We are planning a short (3 night) trip leaving from Long Island this Wednesday. We are planning to drive out to the North Fork of Long Island, stay out there Wednesday night, then take the Orient Point ferry to New London, CT first thing Thursday morning. Right now, the plan is to drive straight to Newport from New London and stay there Thursday and Friday night, returning home early Saturday. My question is, should we try to visit Block Island for the day on Friday? I don't know if it is practical to drive to Point Judith (to the ferry) from Newport and then back to Newport in the evening. The ferry from Newport directly to Block Island has stopped running for the season. Or, should we stay one night in Newport and then drive to Point Judith, take the ferry to Block Island for the day, and find somewhere else to stay around Point Judith on Friday night? Is there anything to do around that area? We would stay overnight on Block Island but I am concerned about leaving the car overnight in a ferry parking lot. Any advice would be appreciated!
Help with Newport itinerary?
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I'd base your decision on the weather. If it's good, do BI if it isn't stay in Newport. If it's sunny, make a full day on BI on Friday and then do an overnight near Pt. Judith (I'd suggest Narragansett. It has some decent inns and it's just the next town up from PJ-maybe 10-15 minute drive) before you head back on Saturday. That being said, I don't think you'll find a hotel on BI that will honor a one-night stay on the weekend (Friday night). As far as I know they all require two-night stay minimum, even after Labor Day weekend. If the weather's lousy then stay in Newport and make the most of it for Thurs/Fri. The distance from Pt. Judith to Newport isn't so bad, maybe a 30 minute drive. Depends on beach traffic-even off season. Point Judith is really just a very active fishing port (mostly swordfish, tuna, scallops-big trawlers and a little smelly). Not much going on there but a couple of decent clam shacks (Champlin's isn't bad) and fish mongers.
On a clear, sunny day Block Island is the most magical, beautiful spot in New England. If you're physical, biking is the best way to see all the splendor that the island has to offer. Mopeds are also available but locals hate them.
I'm not sure my suggestions are that helpful if maybe a little confusing but at least watching the weather could swing your decision either way.
There is a ferry that leaves from New London to Block Island (goblockisland.com for info)right where the Orient Point Ferry comes in so you could go straight to BI from Orient Point, spend the day, go back on the ferry and head from New London to Newport for Thursday night. You should have no problem finding a place on Block Island for a Thursday if you decide to stay, but do pay attention to the weather....you don't want a rough boat ride and it's not worth going to Block Island on a crummy day. Spend the time in Newport.
By the way, I always leave my car in the ferry lots....for as many as 10 days and have never had a problem in 8 years.
Thanks so much for all the advice. I guess it will all depend on when Ivan gets up here!
Sorry, one more question - how long does it take to get from New London to Newport? We want to take the scenic route (Route 1/1A) rather than 95. Thanks!
I would say it would be about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on Thursday am rush hour traffic. Rte. 1/1-A is nice along Southern RI and make a point to stop into Watch Hill. It's an old time summer resort and sailing community. Beyond that it's mostly saltwater farms along the way. Jamestown is nice with good spots for lunch. If you're taking your time to get to Newport, go to Beavertail on Jamestown, there's a lighthouse (with a goofy yet unique and operating museum there) and incredible Atlantic vistas.
Hop on Rt. 1 in Mystic, just past New London....and it will take no more than 1.25-1.5 hours to get to Newport If you loop on 1A through Watch Hill, add a 20 minutes.