When you take the Block Island Express to that beautiful island, your vacation begins before you arrive on its sandy shores. The Express ferries are comfortable, the decks have stunning views of the sea, lighthouses and passing sailboats, and the Cross Sound Deli offers passengers sandwiches, snacks, craft beers and specialty cocktails. Sit back and enjoy the hour-and-a-half ride from New London, CT, or Orient Point, NY. On the island, take the self-guided Block Island Bicycle Tour or rent a moped to tour the island. Enjoy its famous beaches (don’t miss Mohegan Bluffs), charming shops, al fresco dining and fun nightlife. Go kayaking or hiking. Leave New London in the late afternoon on Thursdays for the half-fare Thursday Night Dinner Run.

When it’s time for that much-needed break or vacation, you want to get there in a hurry! The Block Island Ferry folks understand, which is why they offer high-speed ferries [May-October] to Block Island from both Newport and Narragansett, RI [Point Judith]. The high-speed ferry Athena, an all-aluminum catamaran holding 250 passengers, will get you to Old Harbor on the island in half an hour; leaving from Newport on the 300-passenger Islander gets you there in an hour. That leaves you plenty of time to explore the island’s hiking and biking trails, beaches, shops, and restaurants. The ferries have food and beverage concessions, comfortable airline-style seating as well as tables and benches, TVs, and, of course, scenic views. Pets on leashes are allowed on the outside decks and in the cabins if crated.