RHODE ISLAND - Block Island

This outdoor facility, operated by the owners of 1661 Inn and Hotel Manisses, is a menagerie of exotic animals -- llamas, emus, sheep, goats, and ducks – that live next to the inn. Cost: Free. Open: Daily, dawn-dark.

Formed by glaciers nearly 10,000 years ago, Block Island features a diverse array of habitats. Maritime shrubland, beaches and open morainal grasslands support more than 40 state and federal rare or endangered species, including the globally endangered American burying beetle. Birds stop here while migrating in the spring and fall along the Atlantic Flyway. There are approximately 25 miles of walking trails on Block Island open to the public, free of charge. Places of interest on Block Island include Clay Head Preserve off Corn Neck Road, the Fresh Swamp Preserve, off Lakeside Drive, Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve, off Corn Neck Road, Nathan Mott Park off Center Road and Turnip Farm off Old Mill Road, and Rodman's Hollow, Black Rock Road off of Cooneymus Road.

Coastal grasslands set on the bluffs above the Atlantic provide habitat for raptors and passerines. Walk from entry on south side of Cooneymus Road near West Side Road intersection.

On the southern end of the island, the bluffs rise 200 feet above the water and run along the coast for about three miles. It's the site of the Southeast Lighthouse, built in 1875. In season there are nature programs on the bluffs. Open July-September, 10 am-4 pm.

Built in 1867, this is the fourth lighthouse built on Sandy Point, where exposure to the elements and shifting sands make keeping a lighthouse in one piece difficult. The lighthouse is on the grounds of the National Wildlife Sanctuary, which contains hiking trails. No tower access. Public beach, saltwater fishing, bird watching. Lighthouse open daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

This glacial depression offers spectacular views of the ocean. In addition, this is the last remaining habitat of the Block Island meadow vole.