The One Rhode Island Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
New Shoreham may be the smallest town in the United States' smallest state, but by no means does that mean a stop here should be missed. Home to roughly 1,410 year-round residents, New Shoreham is the only community on Block Island. With coastal scenery, access to outdoor recreation, historic landmarks, and a bustling downtown, it is no wonder that during peak season, between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors frequent the island each day. Let us explore Block Island and find out why New Shoreham is the one Rhode Island town everyone should visit at least once.
Atlantic Seascapes
The Mohegan Bluffs rise 150 feet above what some people regard as the most beautiful beach on the island. At the very top of the bluffs, it is possible to see all the way to Montauk on Long Island on a clear day. Make the journey down 141 steps to a secluded rocky beach, which is a prime location for swimming, surfing, picnicking, and taking in views of the ocean.
Be sure to allow extra time to visit the Southeast Lighthouse, which sits atop the Mohegan Bluffs. It is one of only two lighthouses on the island, but it is the easiest to access. The lighthouse stands 52 feet tall and is constructed of brick and granite. Originally built in 1874, the lighthouse is designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1997. During the summer, the lighthouse and its gift shop are open to the public, with guided tours also running that inform visitors of the lighthouse’s history and of shipwrecks along the coast of Block Island. While the lighthouse is only open seasonally, the exterior grounds and Mohegan Bluffs are accessible to the public year-round.
Island Greenways
New Shoreham is a premier destination for hikers with over 28 miles of trails venturing through Block Island’s diverse terrain and landscape of open spaces, rolling hills, and stunning vistas. Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve is considered one of the most scenic hikes on the island, as well as one of the easiest trails, as it is so user-friendly, especially for those with mobility issues. The trail stretches along a two-mile-long round trip, with the1661 Resort Farm & Gardens optimal time to hike it being spring, as it leads through a large meadow that will have blooming wildflowers then. However, it can be hiked at any time of the year, as it offers unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean.
For hikers looking for a challenge, the Clayhead Trail will do just that. The 1.5-mile-long round-trip trail takes approximately one hour to complete due to uneven ground and steep slopes, creating a moderate degree of difficulty. The trail mostly leads through thick coastal shrubland, featuring sporadic small meadows and isolated ponds. The shrubland is a favored habitat for migratory birds that frequent the area and can be observed in spring and fall.
Bustling Downtown
Downtown New Shoreham is an adventure in itself, right in the heart of town. The 1661 Inn Farm and Garden allows visitors a unique experience to get close to exotic animals such as lemurs, kangaroos, and emus. Whether you are staying on the island for just a couple of days or simply there for a day trip, the farm is conveniently located just a few blocks from the ferry, and as an added bonus, entry to see the animals is free of charge.
The Barn is a unique dining venue on the island, which features an open kitchen and a wood-fired grill. It is known for having a menu that has such distinctive flavors that they cannot be replicated anywhere else, while they are enjoyed in a relaxing environment. Spring Street Gallery is Block Island’s only art cooperative, hosting opening receptions for galleries, art shows, art classes, film screenings, lectures, and providing studio space for local artists during the off-season.
Ferry Access
Due to New Shoreman’s remote location, the nearest towns are accessible via ferry. The only year-round ferry service runs between Block Island and Point Judith, which is in Narragansett. Narragansett is known for having some of the finest beaches in the northeast. Scarborough North State Beach comprises 26 acres with over 2,000 feet of beachfrontage. Whether you want to relax on the sandy beach, wander the boardwalk, or picnic in shaded pavilions, Narragansett is a great place to enjoy Rhode Island’s coast.
The ferry to Narragansett will allow for further transfer to the town of Westerly, a beachfront community on the south shore. The Watch Hill Lighthouse and Museum displays documents, photographs, and paintings that show different views of the buildings and some of the duties of the lighthouse keepers.
Another ferry runs during the summer between New Shoreham and Newport. Newport is known for its many Gilded Age mansions, some of which are now museums like the Newport Art Museum, which is located in the Griswold House, a 19th-century summer cottage.
Rhode Island's Must-Visit Town
New Shoreham is a unique location in Rhode Island that should not be missed. With stunning coastal bluffs, historic lighthouses, hiking trails snaking throughout Block Island, a bustling downtown area, and reliable ferry access to other Rhode Island seaside towns, it has everything you could hope for, whether you are staying on the island for a couple of nights or just coming for a day visit on the ferry. This is the one Rhode Island town everyone should visit at least once.
