Block Island: A Publisher and Psychologist’s Take on Summer Escapes

As both a psychologist and publisher, I often reflect on experiences from multiple lenses: how they nourish the soul, what they reveal about people, and how they might inspire the next book or chapter in life. My recent summer day trip to Block Island was no exception. It was part adventure, part observation, and part reset.

Getting There

Our journey started bright and early. We left Hartford at 8:00 a.m. and arrived in New London by 9:00 a.m. We parked and stopped at Muddy Waters Café in New London for breakfast. The vibe was local and charming, but it took a whole 30 minutes to get just two breakfast sandwiches and a coffee. I reminded myself, you’re on island time now, even before the ferry.

After parking in a nearby garage, we walked over to the check-in window to present our reservation and get printed tickets. The 10:00 a.m. ferry to Block Island boarded smoothly.

It’s a 1.5-hour ride across the Atlantic, with the island sitting about 12 miles off Rhode Island, separated by the Block Island Sound.

I watched the waves ripple while thinking of how often our minds, like the sea, seem calm on the surface but carry strong currents underneath.

Island Arrival

As we disembarked, the island buzzed with activity; it’s said that 15,000 people visit per day, and I believe it.

We walked straight to the beach, went through security checks (yes, they scan for alcohol and weapons), then rented our lounge chairs, umbrella, and even a flagpole to signal for food or drinks. Clever system.

The water was rough and the current powerful, nothing like the still, turquoise waters of the Caribbean I grew up with or visited. The waves literally knocked me down more than once.

 Still, there was something invigorating about it. The sand was soft, and the crowd was vibrant, full of families, couples, and friend groups soaking in summer.

There was a band with two singers, a drummer, and a guitarist. They sang songs from Biggie, Shaggy, Third Eye Blind, and Queen. They sounded great, but why did everything sound like the same genre? Biggie was whitewashed, hahaha! I was watching and recording when an older woman pulled me over to dance with her.  

Lunch on the beach  

Matthew and I ordered broiled lobster, boiled corn, baked potatoes wedges, jerk chicken quesadilla, a burger, strawberry daiquiri, and pina coladas, which tasted just okay. Not memorable or very tasty, but satisfying after the salt and sun. We also had a mini igloo with bottled water. 

What was memorable was the waitstaff. Each wore a name tag with their country of origin, and it warmed my heart to see many Jamaicans among them, including our waiter, Jaevon. There’s a pride and warmth in Caribbean hospitality that instantly made me feel at home. As a publisher, I noted how powerful small elements like name tags can be, giving people identity, voice, and visibility. As a psychologist, I thought about the rich cross-cultural experiences this seasonal work provides and the untold stories each worker could tell.

Ratings  

I give Block Island an 8 out of 10:

• Accessibility (ease and convenience) ✔️
• Diversity of staff ✔️
• Clean beaches ✔️
• Activities ✔️
• Safety ✔️
• Rough water ❌
• Food was mid ❌
• Affordability ❌

My husband, however, gave it a 5 out of 10. He wasn’t impressed by the cost (it adds up quickly between ferry, food, and rentals) and wasn’t a fan of the murky water and strong currents. It just goes to show: every experience is filtered through our expectations, values, and priorities.

There were lots of activities to do besides relaxing at Ballard’s Beach. You can

• Visit Mohegan Bluffs – Climb down the 141 steps to the base of these dramatic clay cliffs for breathtaking views and a more secluded beach experience.

• Tour Southeast Lighthouse – Explore this historic lighthouse perched above the Bluffs, offering panoramic ocean views and fascinating maritime history.

• Bike or moped around the Island – Rent a bike or scooter to explore the island’s 17 miles of scenic roads, stone walls, and rolling hills.

• Go hiking in Rodman’s Hollow – A beautiful nature preserve with walking trails, wildflowers, and views of the Atlantic and southern tip of the island.

• Kayak or paddleboard in the Great Salt Pond – Calm waters make this inland bay perfect for beginner paddlers and wildlife spotting.

• Visit North Lighthouse – Located at the northern tip of the island, it's a peaceful spot with dunes and a quiet shoreline.

• Shop and Stroll in Old Harbor – Browse quaint boutiques, grab an ice cream, or pick up local art and souvenirs.

• Try Local Seafood – Savor lobster rolls, clam chowder, or fresh fish at one of the island’s many restaurants or beachside bars.

• Go Fishing or Take a Boat Tour – Charter a boat for deep-sea fishing, seal watching, or a sunset cruise around the island.

Cost for relaxing at Ballard Beach

• Ferry- $64 pp
• Parking- $20 per day
• Gas- $25
• Tolls- $0
• Umbrella- $25
• Lounge chairs- $31 pp
• Food and drinks- $50 pp
• Total for a couple: $360

Ferries: A Gateway to Island Life

Block Island reminded me of how many islands across the U.S. are accessible by ferry, offering mini-escapes without leaving the country. Here’s a list of U.S. ferry-accessible islands I’ve visited or plan to:

1. Martha’s Vineyard: Ferries depart from various locations in Massachusetts, including Falmouth (Island Queen).
2. Nantucket: Ferries can take you to Nantucket from New York.
3. Block Island (Matthew and I have been): Ferries are available from Rhode Island (Point Judith), Long Island (New York), and Connecticut (New London).
4. Boston Harbor Islands: A ferry provides access to the 34 islands and peninsulas of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, located close to Boston’s city center.
5. Thimble Islands: Public trips to Outer Island are available, and private ferry service caters to island residents.
6. Great Captain Island: This tiny island features a historic light station, a beach, and hiking trails.
7. Prudence Island: This quaint island with dirt roads and no sidewalks.
8. Ocracoke Island: The Ocracoke Express ferry offers ticketed rides for passengers and bicycles between Hatteras Village and Ocracoke Village.
9. Knotts Island: A ferry service connects the Currituck mainland and northern Outer Banks to Knotts Island, a community in the Currituck Sound.
10. Cape Lookout National Seashore (Olivia, Alyssa and Matthew been): Authorized ferry services go to Shackleford Banks, Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Great Island Cabin Camp, and Long Point Cabin Camp.
11. Key West (high on the bucket list): High-speed ferries connect Fort Myers to Key West, offering a scenic alternative to driving.
12. Sanibel Island (Me and Matthew have been): While connected by a causeway, Sanibel is also accessible by boat or ferry for those seeking a more picturesque journey.

Internationally accessible by ferry from the U.S.:

• Bahamas 🇧🇸 (Been!)- Miami to Bimini or Freeport
• Canada 🇨🇦 (Been with Alyssa and Olivia!) - Ferries to Nova Scotia, Ontario, BC
• Mexico 🇲🇽 (All been!)- via the Los Ebanos hand-pulled ferry in Texas

Travel, especially by ferry, slows you down just enough to be present. It lets you notice the languages spoken around you, the way the sun catches someone’s laughter, and the shared rituals of strangers trying to enjoy a single day off. As a publisher, I left with ideas. As a psychologist, I left restored. And as a mom, wife, and Jamaican-American woman, I left with pride watching my people shine brightly, even 12 miles off the coast.

How many ferry-accessible islands have you visited? Where should I go next? Let’s keep the conversation and exploration flowing.

Melissa-Sue John is a psychologist, professor, and founder of Lauren Simone Publishing House, passionate about representation, storytelling, and family travel. Check out the books she has authored.