Need help with Block Island

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

Coming from central NJ would New London Ct be the easiest place to take the ferry to B I? ALso, we are attending a wedding, but I really do not want to stay at the Inn where the reception is being held, so my thoughts were to stay in either Mystic or Newport. ANy ideas are appreciated. We will have our three kids, so something kid friendly is needed.

 

[caseylouandtyler2]

Since I live close to New London, I have only used the nl ferry. Not quite sure where else to catch a ferry to the block. I'm sure you can catch one in Rhode Island since Block is part of RI.

Is the reception being held on the island?

What can I answer for you re: Mystic.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

The reception is being held on BI but starts at 1:30 and I see the last ferry back is 7:30 so we should be fine. As far as Mystic, I am looking at the Hilton, it looks close to the seaport. Can we spend a full day between the aquarium and the seaport, if so I will book an extra night. Unless you know of any kid friendly hotels on the island.

Thanks.

 

[caseylouandtyler2]

I do not know of ANY kid friendly hotels on the island. I however haven't been on the island for about 15 years. I'm sure much has changed. But I hear Ballard's is still there. If you have time on the island for site seeing. Take a trip up to the lighthouse the views are beautiful.

I believe the Mystic Hilton is across the street from the acquarium. Which is still relatively close to the seaport.

The aquarium usually takes us about an hour. However we go very, very often and do not go to the sea lion show and don't usually go in the titanic, pt109 section. (2yr old doesn't sit still).

The seaport, I haven't taken my kids there yet and haven't been in a very long time. Depending when you go there are usually storytellers, historians, boat tours. And I think they have something with the Amistad. I don't think the actual ship is there anymore. Sometimes there is crafts that the kids can do and wooden boat building going on. It isn't huge but it could take a half day.

 

[Allie322]

Newport is nice but depending on the age of your kids, Mystic might be a better bet. The ferry also leaves from Pt. Judith but there is nothing there for the kids.
DD just got back today from 3 days at Mystic Seaport (school trip). THere seems to be quite a bit to do. I haven't been in several years but I seem to recall that it was kind of expensive.
There really isn't a whole lot to do on Block Island. It's beautiful and relaxing but that's about it. Then there's the cocktails at Ballards....that's another story!
I hope the weather is nice when you're there!

 

[caseylouandtyler2]

wow, 3 days at the seaport. Were they scheduled for classes there? Or did they do one of the special projects that they have going on from time to time? Just curious. Sometimes I tend to overlook things that are always there, kwim? What am I missing at the seaport?

I agree, Ballard's is definitely another story...... better left untold.

 

[sweet angel]

Nothing of use to tell you, but a former co-worker was married on Block Island and the pictures were absolutely gorgeous.

 

[Poohnatic]

If you want to stay on the Island, Ballard's has at least one room that will sleep 6 comfortably. I stayed in it when I took a 10 day geology course in college.

Not much of a help with the ferry. We took two different ferries across and back from Montauk, and you DON'T want to drive all the way out 27 to get there. There's the New London ferry and then there's one from Pt. Judith.

As a 19year old, I didn't run out of things to explore and do up there-quite different for kids with parents. If you're into the exploring thing, you can rent bikes and go down to Mohegan Bluffs...beautiful!

Suzanne

 

[Allie322]

wow, 3 days at the seaport. Were they scheduled for classes there? Or did they do one of the special projects that they have going on from time to time? Just curious. Sometimes I tend to overlook things that are always there, kwim? What am I missing at the seaport?

I agree, Ballard's is definitely another story...... better left untold.

It's a classroom program that the Seaport runs for groups. They sleep on a whaling ship and live like 19th century sailors. They did scrimshaw, wood carving, rope tying, etc. Like any typical teen, there were some things that she liked but more that she didn't enjoy.

 

[Holly]

I'm not sure when the wedding is, but make sure you check the ferry schedule soon because the ferry stops running from NL to BI fairly early in the season. I went to a wedding last year and it had already stopped by early October. We had to take the ferry out of Point Judith.

We stayed at the Surf Hotel, which depending on your children, may or may not be a good choice. It is very charming and old fashioned, and most of the rooms have no televisions or private bathrooms. They have their own little beach, rent bikes, and have checker and chessboards set up in the lobby.