blb3

I am thinking of going to Block Island for a weekend in early/mid september. What is the ocean temperature like that time of year? I have talked to friends who have only been there in the summer, and they seem to think we will be bored if it is too cool for beaches. Seems there is alot of bike riding, hiking and kayaking opportunities though, am i wrong? we would be spending 2.5 days there, is this too much.
We are in our late 20's, and enjoy outdoor activities.

sam

I've been in and off-season and there's plenty to do if you like the outdoors. I wouldn't say 2.5 days is too long, I don't think you'll get bored. Don't forget to check out the Beachead restaurant, what a view! The water temp should be around 70. Enjoy!

blb3

thanks, thats good to hear.
we are thinking of staying at the atlantic inn. i was also considering the 1661 inn or the national.
anyone have any recommendations?
we wont have a car, but will be biking/walking everywhere.

Kehsutton

Atlantic Inn, by far and away, is the best of the options. And I concur with sam, BeachHead is great for lunch, local color and views. Water temp. is the warmest that time of year-believe it or not. We go every year over the past 14 (got married, etc) years and always go after Labor Day weekend. You'll often get the best weather and a slightly quieter island at that time. You'll have loads of outdoor activities to do. Biking the island alone (hills, hills, hills) is a fantastic workout.

blb3

Atlantic Inn was my first choice as well, but they are booked the weekend we are planning on going (a large group has rented the entire hotel).
anyone know much about the 1661 inn?
i dont want a small b&b, if at all possible.
i thought about going a week later, but that gets into the end of september and out of beach weather.

mei

I have stayed at the 1661 and it is really nice. I spend almost all summer, every summer on Block Island, but I wish I could stay for September..it is really a nice time. Bikes are a great way to get around and get some exercise. We also hike a lot and I reccommend at walk out to the North Light as well as the Clayhead Trail. One of my favorite things to do is have a drink at the Atlantic Inn and walk next door to The Spring House for dinner. We also like the Mohegan Cafe, The Oar and Aldo's. I also like the Beachead, but don't eat there as much in the summer because it is one of the only restaurants open in the off season. Have a great time!

Kehsutton

Here are some suggestions: 1661 Inn, Barrington Inn, and the Weather Bureau. 1661 is great because of the views, the breakfasts that come with the rate and the location. Barrington is a small inn, near New Harbor and comes with amazing views and quiet location and ditto with the Weather Bureau. I would try to avoid anything like the National that right near Old Harbor. Too noisy, even off season.

Kehsutton

I believe the Block Island Chamber of Commerce can tell you what might be available for a specific weekend..I think. You might give them a call just to see: 800-383-2474 or check their site www.blockislandchamber.com.

blb3

thanks for all the quick replies! seems september (at least the weekend after labor day) is a big wedding time and all recommended hotels are booked, which also means receptions in the restaurants on saturday night, etc. so i am going to try to see how later in september/very early oct is, and will definitely call the chamber of commerce about weather conditions that time of year.

sam

Keep in mind if you look into stayig @ the Weather Bureau Inn, it's nice and has private baths, but only has 4 guest rooms, and no TV, radio or phones.

jcjc

The very first time we visited Block Island was in late September. (around 12 years ago) Personally I think that's the best time to go. There are no crowds and usually the weather is still very nice in Sept. For people who are active 2.5 days will be fine. There are so many wonderful hiking trails, (definitely Clayhead!) there's great biking (and you won't have to deal with summer car traffic or hordes of other bike-riding daytrippers) and as you mentioned there's kayaking as well. Plenty for the active vacationer. We go every summer but in my opinion the best time to go is off-season!

blb3

thanks so much to everyone for their suggestions and help. I guess I was not prepared for the popularity of this island, as I have called every hotel/inn suggested plus some others and none have availability on the weekend until the end of October! i think i will have to wait until next year, and plan more in advance. I thought 2 months would be plenty. I was also under the impression that that time of year the island was not very crowded, but sounds like its just as busy as the summer time, which is not what i was looking for.