Issues → May/June 2009 → Interact → 10 Things to Do → Yankee Recommends: Ten Great Weekends →
Block Island, RI, Weekend
by Polly Bannister
Block Island is an 11-square-mile, pork-chop-shaped landmass off the coast of Rhode Island. It may not sound like much, but it's the biggest summer destination in America's smallest state. A few years back, The Nature Conservancy deemed the island "one of the last 12 great places in the Western Hemisphere." And for good reason: Dramatic bluffs overlook miles of pristine beaches, rare birds migrate to hundreds of freshwater ponds, sweetpeas and wild roses envelop acres of stone walls. All this you can see on foot, by bicycle, or in a kayak.
Block Island doesn't scream beauty; it whispers it.
Visitors arrive by plane or ferry. You can bring your bike on the ferry or rent one on the island, but know that it's not worth the price to take your car. Block Island is small--the kind of place that beckons to take the pace down a notch--not a landscape to be viewed from a car window.
Sounds trite to say there's something for everyone here, but it's true. The island's peace, handsome lighthouses, and breathtaking beauty make it a top destination for a romantic getaway. Hotel Manisses, with its Victorian ambience and sophisticated dining, is a perfect for lovers. Its sister property, The 1661 Inn, welcomes children of all ages and is a good choice for families. Beaches, body surfing, parasailing, biking, ice cream, and miles of nature trails make the island paradise for kids.
An old brochure in a room at the Hygeia House reads, "The protective power of sea air is very great...The air of the sea at a great distance from land is in a state of absolute purity." It takes just one weekend and you'll discover that Block Island's air is a sure tonic for body and soul.
Yankee's picks for Block Island. Click on any destination below for a map and more information.
1661 Inn and Hotel Manisses
The 1661 Inn and Hotel Manisses are family owned and part of a group of properties managed under Block Island resorts (they also have cottages, apartments, and restaurants). The 1661 Inn has a spectacular view of the Atlantic which guests enjoy from Adirondack chairs that dot the broad lawn. Their nine spacious rooms are named after Block Island's founding families. Unlike many island establishments, the 1661 is open year round. They welcome children of all ages. With gardens, a full buffet breakfast (lots of choices for kids), and a petting zoo, this is a great spot for a family vacation. If it is a romantic getaway that interests you, consider their sister property just down Spring Street, the Hotel Manisses. This restored Victorian hotel with mansard roof harks back to the days when the island was a bustling summer destination. Here they offer 17 rooms (named for shipwrecks that predate 1872), with authentic Victorian furniture. Children over the age of 12 are welcome and the hotel is open seasonally. Their dining room is renown for sophisticated fare with seafood a specialty. [DETAILS]
Atlantic Inn
With sweeping views of Old Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean, this 1879 inn offers easy access to town by foot, an expanse of open space, and proximity to the ocean—all qualities that define this quiet island, 12 miles offshore. Hosts Brad and Anne Marthens have decorated the bedrooms in a summery Victorian style, sure to inspire guests to relax. The dining room has been renowned for more than a decade is one of the best on the island. Chef Dan Puglia's menu emphasizes fresh local fish and entrées prepared in a sophisticated style. A favorite dining option is to enjoy a light meal of tapas on the wide veranda. Or, come just to enjoy a cocktail while sitting in the Adirondack chairs on the lawn that overlooks one of the East Coast’s most spectacular ocean views. [DETAILS]
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