Block Island

Once connected to land by a causeway at low tide, Block Island is now completely cut off from the mainland except by water and air. In summer, several ferries daily connect the Island with Point Judith and New London, CT, carrying both cars and pedestrians. Though the roads are narrow, it's relatively flat and well suited to bicycling, and rentals are available at the harbor. Unlike many summer escape islands, Block Island is more of a place of rest and exploration than it is a swank shopping Mecca. Rhode Islanders come here to play on the beach, go boating, hike, and otherwise enjoy fresh salt air and sunshine — but they know well to shake ...

Once connected to land by a causeway at low tide, Block Island is now completely cut off from the mainland except by water and air. In summer, several ferries daily connect the Island with Point Judith and New London, CT, carrying both cars and pedestrians. Though the roads are narrow, it's relatively flat and well suited to bicycling, and rentals are available at the harbor. Unlike many summer escape islands, Block Island is more of a place of rest and exploration than it is a swank shopping Mecca. Rhode Islanders come here to play on the beach, go boating, hike, and otherwise enjoy fresh salt air and sunshine — but they know well to shake out their clothes and check their skin for the pernicious deer ticks that cover the island. The historical society and the North Light museum tell the island's history, from the native Menisses people and European settlers to the centuries of shipwrecks and pirates that have plagued the island's waters.

About the Expert

Juliette Rogers is coauthor of the guidebooks Eating New England: A Food Lovers Guide to Eating Locally, Secret Providence and Newport, and two Thomas Cook guides on France.