Boston - June 29, 2009

Block Party

Road Trip to Block Island

Leave the Brahmins to their whale belts — this water-locked New England hideaway is a pressure-free frolic zone.

Lego (the Car)
Hitch a seaside ride at the Block Island Ferry (State Pier, Galilee; 866-783-7996). The high-speed varietal whisks you over in 30 minutes flat. (Fill up at a landlubbin’ ATM beforehand — many BI businesses are cash only.)

Big Wheels
Rent your velocipede of choice at Aldo’s Mopeds and Bikes (130 Chapel Street, on Weldon’s Way; 401-466-5018), then head up Corn Neck Road to the North Lighthouse, taking a walking detour along the shore-hugging Mohegan Bluffs trail along the way.

Time Out
Refuel midday at Three Sisters (Ocean Avenue; 401-466-9661), a cottage-cum-lunch stop churning out creative, hearty sandwiches. Then get your little piggies a pedicure at Koru Eco Spa (232 Water Street; 401-466-2308), an eco-conscious spa that treats you snout to tail.

Sippy Cups
Watch the New Harbor yachties haul sail while quaffing $2 ’Gansett drafts at The Oar (West Side Road, New Harbor; 401-466-8820), where pup proprietors can snag wooden chairs on the back lawn. For the best Mudslide on the island, roll down the hill to the no-frills Mahogany Shoals (Payne’s Dock; 401-466-5572).

Eat Your Vegetables
Grab a drink on the veranda at Spring House Hotel (Spring Street; 401-466-5844), then head to Finn’s (212 Water Street; 401-466-2473) for some twin lobster action. On the way, cut through the grounds of Hotel Manisses (1 Spring Street; 401-466-2421) to gawk at the exotic animals (kangaroos? Seriously?).

Sleep like a (Lincoln) Log
For the quintessential NE B&B XP, check in at The Blue Dory Inn (Dodge Street; 401-466-5891); weekenders on a shoestring can snag a no-frills room at the Harborside Inn (213 Water Street; 401-466-5504‎). It’ll really float your boat.