| RHODE ISLAND'S TREASURE: |
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Of all the islands lying off the East Coast of the United States, the one 12 miles off the shore of Rhode Island, first noted by French navigator Verrazzano in 1524 and later named by Dutch trader Adrian Block in 1614, has the most successfully clung to its past. (800 383-BIRI www.blockislandinfo.com) "We are low-key, unpretentious and Old World," says Brad Mathers, president of the Block Island Tourism Council. "We enjoy the simple life. The year-round people here know each other and in winter when our census drops from 15,000 in summer to 900, if someone sneezes, the whole island says Gesuntheit!" Adds Fran Migliaccio, a local guide (Mig's Rig Taxi 401-480-0493),
"It's like high school: we all know each other." They
sure do. The island highschool has a mere 130 students and graduates
only 8 seniors a year. |
     
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| On Block small is beautiful. Block sometimes called New
Shoreham, Rhode Island is the smallest town in the smallest state.
There are only 21 miles of paved roads; the island -- 7 inches by
3 -- covers just 11 square miles and a guided tour with Fran doesn't
take more than a couple of hours. Tourists are discouraged from bringing
cars over and as a result locals do well renting bicycles and mopeds
to visitors. Mike Finnimore at Island Moped on Chapel Street (401-466-2700)
apparently has the best prices. |
     
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| You'll want some kind of vehicle to explore the attractions.
The Southeast Lighthouse is more accessible than the North Light but
both are worth a visit. The 150 foot-high Mohegan Bluffs offer a panoramic
view to the south and their 125 steps down to the beach – and
up – give you the Block Island cardiac stress test. Busy things
to do on this languid isle include horseback riding, fishing, sailing,
parasailing and walking the numerous nature trails. And, of course,
discovering the celebrated homemade donuts at Payne's in New Harbor,
the renowned bagels at the Old Post Office and finding for yourselves
the coolest ice cream shop. |
  
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