What Do You Do on Block Island when it Rains?

To truly appreciate the beauty of Block Island, from its majestic bluffs, to its quiet, secluded beaches, and its peaceful roads and hiking trails, it would be best to arrive when the weather promises to be bright and sunny.

Unfortunately, we can not always plan our trips according to the weather, and as I recently experienced, half of my vacation on Block Island took place during some particularly stormy weather, courtesy of tropical storm Ernesto. But despite the gloomy weather, there is still plenty to do on Block Island when it rains.

Rainy weather also happens to add a particular charm to Block Island, perfectly complimenting the Victorian and New England style of the town and its surrounding land.

As the streets begin to empty and the ferry service halts its activities for the day, you’ll find ample camaraderie in the many pubs, restaurants, and bed and breakfast motels that populate Block Island. During the rain, the pubs and restaurants become gathering places for islanders and tourists alike, and the mood is always jovial and friendly.

A rainy day is also always a good day to secure a good day of shopping at the many unique stores in the town. With extra time to browse through the shops selling many items unique to Block Island, you be sure to find a hidden treasure or two. A movie theatre also provides entertainment on rainy days, and if you don’t care for any of the current showings, you can rent some movies from the local general store.

As the rain continues to fall and the wind continues to howl, you’ll find that the town of Block Island and your accommodations can take on a wonderfully cozy atmosphere, perfect for settling down with a good book in your hotel lounge, or watching the roiling waves of the ocean pounding the jetties and the shoreline.

And though the island is best toured on either a bicycle or a moped, car rentals are also available, so that you can continue to explore the island even during bad weather, and perhaps visit the lighthouses which can look remarkably different on stormy days.

And hopefully, the sun will shortly chase away the clouds and the rain, as it did for me, and then you can explore Block Island again in a whole new light. I myself was quite happy to have seen Block Island during both sunny and rainy weather, as the island exhibits different qualities in both types of weather, offering a unique vacation experience.