The weather is still nice, some of the ferries and planes are still running, maybe you still have your boat in the water, and you're thinking; "Let's go to Block Island!"
But wait...what's open after Columbus Day? Maybe you've never been to Block Island this late in the season before (we like to keep how awesome October and November are a secret) or maybe you've never been at all.
Block Island is quiet this time of year, less people, less traffic, less businesses open, but there's more space on the walking trails, more space to walk the beaches and more birdsong to be heard.
There are ways to get here, ways to get around once here, places to stay, eat and shop, things to do and places to sit and enjoy the beauty of Block Island in the off-season.
We continue to follow all Covid-19 rules and regulations. Masks are required and limited people are allowed indoors at establishments at once. But Block Island has always been a "Take-it-Outside" type of place, so we have adapted pretty well to this new normal.
Here's a little list, that is not totally inclusive, to give you an idea of what is open and what you can do.
Beaches: Open
Town Beach Pavilion bathrooms, lifeguards, concessions and rentals: Closed
Town Beach Pavilion showers: Closed
Greenway Trails: Open
Mohegan Bluffs Overlook and Stairs down to beach: Open
Southeast Lighthouse and North Lighthouse: Grounds open. Buildings closed.
1661 Inn Animal Farm: Open
Ball O’Brien Park (Tennis, basketball, skate, picnic pavilion): Open
Ball O’Brien Park (Swings, play structure): Closed
School: Open
Library: Building closed. Grounds open for fast wifi. Online and outdoor programming available 401-466-3233
Post Office: Open
Bank: Open
Block Island Grocery: Open
Block Island Depot: Open
Block Island Ferry (Point Judith): Running. Check schedule on website. www.blockislandferry.com
Block Island High Speed Ferry (Point Judith): Running. www.blockislandferry.com
Block Island/Newport Ferry (Fall River): Done for Season
Block Island Express Ferry (New London): Done for Season www.goblockisland.com
Block Island Montauk Ferry: Done for Season www.vikingfleet.com
New England Airlines (Westerly): Running. www.blockislandsairline.com
Moped/Bike/Car Rentals: Available but weather dependent. Call ahead.
http://www.blockislandinfo.com/what-to-do/bike-and-moped-and-car-rental
Kayak/paddleboard/surf rentals:Some closed for season. Call ahead.
http://www.blockislandinfo.com/what-to-do/sports-and-recreation/kayak-and-sup-and-surf-rentals
Harbors: Moorings/pumpout/dinghy dock/launch: Minimal services available. Call 401-466-3204
Town Old Harbor Dock/Marina: Call 401-466-3235
Restaurants and Cafe's:
Restaurants and Cafes on Block Island that are open offer outdoor and indoor seating as well as take-out options. Capacity is limited so reservations are recommended. Please call business or visit their website for hours and menus.
http://www.blockislandinfo.com/what-to-do/dining
This link will take you to an updated list of Chamber of Commerce Member's hours and phone numbers post Columbus Day:
https://blockislandchamber.com/pdfs/DINING.pdf
Shopping:
Many shops on Block Island are still open on weekends, some open 7 days. Masks are required and the number of people per store is limited. Most Block Island shops added an online store as well this year!
http://www.blockislandinfo.com/what-to-do/shopping
Hotels/Inns/B&B: Most still open through October, some year-round, call ahead or check websites.
http://www.blockislandinfo.com/where-to-stay
Private Marinas: Call ahead
- New Harbor Boat Basin - 401-480-1429
- Payne's Dock - 401-466-5572
- Champlin's Marina - 401-466-7777
Taxi Service:
- McAloon's Taxi Service 401-741-1410
- Clark's Cab 401-466-5839
- Sueann - 401-742-0436
- Harbor Taxi 401-500-6726
Maps: Including the Old Harbor Walking Tour and The Island Mobile Bike Tour;
http://www.blockislandinfo.com/maps
Glass Float Project:
http://www.blockislandinfo.com/island-events/glass-float-project
If you are looking for more information you can always call the Visitor's Center at 401-466-2474 or visit them in person in the ferry dock parking lot.
We have an informative magazine, with information (for 2020) and beautiful photography, and we would be happy to send you a copy. Just email your name and address to blockisland02807@gmail.com.
Don't forget to catch a sunset while you're here.
