By Marilyn Thorbahn

Through lace curtained windows, a guest at the century-old Hotel Manisses surveys the sapphire waters of Long Island Sound. A single moment, a single memory in a collection of memories guests compile every summer when they visit Block Island, RI -- memories of family and friendship, rest and relaxation.

"This is a nice place to live too," Postmaster Fred Leeder reflects of his 14 years on the island. "It's quiet, peaceful, residents get to know each other."

"I've never lived anywhere else," Window Clerk Charon Littlefield says. "And it is amazing how much there is to see on this little island. I love to wander along Mohegan Bluffs. It is unbelievably beautiful there, walking along the water."

The seven mile by three mile island, settled in 1661 by 16 hearty families seeking religious and political freedom, seems to offer just the right mix of things tourists love: historic hotels and inns, fine dining, quiet little shops featuring local art, and the natural beauty of rolling emerald hills, rocky shoreline and a horizon filled with dark blue waters.

"I think it's the combination of things that makes our island so attractive to vacationers," Window Clerk Cathy Millikin says. "First, they arrive by ferry boat. Then they stay in historic hotels, many within walking distance of the beach. And to top it off, there are many interesting things to see and do on the island. For the tourist, I think they feel like they're in another world once they step off that ferry."

Roads crisscross the island. Whether guests opt to bring their cars, rent bicycles, or travel on foot, they will journey past meadows enclosed by miles of stone fence from another time still guarding property lines. White clapboard churches, wind-weathered houses, and Victorian mansions lining the waterfront all add to the whimsical atmosphere world-weary travelers seek and find here.

"We have birds, deer, the Greenway walking trails, two lighthouses and wildflowers, Leeder says, listing the highlights in alphabetical order. "It all adds up to make the island a paradise, especially to guests from large cities."

"Block Island is a great day destination too," Littlefield adds as she continues to sort the morning mail. "Whenever my friends and family pay a visit, they come over on the ferry in the morning. We have lunch at Beachhead--they have great chili and burgers--and we take a drive around the island. We always stop and hike along the bluffs before they take the 5 o'clock ferry back to the mainland in the afternoon."

"If you're looking for sandy beaches, clean air, great fishing, horseback riding, canoeing, unique shopping, art galleries, parasailing, birdwatching, hiking, carriage rides or surfing," Leeder says without taking a breath, "you'll know you're in the right place when you step off the ferry and into our little part of the world."

For more information call (401) 466-5200 or (800) 383-BIRI.

Return to