky enough to head to Block Island, RI for some patriotic activities. It was my second time there and I don't think I will ever get enough of this beautiful island.
Here's a recap of our favorite spots where we stayed, ate, drank, and partied!
1. The Ferry: The ferry is easy. For me, I have a tendency to get a little motion sick so we steered clear of the FAST FERRY to avoid any sea sickness. It takes about an hour on the regular ferry from Point Judith and about a half hour on the fast ferry.
2. Water Street Inn: I came to block island with my boyfriend and two other couples so we reserved a suite (two private bedrooms and a pullout couch) and it was equipped with a full kitchen, AC (which is actually pretty hard to come by in Block) and plenty of room for all of us. HERE is the kicker. Our first night there, we went out and returned to the room around 2 a.m. One of the bedrooms was SWARMING with flying ants. No windows were open. We were baffled at how this happened. We immediately called the front desk and two on call maintenance workers came up and escorted the couple to a different room for the night. They bombed the room with insect killer and locked the door. The next morning they came in and completely scrubbed from top to bottom the whole suite. We also got a 50% discount on the room. They were very accommodating and felt terrible. Other than that the stay there was great.
3. Ballard's Beach: This is my favorite spot on the whole island. You will honestly feel that you are in the Bahamas. There are waiters and waitresses walking around with coconut drinks for you to buy, along with a full drink menu available for them to bring right to your beach chair. There is also a full bar over by the restaurant where you enter. They unfortunately do not let people BYOB and the drinks there are a tad expensive, but its worth it for a day of fun.
4. Speaking of PRICEY: BRING YOUR OWN WATER. Like from the mainland. Its so expensive on island. Same with booze. There is one liquor store and I spent $20 on a 12 pack of Corona. Surprisingly, drinks at bars a restaurants are very reasonable.
5. Yellow Kittens: My favorite bar. It is the perfect mix of people. The atmosphere is very laid back. There is also a back deck that is half screened in to venture out on. Cash only though so bring some bills with you. The ATM charge will kill you!
6, The Oar: Super fun place. Its right next to a boat dock which is beautiful to look at. They have corn-hole and outside seating along with indoor seating. The whole place is covered with DIY Oars. The sushi and mudslides are amazing, but I don't recommend ordering those together.
7. The Spring House: We won a gift card to this immaculate hotel/restaurant and made reservations there 7/3 (the night of the fireworks). Its placed on a hill that sits right next to the ocean. On the front lawn there are several Adirondack chairs, which made for the perfect spot post dinner to watch the fireworks. The food was amazing. Everything we ordered was to die for. My favorite had to be the swordfish. This is an upscale place but it is 100% worth it for a nice dinner with amazing service.
8. The Manisses: Two words: FLAMING COFFEES. This delicious alcoholic coffee drink is presented and made right in front of you. Think Harry Potter: Goblet of Fire. We went there on our last night to enjoy. Its a fun laid back spot. Request the front porch! Its the best on a nice night.
9. The National: My boyfriend and I are early risers so while the others rested up, we bounced around to different breakfast spots and this was our favorite. Located on the porch of the National Hotel, this spot is right behind where people get off the ferry. HELLO PEOPLE WATCHING. We went on the 4th of July and we had the best time watching people walking by in the 4th of July best while sipping on some mimosas.
10. Mohegan Bluffs: So beautiful. You hike your way down to the bottom (kind of steep so wear comfortable shoes) and it brings you to this beautiful beach. The cliffs are made of clay, so rub some on your body before taking a dip for some exfoliating. Its a much quieter beach and its a little bit of a ways from everything else. You will have to take a taxi or rent a moped to get there.
Here's a recap of our favorite spots where we stayed, ate, drank, and partied!
1. The Ferry: The ferry is easy. For me, I have a tendency to get a little motion sick so we steered clear of the FAST FERRY to avoid any sea sickness. It takes about an hour on the regular ferry from Point Judith and about a half hour on the fast ferry.
2. Water Street Inn: I came to block island with my boyfriend and two other couples so we reserved a suite (two private bedrooms and a pullout couch) and it was equipped with a full kitchen, AC (which is actually pretty hard to come by in Block) and plenty of room for all of us. HERE is the kicker. Our first night there, we went out and returned to the room around 2 a.m. One of the bedrooms was SWARMING with flying ants. No windows were open. We were baffled at how this happened. We immediately called the front desk and two on call maintenance workers came up and escorted the couple to a different room for the night. They bombed the room with insect killer and locked the door. The next morning they came in and completely scrubbed from top to bottom the whole suite. We also got a 50% discount on the room. They were very accommodating and felt terrible. Other than that the stay there was great.
3. Ballard's Beach: This is my favorite spot on the whole island. You will honestly feel that you are in the Bahamas. There are waiters and waitresses walking around with coconut drinks for you to buy, along with a full drink menu available for them to bring right to your beach chair. There is also a full bar over by the restaurant where you enter. They unfortunately do not let people BYOB and the drinks there are a tad expensive, but its worth it for a day of fun.
4. Speaking of PRICEY: BRING YOUR OWN WATER. Like from the mainland. Its so expensive on island. Same with booze. There is one liquor store and I spent $20 on a 12 pack of Corona. Surprisingly, drinks at bars a restaurants are very reasonable.
5. Yellow Kittens: My favorite bar. It is the perfect mix of people. The atmosphere is very laid back. There is also a back deck that is half screened in to venture out on. Cash only though so bring some bills with you. The ATM charge will kill you!
6, The Oar: Super fun place. Its right next to a boat dock which is beautiful to look at. They have corn-hole and outside seating along with indoor seating. The whole place is covered with DIY Oars. The sushi and mudslides are amazing, but I don't recommend ordering those together.
7. The Spring House: We won a gift card to this immaculate hotel/restaurant and made reservations there 7/3 (the night of the fireworks). Its placed on a hill that sits right next to the ocean. On the front lawn there are several Adirondack chairs, which made for the perfect spot post dinner to watch the fireworks. The food was amazing. Everything we ordered was to die for. My favorite had to be the swordfish. This is an upscale place but it is 100% worth it for a nice dinner with amazing service.
8. The Manisses: Two words: FLAMING COFFEES. This delicious alcoholic coffee drink is presented and made right in front of you. Think Harry Potter: Goblet of Fire. We went there on our last night to enjoy. Its a fun laid back spot. Request the front porch! Its the best on a nice night.
9. The National: My boyfriend and I are early risers so while the others rested up, we bounced around to different breakfast spots and this was our favorite. Located on the porch of the National Hotel, this spot is right behind where people get off the ferry. HELLO PEOPLE WATCHING. We went on the 4th of July and we had the best time watching people walking by in the 4th of July best while sipping on some mimosas.
10. Mohegan Bluffs: So beautiful. You hike your way down to the bottom (kind of steep so wear comfortable shoes) and it brings you to this beautiful beach. The cliffs are made of clay, so rub some on your body before taking a dip for some exfoliating. Its a much quieter beach and its a little bit of a ways from everything else. You will have to take a taxi or rent a moped to get there.
This is just a quick recap of my favorites. There are dozens and dozens of other spots to check out, including some adorable shops. Block Island is great for a day trip, but my suggestion is go for a few days!