Block Island Rhode Island is a Stunning Getaway From NYC
I am constantly looking for beautiful getaways from NYC. I love my city but a quick getaway is such a beautiful refresher. I especially love a place that is a quick drive, or train ride away. I’ve visited all the states south of NYC on the east coast but can you believe that I have never gone north? When I got the invitation to visit Block Island, Rhode Island with other bloggers–I really couldn’t say yes fast enough because I had heard such amazing things about Rhode Island plus it was FINALLY my chance to go North!
After a beautiful, scenic, nearly 3 hour ride to Kingston on the Amtrak (which is really my happy place–insanely relaxing and PRODUCTIVE!). We took about a 20 minute drive to the Block Island Ferry and learned so many awesome things from our tour guide along the way.
Did you know these things about Block Island?
- Named “one of the twelve best unspoiled areas in the Western Hemisphere”
- Has 17 miles of unspoiled beaches
- Brilliantly restored Victorian Inns and B&Bs
- Activities include bike riding, hiking, horseback riding, bird-watching and snorkeling
- More than 50 specialty shops and more than a dozen art galleries
Arriving on Block Island
The moment I stepped foot off the Amtrak and into Rhode Island, even the AIR was different. NYC can be a super intense place, and Rhode Island gave me a super relaxing vibe. We boarded the Block Island Ferry and it was beautiful to watch–that was until the boat sped up! It was SOO windy! I’m pretty sure my cheeks were rippling. 🙂 But oh man was it worth it, as we arrived on the island, I knew that we were in a really special place.
On the ferry to see beautiful #riblockisland #blockisland #presstrip @BlockIsleFerry pic.twitter.com/iMYLDyqhTa
— Nellie ✊?✊?✊???? (@BklynActiveMama) June 15, 2016
We had lunch a few steps away from the ferry at a stunning restaurant/hotel called The National. The food was phenomenal–so good. I had a plain burger with pasta salad and most of my fellow bloggers had the famous lobster rolls. I couldn’t partake because of my seafood allergy, but it all got extremely rave reviews!
SouthEast Light House
Next we headed quickly to the Southeast Light House. A 52 foot tall tower that serves as a guide to boats all over the east coast. The building was actually picked up and moved from it’s original location on the edge of the cliff to 300 hundred feet away in 1993. The entire building remained in tact, and it was the coolest thing ever to climb to the top and see the light in all its glory up close and personal.
Glass Float Project
Afterwards we toured more of the island and stopped on one of the most beautiful trails for the Glass Float Project:
550 Glass Floats (glass orbs about the size of a grapefruit) will be hidden on Block Island. Floats will be dated, numbered and stamped with the shape of Block Island. All floats are clear glass except for 16 (because it is 2016), which are special colored orbs. One super special float is made entirely out of gold leaf.
We walked and walked and search but unfortunately none of us found one of these special orbs, but I think I definitely need to go back and take a closer look because the orbs are SO beautiful!
How Do You Get To Block Island Anyway?
Glad you asked, so you can take the Block Island ferry from Newport, Rhode Island, New London Connecticut, or even via the Montauk Ferry on Long Island!
Just off the coast of Rhode Island, this secret gem is a throwback to the mid-1800s: Antique-filled Victorian Inns, miles of pristine rolling hills, and towering cliffs with stunning views of the Atlantic. –TravelandLeisure.com
Overall thoughts of Block Island
Block Island is really a place that celebrates a life of relaxation, old school values and beautiful scenery. Most every hotel has a limited amount of rooms, I’m pretty sure I didn’t see a hotel over 2 floors. Every restaurant I saw had a beautiful view of the beach and so did every B&B. The island is also a great place to bike, swim and run too! Although, I went for a day trip the island really left a lasting impression on me. I would love to take my family here before the summer is out!
Transportation, excursions and meals were graciously provided by Rhode Island Tourism.
[Tweet “Why #BlockIsland is a completely relaxing and enjoyable getaway from the city! #riblockisland”]
Have you ever been to Rhode Island? What are your favorite close getaways?
Hi! I’m Nellie. I am a busy mama of three, wife to my high school sweetheart who loves to cook, workout and stay organized! I love to share helpful printables, the best recipes and fitness tips for the modern mom. I strongly believe that every mom can feed their family well, take proper care of themselves and have fun along the way! Read my story.
Get comfortable and be sure to come hang out with me on social. Don’t grab your free fitness journal before you go!
DNN
Tuesday 12th of July 2016
Looks like a lovely place to take your soulmate to. Did you make videos of Block Island to compliment this post? Would love to see. :-)
Britt
Thursday 23rd of June 2016
Gorgeous photos Nellie! I love Block Island! We vacationed there every year when I was a kid. I loved the waves at the beach. I remember climbing that lighthouse. We loved riding bikes around the island. It is such a cute and picturesque place!
Tamara
Tuesday 21st of June 2016
I can't believe it, but I've never been. I have friends who lived in Rhode Island so I've visited Providence, but never Block Island. I think I need to get there immediately!
Leslie
Tuesday 21st of June 2016
Come to think of it, I've never been in states north of New York, either. This whole post makes me look forward to our vacation in a few weeks, and also makes me want to go find gems like this up north. Thanks for the review!
Faith
Monday 20th of June 2016
Such stunning images! Makes me want to head over to Rhode Island. Would be a great place to visit this summer.