by kelly
/ June, 10 2020 01:30
Hope you are all staying safe and healthy this summer. I have some good news, spots around the country are opening back up slowly and Block Island is one of them. I’m excited but, of course, also want to be a bit cautious. So here are the details on what’s open and how to stay safe while there in case you are planning a trip.
As of June 1st the out of state quarantines for visitors are lifted. However for people traveling from an area that is still under a stay at home order or advisory – the quarantine is still in effect. Also, Block Island will be following Rhode Island’s regulations on mask wearing and social distancing. If that all sounds a bit confusing, I know it did for me, here’s the full list of Rhode Island’s alerts and guidelines from the State of Rhode Island Department of Health.
So what’s open on the island? Well, Block Island’s tourism site BlockIslandInfo.com has a full list but here’s a quick summary:
Activities Open Now
- Beaches
- Greenway Trails
- Ball O’Brien Park (children’s play structure closed)
- Southeast Lighthouse and North Lighthouse (grounds open, buildings closed)
- Kayak/paddleboard/surf rentals
- Town Old Harbor Dock/Marina
- Moped/Bike/Car Rentals
- Post Office
- Bank (open by appointment only)
- Many shops have online options and have limited in-person browsing and hours
Food & Restaurants Open Now
- Block Island Grocery
- Block Island Depot
- Restaurants – call the business or visit their website for hours and menus (check out BlockIslandInfo.com for restaurant info)
Travel & Accommodations Open Now
- Block Island Ferry (Point Judith)
- Block Island Express Ferry (New London): June 19th start
- New England Airlines (Westerly airport)
- Spring House Hotel, National Hotel, Block Island Resorts (1661 Inn), Ballard's Resort Hotel, Darius Inn, Blue Dory/Avonlea, Hotel Manisses, Payne's Harbor View Inn
Let me just add that this list, as with everything these days, is subject to change. More things might open up on the island or things might close down. So checking Block Island’s tourism website BlockIslandInfo.com before you go is definitely recommended.
More on Discovering Block Island
With everything going on, I’m definitely appreciative of summers on Block Island. If you make it there this summer make sure to take advantage of everything the island has to offer (of course safely) and support all these local businesses.
For even more on Block Island and all it has to offer check out our Discovering Block Island series.
