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New Shoreham is the heart of Block Island at the mouth of Long Island Sound between the coast of Rhode Island and Montauk. Only a half-hour ferry ride from the mainland, this tiny island boasts over 17 miles of coastal beach and 30 miles of walking trails.
The ferry docks in Old Harbor at the popular Ballards Beach, just steps away from Water Street, the retail strip with harbor views. Old Harbor is a National Register Historic Site, preserving the homes of many shops and hotels in lovely Victorian buildings.
Bikes and mopeds are available for rent to explore the rest of the island. A 16-mile, 12-stop self-guided bike tour showcases many of the island’s charms. Almost half of Block Island is preserved land, making it a recognized destination for rare flora and fauna and a nature lover’s paradise. The bike tour takes riders to some of the most beautiful places on the island such as the vast Rodman’s Hollow and the dizzying Mohegan Bluffs.
Walking and hiking trails of varying difficulty and terrain crisscross the island. Check out the north of the island on the other side of the beaches for some mindful walks. Clay Head Nature Trail, or the Maze, is a cliff-top network of interconnected trails perfect for leisurely wandering and birdwatching. The Sacred Labyrinth is a walking meditation near Great Salt Pond with beautiful views at the center of the spiral. The Nature Conservancy also offers guided nature walks free of charge.
As you make your way around the island, be sure to keep an eye out for glass floats, decorative glass spheres made by local artist, Eben Horton, as part of the scavenger hunt-like Glass Float Project. Block Island is a whimsical and accessible vacation destination. Let this be your invitation to explore New Shoreham and the outdoors.
401-466-7777
In New Harbor, on the west side of the island, awaits one of New England’s largest resort marinas. Boaters enjoy more than 4,700 feet of linear dockage that accommodates vessels up to 250 feet long. Enjoy all onshore amenities including restaurants, a boutique hotel, heated pool, water sports and Mudslides at the famous Traders Dock Bar.
401-466-5572
Located in New Harbor, Payne’s is a family-owned marina that offers fuel, bathrooms, water, electric and trash disposal. On site they have restaurants, a bar and an ice cream shack.
401-480-1429
Situated in between Champlin’s and Payne’s Dock, this seasonal marina offers 100 slips with 85 reserved for transients. Amenities include fuel, shower facilities and maintenance services from Brewer Street Boatworks and Oldport Marine.
401-466-2654
With both indoor and outdoor seating, Dead Eye Dick’s is a crowd pleaser that serves fresh seafood and beautiful sunsets over New Harbor. The restaurant and bar offer casual lunch and dinner service next to the public boat launch.
401-466-5856
One of the island’s classier eateries, Winfield’s has a small, specialized menu featuring local produce and farm-raised meat. The restaurant’s ambience in the dining room and lounge is comfortably elegant.
401-466-5844
Have a meal in the oldest hotel on Block Island. Enjoy the classic New England architecture while eating outdoors or in the formal dining room. With an on-site farm, the menu is sure to bring only the freshest ingredients to your plate.
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