The Smallest Town in the Smallest State

By plane or by boat, arriving at Block Island is simply amazing. After an hour ferry ride, the shoreline of this unique experience comes into view. Arriving from Montauk, N.Y., the island is initially directly in front of you and as the ship moves closer, you travel along its beautiful coast.

There are hundreds of boats docked throughout the harbor, many with Rhode Island license plates but some from Connecticut and Massachusetts. Block Island is 12 miles offshore and it exhibits a historical presence due to its antique accessories and 1800 style buildings and homes.

This island was plundered by French pirates four times- in the late 1600s and 1700s. During the American Revolution, islanders were essentially defenseless. General George Washington ordered Yankee Islanders to move their cattle and sheep to the mainland so Colonial livestock did not become rations for British soldiers. A generation later, in the War of 1812, the island chose neutrality and it is still a safe haven today. There is essentially 900- 1,000 people who live on Block Island year round. This is part of what makes it the smallest island in the smallest state, the other is its land area.

You arrive docked at the bottom of a hill, and about 1 mile from the middle of town. Therefore, you have a few options: rent a bike (if you didn't bring one), take a taxi, or walk. My mother and I chose to rent a bike which was, in my opinion the best choice because not only are you site seeing, but you're getting a nice and easy workout in as well! In town you have the option of renting a car, moped, kayak, scooter, etc. We parked our bikes and enjoyed the individual shops offering anything from clothes and accessories, to body paint, candles, painting, and real estate. Gorgeous hand-made jewelry and exquisite paintings stole the show.

The simplicity of this island is the amazing part. If you think your life is simple here in Montauk, you need to see Block Island. Many people do not own a car because its either too expensive to bring it there or they choose other means of transportation, for example bikes and mopeds are a must! Two grocery stores, no traffic lights, EVERYTHING in at least biking distance, and no commercial business whatsoever (although one coffee shop DID offer Starbucks coffee).

I don't want to ruin your experience - I think you get the hint.

If you are in Montauk and you are looking to visit Block Island via the Viking Superstar, the contact number is (631) 668 5700.

Think big- visit something small!

Traffic Sign Confusion

For the entire summer, all of us battle crowds. We sit in traffic to go 2 miles from Ditch Plains to Nick's Beach, we wait 15 minutes in line at the Montauk Bake Shop for a $1.75 coffee, and even longer for a table at the Surf Lodge on Sunday night. This is all expected and in my opinion, a necessary element to the existence of the Hamptons however, I have one thing that continues to boggle my mind.

Ok, so you have the locals and you have the vacationers. At one point I considered myself a vacationer because I grew up in upstate New York and only came to Montauk in the summers. I finished my MBA and this is now the 2nd full year I've lived in Montauk therefore, I guess now I'm in the local category. Locals always look forward to the summer months however, some can be territorial and not very discerning to the "vacationer mentality." People don't always know the "ins and outs" of the town and they are constantly asking questions regarding directions, parking, recreation, etc. This is all expected and understandable, but the question I have to ask is, aren't simple street signs universal? Even though you are in a "foreign" place (Montauk), when you see a STOP sign, don't you know to stop? Conversely, (which seems to be more of a problem) when you DO NOT see a stop sign, you DON'T STOP, right? For some reason, not only are vacationers ignorant to "local knowledge" but they completely forget how to drive properly, or in order words, read/follow street signs. I know its nice to stop at an intersection to let someone go by, but if you DO NOT have a stop sign, there is a reason for it and this is a way to keep traffic flowing. Therefore, to avoid minor accidents and confusion, be considerate but be smart.

So please, next time you are driving in Montauk, STOP when it says to, DO NOT stop when it does not say to, YIELD when it says to, and please drive the speed limit on the stretch.

Thank you.

August Crowds

Finally the East End has come alive! From Montauk to Manhattan families are vacationing and enjoying the summer weather. Lucky the rain came in June, whereas this month has shown just how prosperous and lucrative the Hamptons is and will stay!