Not quite every year for the past few years Dave and I have run away for a long weekend to Block Island, Rhode Island. We love the New England coast, and during the pandemic, it felt like we needed to find a spot that was very outdoorsy where we could plan our own activities and Block Island was a perfect fit. Let me tell you why. . .
Block Island is a lot like Martha's Vineyard without the crowds. It's located about 10 miles south of 'mainland' Rhode Island and east of the tip of Long Island, and it's shaped like kernel of corn.
First off, it's an easy drive for us--about six hours plus a ferry ride.
We leave early enough to have a relaxing stop in Narragansett for a late lunch (and libation) before driving onto the ferry. With packing and traveling, it doesn't feel like vacation has started until this very moment. Fortunately, the weather was on our side for the entire trip.
Proper fortification is important. Payne's Killer Donuts. 'Nuff said. They're served warm off a food truck just steps from our B&B. And they opened for the season on our second day on the island.
We usually start the day with some hiking and bird watching. By mid day, it's important to replenish with a vitamin-enriched Bloody Mary and a hot lobster roll. Eating (and drinking) is always excellent on this island.
Tons of trails and options for a morning or afternoon hike. I was glad to see the signs on the beach asking walkers to share the shore and give plenty of space to flightless newborns. You can see three baby seagulls in the foreground on the right (below). As we approached that lighthouse, it was a little like a scene from Alfred Hitchcock as many gull rookeries are dotted along the dunes and in the dune grasses. None of the gulls wanted their nesting sites disturbed and communicated their distrust in no uncertain terms.
Just beyond the lighthouse and back on the shore heading south, I was thrilled to see a Piping Plover pair and four fledglings. Can you find three of the four foraging chicks in the picture below? I tried to get all four in the frame, but those little legs do scurry about! I kept my distance and enjoyed watching them race the surf, with mom and dad watching every move.
For our last two visits to the island, we chose to avoid the summer crowds with a visit in September. This was the first time we visited the island before the summer crowds. This time we saw different bird species, baby birds, and flowers all of which have moved on, grown up, or faded by the fall.
These roses, the blooms only about 1" in diameter, grow wild all over the island, and smell lovely! Rosa multiflora or Baby Rose.
Beach Rose. Papery petals and intoxicating scent.
If this isn't the official plant of Block Island, it should be. Hydrangeas like these were in bloom on just about every corner and in every yard. Just stunning!
. . . and to top off a perfect day and a perfect short getaway, a perfect sunset. For the last two times, we have stayed at The Barrington Inn. Our hosts, Kristina and Stu, are the absolute best! And the view over looking New Harbor from the upper deck is spectacular any time of day, but especially at sunset!
Any time I travel, I try to learn something new, fully embrace the location and environment, relax, and create memories to take back home with me. In short, I travel to be energized and to be inspired. And I hit the jackpot with this trip!
Happy Stitching!
Head Hummingbird
Hummingbird-Highway.com
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