Rhode Island - 60 Great Things to Do in Rhode Island in Block Island

Art on Display Even in Winter

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Block Island tends to roll up the sidewalks in the winter, but make no mistake: if you are properly outfitted for the weather, strolling the streets, beaches, and woodlands of Block Island in cold weather brings marvelous rewards of powerful vistas and seascapes. For man-made art, a gallery that stays open most of the year is the Malcolm Greenaway Gallery on Water Street in the center of town, adjacent to the Empire Theater. The gallery is open weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Christmas, and, during the rest of the winter, Greenaway will come over and open up for pop-in visitors. Come see Greenaway’s wonderful photos of Block and other gorgeous places. Phone: 401-466-5331.

Books, Glorious Books

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A relaxed afternoon in a good bookstore is as good excuse as we can think of for a day trip to Block Island. Set between the Post Office and Harry’s Café, Island Bound Bookstore offers lots of room to relax and browse. Island Bound stocks the island's widest variety of fine literature for all ages. Readers will find New York Times best sellers, current pulp and hard-bound fiction and a generous offering of nonfiction, including titles on Block Island, boating, cooking, gardening and more. An inviting children's section offers fun activities for rainy days. Open daily, spring, summer, and fall. Call ahead for winter hours. Phone: 401-466-8878

Coastal Farm Offers
Peaceful Walks and Wonderful Vistas

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The rolling hills and ocean vistas of Block Island are magical in all seasons. One place to walk, take photos, watch the birds, and enjoy fantastic views is the Lewis-Dickens Farm on Coonymus Road, a refuge operated by of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. On this lovely property, coastal grasslands set on the bluffs above the Atlantic provide habitat for raptors and passerines. Walk in from the entry on the south side of Cooneymus Road near West Side Road intersection. Phone: 401-949-5454

Ferry for Fun

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A big part of the fun of Block Island is simply getting there. The Block Island Ferry departs from Point Judith – nosing its way out of a cluster of commercial fishing boats -- and the 30-minute ride is a mellow outdoor adventure. The ferry can accommodate cars and bikes, and bicycles and mopeds are available for rent on the island. Phone: 401-783-7996

Sunset To Remember

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Sunset at North Light is simply not to be missed. North Light, one of the island’s two lighthouses, is at Sandy Point at the north end the island. Prepare to walk a few hundred yards across rocky beach to reach the lighthouse. Phone: 401-466-3200.

The Other Bluffs

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The full moon over the ocean is spectacular from the legendary Mohegan Bluffs, a high escarpment off of Mohegan Trail that drops 150 feet to the sandy beach and crashing surf below. But local people say a better place to watch the moon rise is from Second Bluffs, about a quarter-mile down the road from Mohegan Bluffs. There is a little off-street parking area at Second Bluffs, but no sign to indicate you are there, so you will have to ask.