Return to main articleOff-Season Beach Bargains
Block Island, Rhode Island
What It's Like: Peace, quiet, and…cold. It's wonderfully deserted here in winter, but be fully prepared for temperatures that hover around freezing—the mainland is 12 miles away, and in winter the ferry runs just once a day. What to Do: Walk the hiking trails along the cliffs and the 17-mile shoreline where harbor seals loll and bark amid driftwood and smooth beach glass. Even the traffic-free roads bordered by those picturesque fieldstone walls make you feel like taking a walk in a different era. The maritime solitude begs an engrossing novel: Moby Dick or The Shipping News sound just right. Where to Stay and Dine: The several properties managed by The 1661 Inn are just about your only choices at this time of year. Rooms start at $55, but opt for a larger one with a fireplace and hot tub. Restaurant options are limited; try Club Soda (401/466-5397), Swashbucklers (401/466-2822), and the Albion Pub (401/466-9990).
