Block Island: You Never Forget Your First Time

"This year is the 350^th anniversary of the settlement of the island."

Stepping off the ferry and onto Block Island is always the same. A gust of sweet sea smell rises up to meet you—and like a first date with that guy you immediately know is the ONE, you feel like you’re home. That’s the way it was for me, so many years ago, and is still. I've been back many times since, sharing it with friends, boyfriends, with just my oldest, and now with my husband and little ones. Incredible things happened to me on the Island.
But you never forget your first time.

It was 1989, and I was a senior in college staying up for the summer to take a class, but mostly to maintain my freedom. A girl living off campus was doing the same thing, and we became fast friends on the prowl for fun. We were newly legal and single. Why not? So, when she suggested going to BI for a night, who was I turn a good idea down? There was a bunch of us staying up that summer, girls and guys, which made for many beach trips and a few bar closings.

stock photo.

It was the Fourth of July weekend. We landed in Old Harbor to the cutest little parade—beautiful bronze-faced kids proudly waving the American Flags while sitting atop a convertible yellow VW bug.  These kids seemed to be everywhere, walking with parents, roaming with friends. Block Island is that kind of place—there's little you have to worry about. It’s for families, it’s for friends, and it’s for old and new relationships. You may not know a soul when you arrive, but you become fast friends with everyone by the time you leave. 

And that’s the truth.

We stayed at the Gables Inn II back then and couldn’t even afford a bathroom in our room. A hardship for some, but when you're on the Island, who cares? You are all there for the common goal. Like those little bronze beauties, everyone has that sun-kissed look of too much of everything. Too much food, drink, walking, bike riding, mussels (on the deck of the National Hotel), and sea smell embedded in your hair. During the day, we rented bikes and took them uphill to the Southeast Lighthouse, then on to Rodman’s Hollow. If you’re exhausted and thirsty like we were, chances are a bunch of those kids are selling lemonade and cookies. And we got lucky. That night we hit Captain Nicks. We waited in line! People were dancing everywhere on the floor and the balcony to the coolest music. I think there was a band, but I can’t be sure. We befriended a nanny who lived on the beaches every weekend. If you're looking for Mary Poppins, that's not what you'll find in BI. She was caretaker by day, Deadhead hippie Friday through Sunday. She was all granola and sunrise. There are a lot of college kids like nanny that come to the Island for the summer to work and hang out with other like-minded college kids. Just like how I never studied abroad, this will also be a regret of mine.
After many drinks with nanny, we ran into our best male college friends, and we all decided to take the party to nanny’s weekend “house,” and off we went to Mansion Beach. It's not far, so we walked. The moon was so large that weekend and just kind of guided our way. When we got there, we all jumped into the water. I don't know whose idea it was but some were with clothes, some were without. And that's all I have to say about that. I remember being thankful someone had a blanket. It was over 20 years ago, but the youth of it all really seems like yesterday. We and the guys hit the blanket hard, just listening to the slight ripple of the water as the waves billowed up and crashed ashore. No one made a sound. 

I got my first BI kiss that night. The next day we all boarded the same ferry to Pt Judith (nanny stayed on the beach)—and by the time we were home, everyone seemed to forget the magic. But it’s hard to forget something so right. It’s still with me now. I dated that BI kisser for a long time, then it was time to say good-bye. We wanted different lives. Sometimes I wonder how he's doing. Though I have to confess, I haven’t thought about the nanny until now. 

A Block Island Retrospective

1994: Pt. Judith Ferry

1994: Me and my girlfriends bike riding on the Island. 
The roads were lined with 
blackberry bushes, and we would stop to fill up! 

1994: Stopping for water. This place is all uphill! 
We took a ride to Rodman's Hollow onto
the Southeast Lighthouse, then down, down, down 
wooden steps to the beach. And had our pictures taken on a huge rock. 

Southeast Light House. Stock photo. My friends and I were there the last time it was moved.

And this is why it would have to be moved. Stock photo. 

The National Hotel. Sit on the deck, eat mussels, and people watch. At night come back for some beautiful acoustic guitarists singing old favorites. I can't tell you how many times I requested "Eyes of the World." Stock photo.

1996: I can't tell you how many times I stayed here with my girlfriends! 
Great breakfast muffins, btw. There's Kate and Debbie on the front steps.  This hotel is a great location: right on the main strips, steps to the beach, shopping, nightlife, and the ferry at Old Harbor. 

2009: My beauties at the Manisses Animal Farm. We saw a kangaroo and a camel!
And, if you are in the mood for some truly breathtaking views, keep on going straight past the farm to the Spring House Hotel. Kick up your heels and enjoy a drink on the deck. 

Llamas at the Manisses Animal Farm.
For young and old alike!

2010: Me and my daughters on the bench at the North Lighthouse. 

Another girl on the way!

2009: We stayed with friends for a night at the houses on Crescent Beach. Beautiful.

Scenery on Corn Neck Road.

Spring House Hotel. Stayed here twice: With oldest daughter
on a Mommy and Me trip, and recently with hubby. Perfection.
That deck has the most beautiful views. Getting married on the Island? Many are booked here.

BI Historical Society. So worth the $5 donation.

More scenery on Corn Neck Road. Look at that sky. It was about 7 a.m.
By 11 a.m., it will be crystal blue.

2011: New London, CT, ferry woes.
People got up at 4:30 a.m. to make a ferry that wasn't coming.
Hey, Pt. Judith: all these people are headed your way!

2011: Cushman House. You can only get here by Corn Neck to Ministers Lot—
a long, winding, one-way road. Our taxi driver was 13th BI generation
and still had to call the police dept to ask for directions!
This was the site of our friend's wedding!

Wedding decorations. The bride made them all herself. Table arrangements were adorned
with driftwood highlighting the couple's favorite Island spots, hurricane lamps filled with sand and flowers, and shells and beach glass were scattered around the tables. Look up and you'd see blue and white paper balls in the tent and in the tress. Stunning display.

This was by far one of my husband's favorite weddings because you could have a beer while the bride and groom were saying their nuptials. And I could go barefoot. BI, we love you!

Me and my hubby at the wedding.

The groom wipes tears after seeing his bride for the first time.
That dress affected everyone. Gorgeous!

2011: The year of the Bruins. The Statue of Rebecca, adorned with helmet and 

Stanley Cup—the handiwork of a taxi car driver's daughter. (I texted this picture to one of my friends whose son just got drafted to the NHL!!)
Check out Rebecca's story at the link—she was first erected in 1896 by a women's Christian movement in hopes of curbing alcohol consumption. On Block Island...really?

Me, gazing at the North Lighthouse, Block Island.
The year was 1997. We were biking and stopped for a much-needed break.
I was in the first trimester with my oldest, Michaela, and I was exhausted.
She was born February, 1997, by far, the biggest light in my life.
You never forget your first.