People often ask locals on Block Island, “How do you live here in the winter?” It’s simple; by remaining calm, cold, and collected. All jokes aside, it’s chilly outside!
We have officially nestled into the new year and the winter season on Block Island. With the trails quiet, beaches empty, and construction plans in full swing– the 2023 summer season will be here before we know it. For now, it's a hibernation nation.
Day to day life is quite different here in the winter compared to the hustling bustling summer. There is a silence in the air that everyone is absorbing to align for the next wave of people. Making sure you fill your gas tank before Sunday and making it to the grocery store before sunset are just a few of the quirks to a Block Island winter. With few places that stay open, this truly forces people to enjoy everyday life here with a stronger sense of presence. The days are shorter yet remain full of organic elegance.
While walking the quiet foggy trails this time of year, you might run into a few animal friends. A leaping doe, a foraging buck, or if you’re lucky – the luminous Snowy Owl. It is rare to observe the Snowy Owl in action, but there is no better time than January on Block Island. Owls are known to symbolize change, transformation, and inner wisdom. To see this majestic creature is a good sign in many ways. The variety of wildlife found on this beautiful Island is worth the blustery ferry ride over from Point Judith, Rhode Island. While here, making a stop at the Southeast Light, The North Lighthouse, or the Bluffs guarantees a view of the island you simply just don’t get in August. After a long beach walk, sit down with a book and a blanket to enjoy the waves crashing as you get to enjoy the beach to yourself.
There are plenty of options for places that are open on the island to dine during the winter season.
Check out the hours below!
Enjoy Breakfast:
Odd Fellow’s Café: Open Monday-Thursday 7AM – 4PM. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 7AM-3PM.
Grab Lunch:
Odd Fellow’s Café: Open Monday-Thursday 7AM – 4PM. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 7AM-3PM.
Old Island Pub: Open daily from noon to 1 AM year-round. Lunch: Monday-Sunday 12PM – 3PM. Dinner Monday- Sunday 5PM-7PM. Tuesday is the Taco Tuesday menu only: 12PM-6PM or until sold out.
Block Island Grocery: Open daily 9AM-6PM.
Have Dinner:
The Barn at Spring House: Open Wednesday-Sunday. Bar opens at 4 PM. Kitchen opens at 5 PM.
Old Island Pub: Open daily from noon to 1 AM year-round. Lunch: Monday-Sunday 12PM – 3PM. Dinner Monday- Sunday 5PM-7PM. Tuesday is the Taco Tuesday menu only: 12PM-6PM or until sold out.
McAloon’s: Closed for the month of January.
Kimberly’s: Re-opening on January 26th. Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 5PM 8PM.Closed Sunday January 29th. Open Wednesday February 1st - Saturday February 4th at 5PM-8PM.
Visiting Block Island in the winter ensures a deeper local perspective. If you can enjoy the island in the dead of winter, you can enjoy it at any time. Book a room at The Inn at Spring House to see some of the most incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean on Block Island. Staying at The 1661 Inn defines relaxation with each room offering a boutique vibe full of antiques and morning tea accompanied by pristine, glistening ocean views. You can also get a bird’s eye view of town and Corn Neck Road by staying at The Avonlea!
No matter what you are doing on Block Island in January, it is guaranteed to offer a different perspective. Less is more. You can still enjoy the island as you would in the summer, just with fewer options to choose from. Take a deep breath and take it all in - soon we will miss these days.