Block Island

We sailed to Block Island and anchored into the Great Salt Pond.  We have anchored here many times and typically near the shore near Harris Point.  I particularly recommend it because even in scary, stormy weather, our captain kept us safely anchored (even when witnessing one poor boat crash ashore!)  After anchoring, just take your dingy over to the Champlin's Marina and tie up to the dock for no fee.

Depending on how fast you stroll, it's about a 30-45minute walk from the marina to the main town of New Shoreham where the ferry pulls into.  You will walk past a veteran's park and an old grave yard.  You will pass by the police station if you need any help.  The Block Island Grocery is on the way so pick up any supplies that you need and the Old Post Office Bagel Shoppe for a well deserved cup of coffee.  We typically frequent the Harborside Inn for a celebration drink and socialization.  Don't forget to grab an ice cream and sit on a park bench for great people watching too.

Block Island

www.capeair.com

If you live in the northeast, you already know how lucky we are to be able to drive to many sights to see.  Many New Englander's know and love Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard as their summer getaways.  One place that I believe Massachusetts folks undervalue is Block Island, which is located in the Long Island Sound.  

That's me standing on the teak deck

....Or you could sail there yourself!  Meet Moonshine!  My husband's family has a sailboat in Mystic, CT that we can sail from the harbor over to Block Island.  Depending on how well we catch the current and the sea breezes, we can get to Block Island in about 2 hours.

Now I have sailed with my family growing up but out on the ocean treats my stomach differently, especially while cooking or using the bathroom below deck.  The first time I sailed with my husband's family I learned never to go again unless I took something to help my motion sickness because hanging over the side of the deck is no fun for anyone who wants to keep their lunch, haha!  So if you don't have your own sailboat, (don't worry, neither do I!) I'm sure you can find a sailboat to charter over to the islands.

americancruiselines.com

 And if not, the easiest way to get there is by ferry:  www.blockislandferry.com  Ferries generally run from May until September, and leave from 3 different ports: Port Judith, Newport, and Fall River.  Check out the website for rates and schedules because it is different for a high speed or a traditional ferry.  And when you get there, you'll find great shops and places for dining by the water in New Shoreham.  So go check it out, a new island is always a new adventure!

What to know a little more about our typical adventures to Block Island? Check out my post here