A Charming New England Island Beach Getaway-- BLOCK ISLAND, RI
We grew up spending the summer on the Long Island Sound and had always been curious about Block Island, but had never ventured over before this summer. It's like taking a trip back in time (minus the fellow tourists- a few of them clad in jean shorts and fluorescent t-shirts), with impressive historic hotels lining the old harbor where the ferry pulls in.
Upon arrival at our Victorian Inn, The Inn at Manisses, a short five minute walk up the hill from town, we raced over to the "wine and nibbles" hour at their adjacent property, 1661 to take in views of the Sound and complimentary spanikopita and a splash of the offered wine-- never want to drink too much of the wine that comes in the XL bottles...
We explored a few of the shops in town-- some of our favorites are The Glass Onion, located at 241 Water St., with wares from Morocco to India, all of it boho beach chic; Bonnie & Clyde, at 53 Water St. selling Joe's jeans, Splendid and Ella Moss; and The Wave, just next door if you're looking for a new bathing suit or surf gear.
After browsing the shops, we stopped off at the Harborside Inn for Pain Killers (strong, delicious fruity rum punches) and steamers at sunset.
Unfortunately for us, as all good sisters can attest to, sometimes a strong drink can bring out the pain and we had a minor sister blow out on our way back to the Inn to freshen up for dinner. We resolved our spat in the tranquility of our room-- the Pocahontas suite, a kitschy Laura Ashley explosion with a delightful private porch.
Our good friend, Clara, who grew up coming to Block Island, recommended Eli's for dinner so we put our name in (no reservations) and took in live music while we waited at the famous National Hotel-- yet another stunning Victorian hotel. Dinner at Eli's was truly a gourmet treat-- we shared the tuna nachos, which they are famous for and for good reason, followed by rock shrimp pasta and grilled sea scallops. Our swan song was the butterscotch pots du creme. One of the best dinners we've had in a long time!
We were in a bit of food coma after our feast and opted to skip a nightcap at the local bar-- Yellow Kittens (best name ever for a bar) and retired to our porch.
The next morning was bright and sunny and after the included breakfast buffet we rented bikes in town and explored the island checking out lighthouses, the Mohegan Bluffs and ending up at Scotch's Beach which was perfect for swimming and not as crowded as the Town Beach. 
Block Island is the perfect place to go for a night or the weekend as you don't need a car-- we happily got everywhere on bike or foot and mopeds are also available for rent.
Before our afternoon ferry we went to the oldest seafood restaurant on the island, Finn's, and had lobster rolls and one final rum drink on their upstairs porch overlooking the old harbor.
We were on Block Island for less than 24 hours and feel like we had an active yet relaxing getaway! We can't wait to return.
