<p>I have always wanted to visit Block Island. It looks simply beautiful. DH and I are going to be able to get away the second week of October. Is that too late to go there? Will restaurants still be open?? Gourmetmom, I just know you will have good info!</p>
<p>Block Island is beautiful in the fall - it’s less crowded and great for biking and hiking. Everything will still be open and the fall colors should be magnificent. </p>
<p>The fast ferry from Pt. Judith takes about twenty minutes, but if you want to take a car, you’ll have to take the regular ferry - about one hour. There are other ferries from New York and Connecticut, but they may only run during the summer, so check the schedules. If you do plan to take your car, absolutely call and make a reservation - the ferry only holds a limited number of cars and it can fill up, even in the fall. If you walk on, you can just buy a ticket at the dock. There is a large, safe lot in Pt. Judith, so you can leave your car without worrying. We usually take the fast ferry and rent a car at the dock - we’ve always had young children with us and walking everywhere doesn’t work. If you do rent a car, it will be a simple deal - no Avis or Hertz. </p>
<p>Block Island really doesn’t have many new, modern hotels. Most have been there for years and are quite traditional - no air conditioning, small rooms; clearly from another era. We usually stay at the Spring House or the Manisses Hotel, which has a small farm with animals on the adjacent property. The restaurant associated with the hotel is considered among the best on the island. Champlin’s is also a popular hotel, but it has a major bar scene attached, so I would avoid it. There are also many inns and B&Bs that you can research on Tripadvisor.</p>
<p>There isn’t much to do other than walk, read, sit at the beach - the beaches are among the most lovely anywhere. My favorite is Mansion Beach.</p>
<p>We always go the Atlantic Inn for dinner - traditional New England fare, I’ve heard Harry’s Cafe is good, although I haven’t been there. Most of the restaurants are located in town, so it’s easy to walk around and scope out where to go. All are very casual - no one dresses for dinner or looks “done up” in Block Island - it’s nothing like Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. It’s so humid in the summer and without air conditioning in the hotels, I don’t bother with anything but a ponytail in my hair.</p>
<p>Block Island is so small that you’ll be able to acclimate and find your way around in a few hours. It is safe, friendly and unspoiled - time really stands still. I hope you make it there!</p>
<p>[Spring</a> House Hotel - Block Island, RI - The Only Thing We Overlook is the Ocean](<a href=“http://www.springhousehotel.com/]Spring”>http://www.springhousehotel.com/)</p>
<p>[Block</a> Island Hotel and Resort 1661 Inn Hotel Manisses - Home](<a href=“http://www.blockislandresorts.com/]Block”>http://www.blockislandresorts.com/)</p>
<p>[HOME</a> - BIF](<a href=“http://www.blockislandferry.com/]HOME”>http://www.blockislandferry.com/)</p>
<p>[Bicycle</a> Rentals, Moped Rentals, Car Rentals and Kayak Rentals Transportation on Block Island, RI.](<a href=“http://www.blockislandtransportation.com/]Bicycle”>http://www.blockislandtransportation.com/)</p>
<p>Aww.when I grew up on the East Coast I had a couple of friends who had Dads in the aviation business. We could take a small plane to Block Island for lunch and the afternoon. Such a beautiful place. Good to know time stands still in case I ever make it back there.</p>
<p>Thank you so much, Gourmetmom! I knew I could count on you. </p>
<p>Relaxing is just what we need. I don’t know if you remember, but this has been a tough year for DH with his health and I want so much to get away for a few days. He seems to be doing very well on his new anti-arrhythmia meds and is back to slow jogging and even biking. We need to be in CT on the 8th, so this just sounds perfect.</p>
<p>I don’t think we will take a car. If we decided we needed one, we could just rent one for a day while we are there. </p>
<p>Oh, dear, the worry gene just kicked in - Medical Center on Island??</p>
<p>Please call the chamber of commerce or tourist bureau and find out how much is closed in October and what medical services exist. In fall, it is very popular with bird-watchers. At some point, however, things close up. Also, ask about car rentals/taxis and the reality of getting to some remote areas.</p>
<p>I spent every summer there as a child, and my parents lived fulltime on the Island from 1971 to 1979. I’ve vacationed there probably 10 years out of the last 30. I agree with everything Gourmetmom said about where to stay, etc.</p>
<p>There is a fulltime doctor on the Island.</p>
<p>You can rent a car at the Airport, but I’d reserve it if you think you’ll want it. There’s a limited supply of everything on the Island.</p>
<p>Most people rent bicycles. The Island is very hilly, which makes it challenging, but it also makes it fun.</p>
<p>October is the perfect time to go.</p>
<p>There is a year-round medical center, but not a hospital. I’ve heard that they airlift critical patients, but I’m not sure where - Rhode Island Hospital is a Level I trauma center. You should call the medical center if you need more information:</p>
<p>[Block</a> Island Tourism Council](<a href=“http://www.blockislandinfo.com/ViewPage.aspx?SectionID=26]Block”>http://www.blockislandinfo.com/ViewPage.aspx?SectionID=26)</p>
<p>FYI, there is an airport in Westerly, RI that serves Block Island year round - the flight takes only a few minutes. I’ll pass on the small plane, but it’s another option.</p>
<p>You are the best!</p>
<p>I am feeling so excited now. I did read about the medical center on the Chamber of Commerce site, but good to hear reassurance from CC pals. If VH and Gmom give it a two thumbs up, I know it will be wonderful. </p>
<p>I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. I just don’t want to put off things we want to do together. Life is just too precious.</p>
<p>We will be driving to Rhode Island and then taking the ferry to Block Island. We are debating whether or not to bring the car with us. I was thinking if we had a day when we wanted a car we could just rent one that day. We will be happy (weather permitting) to just explore on foot or bike. Our goal is to just relax and take in the beauty of the island.</p>
<p>Hey wnp2 – I’ll wave to you when you’re on Block. H & I will still be at our beach house in RI then, and BI is right across from the association beach. Definitely a great place to go relax.</p>
<p>We were there this past weekend. It was gorgeous! H and I rented a motorscooter to get around- so much fun!!</p>
<p>Just got back from a little mini-vacation. Plans were a little disrupted by the weather and some medical things, but we still had a wonderful time. </p>
<p>We ended up staying in Newport because when we arrived the ferry wasn’t running AND the weather was pretty bad (which was why the ferry wasn’t running). We did take the ferry early one morning to Block Island, had a tour with a wonderful guide named Sue, and then did a lot of walking & eating (had a great lunch at Mohegan Bar and Grill), then returned to Newport just as the weather started to get much nicer. </p>
<p>Actually, it worked out really well for scoping out where we would want to stay for a week next year. Great suggestions from everyone and I liked the locations that were close to town (not right in town) for September or October. I loved the Springhouse. </p>
<p>I did wave CBB - my husband said it just confirmed that I am nuts!</p>
<p>Mi casa es su casa, for whenever you drive up (or down) I95!!</p>
<p>Both Newport and Block Island are great vacation getaways in the early fall!</p>
<p>
And I was waving back! Oh, honestly – what do husbands know? </p>
<p>After several days of really yucky weather, we’ve been having a glorious holiday weekend. I’m enjoying every minute of it since I’m quite sure this is the last hurrah of summer.</p>