Lolo12

I know about the car ferry from Pt. Judith to Block Island but I am considering leaving from New London Ct. Does the ferry that leaves from there take cars of is it just for passengers? I plan to spend 3 full days on the island and 3 days in and around Newport in mid-June/ Sound like a good plan?

glorydays002

Block Island is great in June, the weather is the great, and all of the gift shops and hotels have opened. You'll see the whole Island in about an hour if you drive around. Instead of taking your car, you can rent one there or ride bikes. Old harbour to new harbour is only about a 20 minute walk. I only know about the PT. Judith ferry, not sure about the New London. I think 2 days max on Block Island is enough. Newport would be where I would spend more time. The mansions are a must, along with the cliff walk, and boy do you walk. There are tons of places to eat and shops. There is a ferry that goes out to Martha's Vineyard (excellent day trip) and Nantucket (will try this year)--Defititely worth looking into. Good Luck

Kehsutton

I think the New London ferry is only a high-speed ferry which does not allow for cars. Do a google search on New London Block Island ferry service and you should find something.

Regarding mode of transportation once on the island, if you choose to leave your car in New London, renting a car is rarely possible on Block Island and when it is it's available in the height of the summer in July and August. You can, however, rent bikes and mo-peds (although locals hate the mo-peds, just a word of warning). The island is definitely mo-pedable and if you're physically fit it's bike-able. The walk from Old Harbour (where the Pt. Judith ferry ports and is the center of town) to New Harbour (where all hi-speed ferries port) is more than 20 minutes. I'd say it's at least 30 give or take 10. It's over 2 miles.

I would suggest driving to Pt. Judith and taking the car ferry-it's only another 40 minutes from New London. I'd advise giving yourself plenty of time-at least 1 hr. for parking and purchasing ferry tickets if necessary. Porting into Old Harbor is much more convenient than New Harbor.

I would suggest doing a search on Block Island on this forum as I've given some good advice previously. And! 3 days on Block Island, depending on whether or not you'll have your car, is fine. June can be a little chilly, like any seaside New England town so watch the weather and plan accordingly. The ocean, though, will be way to chilly for swimming.

neworleanslady

I would agree with 2 days on Block Island and more time in Newport. I spent one day in each last summer which was not NEARLY enough time, but our full day in Block Island was enough to do the things you need to do (touring-wise). So, only if you plan to lounge on the beach (not that I'm NOT recommending that!) will you need more than 2 days. You will want more time in Newport. A WONDERFUL place!

mei

I can tell you positively that you can't take your car on the ferry from New London. You really don't need your car anyway. Where are you staying?? If in town and in shape, you'll be fine biking. Skip the moped...the islanders HATE them and you can't take them on any dirt roads, so you'll miss some nice scenery.

sam

I would agree about spending more time in Newport, there's not much to do on BI. There is a passenger/bike ferry from Newport to BI, but their season doesn't start until 7/1. The New London ferry is at www.goblockisland.com. While in Newport, don't miss the State Park on Ocean Drive on the weekend, lots of kites and a great picnic area. Enjoy!

mm

There are vans and cabs near the ferry landing offering a driving tour of sorts around Block Island. We hired a woman with a very nice van for something like $30 for a circumnavigation of the tiny island.

Don't bother with a car.

mm

Lolo12

Thanks for all the input. I will be staying 3 nights at the Atlantic Inn and will be ariving by ferry from Pt Judith. Now all I need is a good recommendation for a hotel in Newport, preferably near town. Price is not too much of an issue.

Kehsutton

I would stay at the Viking Hotel. More amenities than a B&B and in a central, but quieter location. Another strong recommendation is the Mill Street Inn. Both are solid, very nice hotel/inns. I've stayed at both and can honestly recommend them. There are scores of B&Bs in Newport but few are really decent. If money's really not too much of an issue, try one of these.