Information AboutBlock Island |
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Block Island is an island in the Atlantic Ocean . The island is a fragment of glacial Terminal Moraine approximately twelve miles off the coast of Rhode Island , of which it is part, and from which it is separated by Block Island Sound . In 1524, it was sighted by of 1685 clearly shows Block Island, indicated as ''Adrian Block Island'' ("Adriaen Blocks Eylant"). The only town on the island is New Shoreham . The island is a popular summer tourist destination and is known for its excellent bicycling. Two historic lighthouses are present on the island; Block Island North Light, on the northern tip of the island (established in 1829, current lighthouse in built in 1868), and Block Island Southeast Light , is on the southeast side of the island (built in 1875). Much of the northwest tip of the island is an undeveloped natural area and resting stop for birds along the Atlantic Flyway . The island is connected by a ferry year-round to Point Judith , and in summer to New London, Connecticut , Montauk, New York and to Newport, Rhode Island . Additionally, every summer the island hosts Block Island Race Week , a highly competitive, week-long sailboat racing event. Captains and crew compete in various classes, racing to and from the island, as well as around its perimeter. Other popular events include the annual Fourth of July Parade and celebration. During these time the island's population can triple over the normal summer vacation crowd. CHRONOLOGY --- written by Robert M. Downie, author of two recent history books named "Block Island --- The Sea" and "Block Island --- The Land" BLOCK ISLAND IN POP CULTURE Block Island Sound , the body of water northwest of Block Island, is mentioned in singer Billy Joel's song ''Downeaster Alexa'', about the plight of Fishermen . CLIMATE Block Island's weather is greatly influanced by the surrounding ocean. Because the ocean stays cold during the Spring and Summer months, Block Island stays cooler than the mainland during this period. However, summers can still be hot on Block Island although July and August average in the mid and upper 70's instead of low and mid 80's that New York and New England experiance. Block Island's record high temperature is 95 °F. In comparison, Chester , MA which is far inland, has a record high of 107 °F. On the flipside, Block Island stays warmer than the mainland during the fall and winter months when the ocean remains relatively warmer than the mainland. Block Island's record low is -7 °F while Chester's record low is -35 °F. Block Island, RI Averages and Records . Accessed April 20, 2006. Chester, MA Averages and Records . Accessed April 20, 2006. Block Island's High and Low Temperature Averages and Precipitation Averages: BEACHES Crescent Beach: This beach can be viewed from the Pt. Judith Ferry run by Interstate Navigation on the way to the island. It contains three smaller beaches, Fred Benson Town Beach (still popularly known as "State Beach" due to its former status as one), Scotch Beach, and Mansion Beach, all of which are safe for swimming and line Corn Neck Road. "State Beach" is the only beach on the island with on duty life guards, as well as a beach pavilion with food and boogie board/chair rentals. For smaller children, the "Surf Beach" or "Baby Beach" that begins at the Surf Hotel, near the Beachhead offers calm water for smaller children. Black Rock: Black Rock is known as the island's nude beach as well as the best surfing location on the island. It can be quite a bit more rough than Crescent beach, and the beach can also be very rocky. This beach is not recommended for small children. While most beaches on Block Island are safe for swimming, the beaches at and near North Point are not considered safe for swimming as there is a strong undertow. TOURIST LOCATIONS Block Island contains a number of locations for tourists besides the beach. Southeast Lighthouse : Located directly off of Spring Street on the Mohegan Trail, visitors can climb a staircase to the top of the lighthouse during the summer. , and the native Manisee Indians in which the Mohegans were driven off the edge of the tall cliffs to their deaths on the beach below. Today, one can walk down a long staircase to the bottom of these clay cliffs and look out over the Atlantic. On clear days, Montauk, New York can be seen in the distance from the south western side of the island. North Lighthouse : Located at the very northern tip of Block Island, at the end of Corn Neck Road, North Lighthouse warns boaters of a stretch of dangerous shallow waters, known locally as the "Northern Rips". Farmers Market: Held every Saturday and Wednesday during the summer, the farmers market contains many island grown vegetables and island made goods, including bees-wax candles and honey. The times and location can vary, so check with the local newspaper, The Block Island Times, for more information. EXTERNAL LINKS
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