August 23, 2004 -- East coast summer fun seekers know Block Island as an all-American island off the Rhode Island coast with winding roads, beautiful bluffs, white sandy beaches and a nightlife hotspot. What they might not know is the water's warmest in the fall when hotel rates go down, availability goes up and the island gets a notch quieter. It's a well-kept secret of natives that September through early October is when the island is at its best.
The fall is also a time for great Block Island deals. The Hotel Manisses, a 19th century Victorian Inn located a short walk to the towns and shops of Old Harbor, cuts room rates in half during the latter part of September and the beginning of October. Quaint but small rooms that normally run $220 go down to $110. The Dewey Cottage, a small renovated farmhouse just a two block walk into town reduces there rates from approximately $200 per room to around $85 dollars after Labor Day. Check out the Manisses, the Dewey Cottage and a few other neighboring properties at www.blockislandresorts.com.
Perhaps the best deals on fall vacations here can be found by renting one of the many small houses or cottages that dot the islands hills and bluffs. The Centre Road Apartments, a two-floor house broken off into three charming apartments located between the shops of Old Towne, the boats of New Harbor and the a long stretch of beach on the island's Southeast coast, are an excellent value. Normally $419 for a summer weekend and $319 during the week, the house, which sleeps six comfortably, goes down to $199 per weekday and $329 per weekend.
The Old Bakery might be an even better deal. Two apartments with ocean and town views are available in an old inn on Water Street in the center of Old Harbor. Ideal for sleeping four in each unit, the two-bedroom apartments go for $99 (down from $169) per weekday in the fall and $289 (down from $379) for weekends. Info on these and other houses can be found at www.blockislandhotel.com.
Take advantage of the current fall flight specials to make your Block Island trip even less expensive. Flights from Chicago to Providence, if booked two weeks in advance, on American Airlines (www.aa.com) go from $169 roundtrip. On Southwest, (www.southwest.com) you can get to Providence (a big Southwest hub) from Birmingham and back from $161 roundtrip. (The above prices do not include September 11 security taxes or departure fees.) Check the major airlines servicing your closest airport for more fares.
Not flying? Getting to Block Island by other means isn't too tricky either. From Providence, take a van or taxi to Port Judith to the Block Island Ferry and high-speed it over; the 30-minute ride costs $29 roundtrip. You don't necessarily need a car on Block Island as many tourists rent bikes or mopeds or walk to the many island beaches, restaurants and sites. From New London, closer to the New York metropolitan area, the 45-minute high-speed ride costs $30 roundtrip. Check the ferry schedule that changes in the fall. Unfortunately, the rates do not. Block Island has a very small airport and small twin-propeller planes can be chartered. But be careful, if the fog picks up landing is nearly impossible.
A few things to remember about Block Island:
- The wind picks up everyday at 4pm.
- Bars close at 1am.
- Taxis are very inexpensive but go up a dollar per person.
- There is little to no air-conditioning on the island, but who needs it when temperatures go down to a cool night breeze.
- Bring a sweater or a light jacket; you'll wear it more than just on the ferry over.
- Oh, and expand your waist size at The Ice Cream Place just across from the Old Towne ferry docks. The homemade ice cream makes every extra inch worth it.
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