KathyM

We love the ocean and in the fall we have visited coastal Maine several times. Block Island, RI has been suggested to me as a place that is just as pretty, but warmer! We don't know much about it at all, so would appreciate all comments/advice. Where to stay? What to do? Where to eat? Do people bring their cars to the island? We like good views, good food, good wine. (I hear there are some wineries there, but can't find information on line- a good winery would be a plus!) Any local Art Galleries? Don't want to spend a ton of money; but want to stay in a nice place. I appreciate a good value- I would think that in the fall some "deals" could be had.

charli

We took a day trip to Block Island a few years ago. I can't imagine staying there. I didn't see much of interest, it wasn't as pretty as Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket (in my opinion). People were riding bicycles around - I'm not sure you can bring a car, it isn't very big.
Get more info before you do it.
Sorry.

KathyM

Well, thanks. Though not encouraging, I appreciate any information!

Suki

I've spent a couple of weeks there on 2 separate occasions, and found it lovely. My info is not up-to-date. but there were hotels where you can sit on the porch, look out over the harbor and have drinks, and nice restaurants and a few shops. Part of the coastline has cliffs and is great to hike. There are nice beaches. It is an island, not nearly as big as Martha's Vineyard but depending on what you are looking for, it can be a great place to visit.

emcash

Although I haven't been to Block Island in years, I used to spend alot of time there and loved it. It is very quaint. Not as large as MV and not as ritzy as nantucket (which I am completely in love with), BI is a very relaxing, lovely place to be. It has some nice restaurants, some cute shops and galleries i think(but not a shopping place) and beautiful beaches and vistas. It's the type of place you visit to lounge on the beach or bike the island, then relax with a nice dinner. I wouldn't take a car but I believe you can.

if you go on BI's chamber's website (www.blockislandchamber.com) , you can pull up the places to stay. From my memory, the Hotel Manisses is one of the nicer places to stay on island.

KathyM

A couple of people have mentioned biking. Are there shops to rent bikes there? And what about bringing a car to the island? I understand there is a ferry. Is it preferable to leave ones car on the mainland? Is the island small enough to just walk or bike around?

ladystack

You can bike around, somewhat hilly. And you can rent motorbikes which in the off-season, with less traffic, are fun. There are no wineries but some are located in Rhode Island on the mainland. Perhaps visit Newport area with a one-night stay on Block Island would be nice.

wanttogo

Kathy:

We went to Block Island over the Columbus Day long weekend in 2004 for a wedding. Be aware that this long weekend marks the end of the season on
Block Island and quite a few restaurants shut down by the end of Sunday dinner.

I enjoyed our time there. It did not
strike me as an "artsy" place at all. Very laid back and casual. At this late date, you could have trouble bringing a car back to the mainland from the island because those folks with summer homes make reservations for their cars to be returned to the mainland early on the ferry early.

Pat

LizQ

I too haven't been to BI in a long time, but did enjoy it when I was there (very relaxing). There are shops within walking distance from the ferry where you can rent bikes. The beaches are lovely and portions along the coast are fairly flat so not bad for biking. DH and I biked to one end the island where there is a bird santuary.