We're Mainers thinking of visiting Block Island for a few days the last week of June. Looking for recommendations for a place to stay for two nights for around $150/per. Also trying to understand the ferry situation. It looks like Pt. Judith is the closest to the route we would be taking down from Maine. Is there parking there? We aren't interested in taking our car to the island.
Thanks for your help,
Pam

You can park at the ferry and Pt. Judith is best for you. Both High-Speed and car ferries leave from there. Plenty of cabs and bike rentals next to the ferry. For a place to stay, I'd try the Gothic Inn or call BI Reservations at 800-825-6254. There are not a ton of places at that price, but mid-week, you'll do much better. Keep in mind that June 18-25 is Race Week there and it can be very crowded with a few more unruly types than usual.

The Chamber of Commerce on Block Island is incredibly helpful with recommending accomodations within a certain price range. If you prefer a quieter location but still in town, you might mention that. A lot of the cheaper inns are right in the heart of town where noise is at a premium in the summer. Also, bear in mind that while both the hi-speed and 'regular' speed ferries depart from Pt. Judith, the hi-speed ports in New Harbor, which is sort of a hike (maybe 3 miles) from town. The 'regular' speed ferries port in Old Harbor, which is town. Bike rentals are all around Old Harbor, not so much in New Harbor (which is basically where all the boats come in to for their moorings.) Bike rentals are basically all the same rate too, so I wouldn't waste too much time trying to find the best deal or trying to haggle (that's more easily done at the end of high season-Sept)but look for decent, non-rusty bikes.

Be sure to give yourselves a good hour to hour and a half before the ferry leaves, as tickets run out fast.

You'll find plenty of cabs at New Harbor...most bike rentals are at Old Harbor. If you have a few bags, you probably won't want to rent bikes until you've checked into a hotel anyway. As far as distance, I can easily walk into town from New Harbor in about 20 minutes. I agree with Kehsutton that in town hotels are a little noisy, but the Gothic's location makes it one of the quieter options.

Thanks for all the responses. We love laid back, T shirts and jeans types of places (yup, we're from Maine all right)and Block Island looks like a good choice for us. Now to find a place to stay. Not a lot of requirements but we don't want to share a bath and would prefer quiet but walking distance to bars/restaurants. Had a recommendation for The Weather Bureau Inn - any feedback there?
Thanks,
Pam

The Weather Bureau Inn is adorable from the outside, but I don't know what it's like inside. It over looks New Harbor and The Great Salt Pond. It's a 15 minute wald to town from there. Next to that is The Hygeia. It's fairly new and really pretty inside....I think all the rooms there have a private bath as well.

As long as your expectations are low, you will enjoy the island. Took a group there for my wife's 40th, departed with many regrets.

I will be staying at the Atlantic Inn in mid-June and looking forward to it. Do anyone have restaurant recommendations? I eagerly await getting on a bike again after so many years.

Stayed at the Weather Bureau Inn a couple of years ago, and it was delightful. Gorgeous views from just about every room, and an easy bike ride into town.

You're going to the right place if you enjoy biking! For restaurant recommendations, here are a few:
High-end, fine-dining: Atlantic Inn, Winfields, Manisses (although I hesitate with Manisses, it's seen better days...). For mid-end, decent food: Eli's (enormous portions, and mostly pasta, just so you know) and Finn's (fish, seafood) are pretty good. For low-end, local-color try: Ernie's for bfast, Bethany's Airport Diner for a stop and lunch when you're biking and the BeachHead near the town beach. Juice and Java has awesome sweets and coffea, too.

I know the island isn't for everyone, but if you're physically fit, enjoy the surf and beach and love getting away you can't beat Block Island.

My favorites for finer dining are the Atlantic or Spring House. The Atlantic is a great place to sit out and have drinks. The National is also great for happy hour, but I don't love the food. Eli's is wonderful, and is a lot different than it was a few years ago...but get there early or you will wait. I also love the Mohegan Cafe, Aldo's and the Beachead. Ernie's was good, but has not been open the last 2 years. For sandwiches, Old Harbor takeout or Rebecca's are both good.

Some just told me that BI is nothing but an oversized frat party with college kids all over the place, raising hell and passing out. Not that that makes them bad kids, just don't want to be in the middle of it (did my time). Was that just one person's bad experience or have I picked the wrong destination for us?

I think if one were to stay at some of the lower-end inns that are in the center of town there might be a loud, fraternity feel during the heat of summer (July and August) but I certainly disagree with that assessment for the island, as a whole. There are too many remote areas to venture off to where you're not likely to bump in to another person, beaches included.

Block Island pales in comparison to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard when it comes to the college-kid-loud-beer-frenzy-island-set, believe me. I'd say it's rather dull for anyone looking for a big night out.