Issues → May/June 2009 → Interact → 10 Things to Do → Ten Great Weekends →

Block Island, RI, Weekend

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Hygeia House

Rocking chairs on The Hygeia House's wide front porch glide in a gentle breeze made sweet by beach roses and honeysuckle. Inside, the plentiful windows in all 10 guest rooms (with private baths) look out on the water, and the air is so soft you want only to surrender to sleep. The building was purchased and fully restored in 1999 by Champlin Starr, the great grandson of the original owner Dr. Champlin, and his wife Lisa. The Starrs and their two young children are the innkeepers. [DETAILS]

Winfield's

Much like the island itself—unpretentious about its splendor—Winfield’s offers sophisticated island dining in a simple setting. Local fare, including lobster and scallops, graces the menu, but often in such inventive form that you’ll have to rethink what you know about it. Influenced by French, Asian, and New American cuisines. [DETAILS]

Oar

Located in New Harbor, away from the bustle of the ferry landing, The Oar is a summer landmark. Visitors seek it out just to say they’ve been there. The fun decor -- oars, oars, and more oars, each with a story -- is as memorable as the fat burgers, tasty clam chowder, and lobster rolls. [DETAILS]

Rebecca's Seafood Restaurant

No bigger than a bread box, with dainty blue lacecap hydrangeas bobbing by the door, Rebecca’s is right up the hill from the ferry. Order a lobster (or shrimp) roll and a large lemonade, and head to one of the outdoor tables so you can people watch while you eat lunch. Then come back in the evening and treat yourself to the eatery’s flavorful grilled tuna, fresh seafood, clam cakes, chowder, hamburgers, salads, wraps. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night. [DETAILS]

Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve

The newest addition to Block Island’s 28-mile network of walking trails on conservation lands runs through the Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve on the north part of the island. The trail and the preserve were formally opened last summer and in typical island fashion are marked with a simple plaque in a rustic parking area. From there, a grass trail travels about a mile down to Middle Pond, at the ocean’s edge, where you can see wonderful sunsets. A trail guide, available for $2 from the Chamber of Commerce, provides information on this and other walking trails on the island. [DETAILS]

Vaill Beach

This strand is almost as far as you can get from where the ferry drops off visitors—an unfrequented stretch of beach where locals-in-the-know go when tourists have filled up Crescent Beach. With its beautiful rock formations and the Mohegan clay cliffs as backdrop, you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled far, far from the mainland. Surf can be big; swim with caution. Southeast area, down a dirt path off Lakeside Drive. [DETAILS]

Lazy Fish

For a lively mix of old and new, visit this quaint shop. It's a sure bet for vintage clothing, estate jewelry, and antique furniture. There's also an ample collection of framed Block Island photographs by K.C. Perry, which make great souvenirs. [DETAILS]