Close To Home, A World Away
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www.blockislandinfo.com
Block Island Is a specIal place. In 1991 The
nature conservancy named it "one of the last great places
in the Western Hemisphere." With 43 percent of Block
Island preserved forever as open
space, it is easy to find your own
special part of the Island.
There are 17 miles of beaches
and many hiking trails that of-
fer up-close experiences with
wildlife. The harbors and ponds
are unique places to explore on
kayaks or boats.
The fall and spring are great
times to visit and enjoy the many activities the Island has
to offer. During this time the crowds are few, and visitors
enjoy a sense of quiet and solitude that leads many to re-
turn to Block Island again and again. There are roads lined
with stone walls and beautiful scenery for bicyclists; two
historic lighthouses to explore; great fishing spots where
anglers can watch an amazing sunset over the ocean;
trails for hikers and bird-watchers; and miles of beautiful
beaches perfect for a quiet walk.
With ferry docks within a short drive for many visitors,
you will find that Block Island is a perfect getaway for
the day, the weekend, or even longer. Choose to stay at a
historic hotel, a quaint inn, a cozy bed-and-breakfast or a
unique home for the whole family. Come to experience a
relaxed atmosphere and a friendly community.
Over the following pages, you will meet some fellow
Islanders, who will introduce you to this unique place that
we call home. All of us cordially invite you to visit Block
Island. I am confident that your first visit will not be your
last.
John Cullen
President
Block Island Tourism Council
WHen you sTep onTo Block Island you'll find
a place that includes not only rare birds, fantastic beaches
and miles of hiking trails, but also a close, caring commu-
nity.
I grew up here and have witnessed
many changes; but one thing that has
remained the same all these years is
the people. according to our annual
unofficial Groundhog Day census,
there are 992 year-round residents
who live, work and play together.
Just like communities across the
country, my neighbors run businesses,
send their children to school and offer directions to the
passing tourist. But unlike residents of communities else-
where, these 992 residents wear many, many hats.
It's not unusual to see the taxi-cab driver who picked
you up at the ferry serve you lobster at one of the Island's
many restaurants, or to notice the school bus driver lead-
ing a nature walk on the Greenway trails. You'll find this
interdependence creates a sense of community unrivaled
anywhere else.
You'll also find that this community -- my neighbors
-- cares. They deeply care about each other, about the en-
vironment around them and about those coming to enjoy
this Island. Perhaps that's why we're so proud to show off
this Island gem to the world.
For while this Island holds a special place in the natural
world, it is the people who create its special sense of place.
I encourage you to come visit, meet my neighbors and cre-
ate your own memories.
Kim Gaffett
First Warden
Town of New Shoreham
Cover photo: The Mohegan Bluffs provide stunning views of the
Atlantic Ocean. Photo by Cindy Wilson
Welcome To Block Island, Our Home
Photo by Keith Lang