People think that summer time is the “off season” and it is, but most of us snowboarders end up trying to pack an entire summer into a few prime weeks, between trips to the southern hemisphere and glacier time at Mt. Hood. So, in my attempts to pack summer in, I’ve been getting my golf game going in Mammoth and had a little island time in Block Island, RI.
Most people think I’m a Vermonter and I am, but I was born in Rhode Island and spent my childhood summers on a boat between Newport and Block Island. Now, my brother and his wife live on “the Block” so I try to get out there every year around the 4th of July to get my tan on at the beach, cruise around in their vintage 76 Chevy Impala and kick back before I get back on snow. Here are my five must do things when visiting Block Island.
Our island car, my brother’s 76 Chevy Impala
Check out the lighthouses
Block Island has two classic lighthouses that are both worth having a look at. My favorite is Southeast, it’s way easier to get to (you can drive to it and park right at it) and it has a great look out where you can see Long Island on a clear day. The North Light requires a short stroll to get out to it but is also surrounded by the bird sanctuary, which makes for nice walking.
Tricia Byrnes and I at the Southeast Lighthouse
North Light
Visit The Bluffs
The island has a lot of fun beaches to go to but the Mohegan Bluffs are the most dramatic why steep cliffs looming over the ocean. It is a more secluded beach experience and with a steep 100 plus stair set I spend a lot of time running these to stay in shred shape.
The Mohegan Bluffs at sunset
Looking out towards the bluffs
Ice Cream
Despite the fact that Block Island is a small island with an even smaller downtown area there are over 7 ice cream and gelato shops in a 2 block radius and more coming and going each summer. Generally, I start at the classic “The Ice Cream Place” and sample the other spots throughout my week…and yes ice cream is a daily routine on my visits to Block Island.
Get out on the water
It’s an island with lots of water activities so when you get to Block Island get out on the water. Rent a stand up paddle board, a sail boat, a kayak or go on a fishing tour but get out on the water it’s the best way to see the island and to cool off on hot days. http://www.blockisland.com/marine/
My brother Tim and I setting sail
The Beachead
If you go to Block Island and don’t visit the Beach Head you’re missing out. This is my family’s restaurant; my brother and sister-in-law own the place and feed the majority of tourists and locals with delicious meals, seafood and otherwise. I’m a sucker for the chicken parm and the clams casino but hear the sea scallops are top notch too. It’s also the perfect spot to watch the sunset and watch the waves roll in.
