Block Island is the Perfect Weekend Trip

If you’re looking to escape the city for a relaxing vacation and are yearning for the charm of a classic New England seaside town, consider a trip to Block Island, R.I. A mere 14 miles east of Montauk and 12 miles off the Rhode Island coast, it’s an easily accessible alternative to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket for a weekend getaway.

A Quick Trip from Montauk, NY or Newport, RI

Having spent more than a few weekends in the Hamptons and Montauk on the south fork of Long Island, N.Y, my boyfriend and I decided to take a weekend trip to Block Island for a change of pace. After a quick breakfast at a local pancake house, we boarded one of the daily high-speed ferries from Montauk.

Once underway, we enjoyed a picturesque harbor view dotted with fishing boats, the Montauk Yacht Club and an array of local bars & restaurants, including one of my new favorites in the area, Swallow East. With a newly redone interior, live music on the weekends, and a menu that showcases local, fresh ingredients, this former fisherman’s haunt embodies a laid-back yet beachy-chic atmosphere. Like its nearby contemporary, Surf Lodge, Swallow East is part-owned by tech entrepreneur, Michael Walrath; what truly sets it apart is the outdoor deck framed against the scenic, nautical backdrop.

Arriving on Block Island an hour later, we felt a world away from New York. New Harbor, where the Montauk ferry docks, was bustling with private boats and yachts complete with their own Vineyard Vines-branded harbor service. In search of a simple yet elegant weekend by the seashore, we had a friend recommend booking a room at Avonlea, Jewel of the Sea, one of two properties on the island owned by Ann Law.

Gracious Hospitality and Breathtaking Views

Avonlea, Jewel of the Sea sits on a hill with a wraparound porch and gardens overlooking Crescent Beach. Built at the turn of the century, this renovated ten-room inn offers sweeping views of the shoreline and nearby harbor.

Without a doubt, this inn offers one of the most stunning views on island.  From sunrise to sunset, guests can often be found either reclining on lounge chairs set at the edge of the hillside or relaxing on the beach, which is a mere 30 second walk down a sand dune. Most of the rooms offer dramatic ocean views, and several have separate entrances or private patios, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or play a game provided by the hosts. Like most guests, we were looking for a quiet, stress-free weekend and were pleased to hear that Avonlea does not permit pets or children under the age of sixteen.

The Blue Dory, Ms. Law’s second property is only a stone’s throw away from Avonlea and lies at the head of Crescent Beach. It’s a short distance to Old Harbor, where you can find the ferry from Newport, nightlife and island shops.

The Blue Dory has been featured in Patricia Schultz’s “1000 Places to See Before You Die” and has been profiled on Conde Nast Traveler’s “Hot List”- among other publications. It offers eleven spacious guestrooms (some of which are charming cottages alongside the main house) with views of either the ocean or the historic town.

Upon check-in, we were greeted by Ms. Law, were introduced to the staff and shown to our room. We were pleased to find a spacious room with plush bedding, an immaculate bathroom and a drop-dead gorgeous view.

Both properties host guests to a hearty breakfast as well as afternoon wine and hor d’oeuvres. Additionally, with such close proximity to the beach, they conveniently offer beach chairs and towels.

Exploring the Island

Once settled, we decided to explore the town and the island itself. Also referred to as New Shoreham, Block Island is a historic seaside destination known for its bicycling, sailing, fishing and beaches. As the island is just shy of ten square miles and is easily navigable by bike or moped, we were able to visit both lighthouses, soak in the country farmsteads and scout the unspoiled coast.

After spending most of the afternoon on a secluded beach, we returned to the inn for wine and hor d’oeuvres. Grabbing our fare, we headed out to one of several comfy seats accompanied by tables on the wraparound porch. I truly couldn’t imagine a better end to a day at the beach than sipping a glass of wine paired with flatbread bruschetta and feeling the light ocean breeze in my hair.

Later that night, we dropped into a nearby restaurant for dinner followed by drinks at a bar featuring live music before returning to Avonlea for the night. We woke to the sound of waves and a delectable breakfast of stuffed french toast, fresh fruit and baked goods.

 I truly couldn’t imagine a better end to a day at the beach than sipping a glass of wine paired with flatbread bruschetta and feeling the light ocean breeze in my hair.

The Perfect Casual Afternoon Meal

Prior to leaving the island, we spent a leisurely afternoon at The Oar, which overlooks New Harbor and the Great Salt Pond. Over the years, this restaurant has become a tradition with vacationers, locals and, especially, the boaters that are docked or moored in the harbor below.

While the view from The Oar’s decks and lawns is awe-inspiring, the restaurant itself exudes a fun atmosphere with its painted oars telling the stories of travelers before us. Overall, it was the perfect choice for a casual afternoon meal and drink. 

As the ferry pulled away, we couldn’t have been happier with our trip to Block Island. The hospitality and service at Avonlea, Jewel of the Sea were amazing and the moments shared in town and along the shorelines will always be remembered.