Block Island Farmers’ Market: A Craft Fair With Some Cucumbers

I have mentioned it before, but never fully post on the Block Island Farmers’ Market. And It is well worth the mention.

The Block Island Farmers’ Market open Wednesdays 9- 11:30am at The Spring House and Saturdays at American Legion Park in New Harbor. Its’ season runs from mid –June until October boasting all Block-Island produce, foods and crafts.

Most of the vendors at the market can not be found elsewhere on the island. Some of my favorites include Block Island Sweaters and Block Island Wildflower Honey from Littlefield Farm (sold by the one and only Hope Brigham). There are a few exceptions like Mutt Hut and The Spring House (my haunt), but for the most part the farmers’ market is the only chance to score some the island’s best offerings.

Like island-famous scones. They go for $1.50, and they go fast!

If you are looking to fill your pantry, the market is a good place to start, but it would be hard to survive completely off of the provisions of the market. The Spring House has fresh produce for sale at the Wednesday market, but one can not sustain themselves on vegetables and baked goods alone.

Meg Vitcoo of Mutt Hut heads the market making sure all vendors are able to have a fair chance of your market dollar. That means no purchases until 9am, so don’t even try.

Hot Tip: Pack your cash, most vendors are cash only.

The new locations offer a view (at Spring House) and reason for New Harbor exploration (at American Legion). Take the chance on Wednesday to score an awesome seat for lunch on the porch at the Spring House after the market and on Saturday grab a donut from Payne’s on your trip.

Stop by the Spring House shed for Unlocked Block sightings. Mention this post and I’ll give you a wine cork keychain (a $5 value!).

Have you been to the farmers’ market? What are the fruits of your labor? What is your spirit vegetable? (Mine is eggplant)

Type A Itinerary: Day Tripping Out

Whether it is because of your overzealous boss or your fear of commitment, sometimes an overnight stay on Block Island is out of the question. Don’t worry, a day trip to Block Island still allows for exploration and adventure (just squeezed in between the first and last ferries).

Dressed for success.

The night before your epic trip: pack. Pack light, you will be turtle-ing around all day (that means carrying your home on your back). A backpack can’t be beat especially if you choose to hop on a bike.

In your pack: small beach towel, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, heat-resistant snacks (just not chocolate protein bars please!), lightweight coverup/outfit swap, CASH (and credit cards, if we’re being honest).
I suggest wearing layers: bathing suit, movable clothing, and a light sweatshirt. Bonus tip: if you have a sweatshirt you are ready to part with, wear/pack that and use it if needed or discard if it’s 80 and awesome.

The ferry will feel like home on a day trip. Scout out the best times. Push yourself to get out the door early. The first ferries will be a lot less crowded than say the 10 or 11am.

As you come off the ferry, don’t let the hub but of Water Street make you feel out place. You are just as Block Island as you believe you are. Just don’t act like like a totally new guy. That includes: not using a map in the middle of the sidewalk, asking a busy employee about a business that is not their own, or most importantly, saying you prefer the Vineyard.

Wheels. If you got ’em bring em. Moped or bicycle. It is cheaper to pay the ferry fee than the rental shop. Be sure to bring along your own bike lock. If you don’t have your own. There are a number of bike rental shops right when you get off the ferry. Be a know it all and go one street back to Aldo’s Bikes, beat the ferry rush and be on your way.

The wheels will expedite the exploration process and allow to see more on your short visit.

Time for Snack attack. If you skipped breakfast or am just hungry. Time to fuel up while you are near some great options. Old Post Bagels and Top Side Cafe are great quick options for breakfast fare. 
If you are looking for a one of a kind sit-down meal early in the day, Bethany’s Airport diner is an awesome spot. Hop on those wheels and take a short ride to the airport where you can grub on and watch the beautiful people come and go on their aircraft.

Let’s go to the BEACH, BEACH. This is WHAT YOU CAME HERE FOR. Swim, walk, surf and chill on any of Block’s beaches. You know how to do this part.What I can advise on is if you are looking to rinse off after a sandy session there are showers located:

• Fred Benson Beach Pavilion
• Ballard’s Beach
• Old Harbor (near the boats)

If you grabbed something to eat when you arrived then went exploring it may be mid-afternoon by the time you want to eat again. This is great because you don’t want to be chowing down a big meal minutes before your ferry depart. Have a nice linner (otherwise know as dunch). Don’t bother looking for a happy hour drink menu, it is illegal in Rhode Island to discount alcohol for given times. Inquire about late afternoon food deals, though, a common replacement. 
If you are looking to relax (as if you were at home) the lawn at The Spring House or at The Oar are great options with great food, drinks, and lawn games.

A cone a day, keeps the boys away.

When it is time to go home, be prompt. Ferries don’t care if you don’t have a hotel room. Save the trip back for instagraming your “carpe diem” kinda of day.

Plus, because you earned it grab some frozen happiness once you get off the ferry at Brickley’s Ice Cream in Narragansett.

If you were on Block Island for a day what would be your first stop? Do you have day trip tips? How many ice cream cones can you eat in one day?

Barking Block: Mutt Hutt

As I have written about before, Block Island is a great place to bring your four-legged friend. With miles of beaches and a number of pet-friendly lodgings, Block Island is an island paradise for Fido.

(Somewhat) new to the island this summer is Mutt Hut. In previous years, owners Meg, Josh and their dog Radar sold their merchandise at the Block Island Farmer’s Market, but now the team has opened up their own shop.

Located behind The Wave on Chapel Street, this tucked away spot has everything your pet might need while on Block Island. The Mutt Hut carries high-quality dog foods that are not sold anywhere else on the island. They carry small to large size bags, which are perfect for those who live on or visit the island for a weekend or an extended stay. No longer do pet owners need to lug their pup’s food on the ferry to Block. The Mutt Hut has plenty of great brands include the popular Blue Buffalo and Taste of the Wild. An added bonus is that food can be delivered across the island!

While you treat yourself to a few treats, your pooch can as well. Homemade treats in the shape of Block Island may be the first Instagram-worthy dog treat. If you pick the sweet potato treats, I won’t judge you for trying one yourself.

The Mutt Hut space is sleek and modern with a hominess inspired by the owner’s Brooklyn roots. In the back room, you will find a photo wall where you can hang a picture of your “most best friend” along with an “Arf Gallery”. The goal is to grow the collection as much as possible, creating a doggy wall of fame. If you don’t have a picture of your best friend on you, on-site photo shoots are available.

If you are traveling or on island without your pet, Mutt Hut offers Block Island leashes and collars as well as unique artisan brand toys and accessories from companies like RESQ CO. and Trax to bring home.

My family is a little obsessed with their animals so I know every visitor I have will be stopping by the new shop. Block Island is a laid back place where dogs are allowed but also embraced. My “Hairy God Child” Liberty from Miami is already sporting the season’s hottest patterns from Mutt Hut.

Be sure to check out this new spot, post a pic on the wall and follow @mutthutblockisland on Instagram and like the shop on Facebook! Mutt Hut is open every day from 10-5, except for Tuesday, but after July 7 it will be open throughout the week and ALWAYS by appointment for dog food related emergencies.

What is your favorite Block Island beach to bring your dog? Mutt or pure breed? Now honestly, have you ever eaten a dog treat?

Chopping Block: Clam Chowda’

Seafood diet? No, I prefer the “see food and eat it” diet. Block Island is home to many great seafood dishes. One to highlight on a chilly rainy May day: chowder.

There are different types of chowder, and I am going to break it down clearly because you don’t want to order one type and expect another. That would be a tragedy. So to be clear:

New England Clam Chowder–This is a cream based chowder, definitely the heaviest of the bunch. It is thick and creamy and likely served with oyster crackers. Fun fact: In 1939, Maine legislature introduced a bill hoping to make tomatoes in chowder illegal.

Rhode Island Clam Chowder– This chowder brings all the ingredients of New England but substitutes the cream base with a clear broth.

Manhattan Clam Chowder– This chowder has a tomato-based broth that actually was first cooked up in Rhode Island. GASP.

Long Island Clam Chowder– Less well know, this variant of chowder takes the cream-base New England chowder, but it adds chunks of tomatoes to the stew. See can’t we all just get along?

So where does that leave Block Island, an island located in Rhode Island, in New England, but just a stone’s throw from Manhattan and Long Island?

Students serve up chowder at BIMI’s CHOWDA’ Fest (Jack Lynch).

Luckily every year on Memorial day week Block Island Maritime Institute (BIMI) hosts CHOWDA’ FEST. I had the pleasure of attending this event. There were chowders from 12 local restaurants and I was able to try them all. I was sent on assignment from the paper so below is an honest unbiased journalist take.

So if you are looking for some solid stew when you are on the island the top three prizewinners are a surefire best bet. The winning chowders were:

First Place: Winfield’s-This cream-based chowder included muscles, leeks, jalapeño peppers and an extra smokiness from the added bacon. Be warned this is not a regularly appearing dish on the Winfield’s menu, but its top place speaks to the quality of Winfield’s cooking. If you want to try it, you better ask nicely (with a hundred).

Second Place: The National-This was also a cream-based chowder that was a crowd favorite for its traditional flavor. Creamy, nothing unexpected, but rich. Plus this one is one the menu.

Third Place: The Oar– Another cream-based top finisher. What could be better than a bowl of chowder with a heck of a view? I didn’t try this one but it surely was a crowd favorite.

Honorable Mention: In talking with others at the Chowda’ Fest, Bethany’s Airport Diner was mentioned multiple times. Plus when I was at the airport making a hotel pick, I loved the feeling of fabulousness that is small plane travel. Plus the prices at Bethany’s are reasonable.

On Block Island restaurants typically flirt with both New England and Rhode Island chowders, but the democratic blind vote of the Chowda Fest seems to speak for the masses (or at least show some statistically significance right?): Block Island prefers New England Clam Chowder.

So grab your spoon. I’ll bring the oyster crackers.

Luckily, I had some help taste testing

What type of chowder do you prefer? Is there a favorite place that you like to get chowder from on Block Island? How much do you want some chowder right now?

Pre-Island Preparations: Unsolicited Advice Part I

You didn’t ask for it, but here you go. A little advice never hurts, so to make your trip to Block Island #asgoodasitgets, follow these tips for a hole lot of awesome. As many find themselves finally headed to the island for their summer getaway, I have put together a short list of a few insider tips for your island time. With my first (over-night) visitors coming out next week, I felt inspired to share my “expert” advice.

Give it read, if you are already an island connoisseur, what would add? If it is your first trip, take notes, a little bit of preparation and foresight can make a world of difference to your much-deserved vacation. They’ll be coming at you in two parts, so keep an eye out for part two later this week.

1. You Heave you Leave

Well the classic Hot-dog eating competition slogan, can be applied to Block as well. The point here is that medical care on the island is limited. The access to medicine and doctors is available, but the island is not the place to treat real issues. So if you are truly sick, hurt or need special care, be prepared to leave the island. In addition, pack extra medications, painkillers, sunscreen, and etc. What is available on the island is very often more expensive than on the mainland. Or if you are not feeling 100% before your trip consider postponing your trip.Sometimes the High Speed is the Culprit for tummy troubles, plan meals accordingly.

2. Can I Speak with Someone in Charge?

Yes, yes you can. As you go about the island, you will notice there are no chain retailers or hotels (the one exception is Ben & Jerry’s, but we’ll give them a pass). This means that all businesses are small and the owner is often in the building when it is open, if not taking your order at the counter. Knowing this, seek out the owners in the places you like best, the owners will likely love to hear your praise and make you their new drink of the day. This goes the other way too, if you are unhappy with the service, there will likely be someone ready to respond.

3. Can I take your order?

In addition to the owners of many businesses being extremely present, the employees of the island seek to please. One thing to know is that many employees are living off the tips you are leaving, and many work multiple jobs to do that. With this, be patient with foreign employees, they will bend over backwards to help you and want to speak as much English as possible. Talk to worker, though they are seasonal they know the island, and can give the best advice, directions and know-how (they have even have a blog about the island).

4. Pack Yo’ Bags

Considering the journey you will be taking, pack accordingly. I am referring to how you pack. The ferry trip and walk to your hotel may be a few extra steps that you are used to taking with luggage. Break out that mega rollie bag you brought to Europe and stuff it up, lightening the extra multiple bags juggle.

Another something to remember as you pack up is a backpack. Biking around the island is the best way to commute, but you will want to bring your things along (think towel, snacks, wallet). A backpack is a definite must have for island adventures. Plus they make a for an easy time on the ferry.

Backpacks make for a better life.

5. Two Wheels are better than None (or make that 4)

Don’t bring your car. Seriously, the island is small. You are able to get anywhere where you want to be in a matter of two miles or less, further if you are adventurous, but a bike or moped does the trick. Bring your own bike if you can and save yourself the rental fees, but even if you have to rent enjoy the island as some time away from the four-wheeled SUV that you have come to loathe. Remember to lock your bikes whenever you leave them, it is a very safe island, but bikes do disappear whether it be a greedy soul or a confused renter who mistakes yours for theirs. If a car is a must, make sure to make a reservation for the ferry!

There’s the first half of my list of good to knows. What have I missed? Experts what would you add? Newbies, what questions do you have left? Comment below, and I’ll answer anything I missed in Part II.

Beautiful Block: A Hopeful Hike

This AM, my roommate Hope and I jumped out of bed and ran for the hills. We decided we needed an adventure, and with Hope working at noon, we had to get an early start. We both had been itching to explore Rodman’s Hallow which lies in the southwest corner of the island. The glaciers that craved out the island a few years ago left the gapping hallow for us adventurous gals to go explore.

But we before anything was being explored we needed to fuel the machines. Luca’s Market was selected for topping off our tanks. Located on Ocean Avenue between Old and New Harbor, the new(ish) market was a great spot to stop. The market sells crafted grommet groceries, the kind of place you would love to buy everything and could even consider giving any of their items as a gift and it would totally be fine (that doesn’t run true with most grocery stores). For our breakfast purpose we began our morning explorations with the bakery and deli the spot boast. 

Hope and I hit up the “Day Old” basket for goodies, mine included a Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip cookies (for post hike reward). My blueberry scone was exactly what a scone should be and their coffee was darkly roasted and just the way I like it. We even met “Luca” himself, turns out he is a small child, not a cute little old man on a tractor.

Back on our bikes we headed to the Hallow. Hills and silly lost tourist may have slowed us down, but it was still early enough when we arrived to hear birds chirping in their excitement of our arrival.

There are number of criss crossing trails in the Hallow. From the parking lot all of them will lead you out to the ocean. If you get too lost at a fork in road, channel your inner Robert Frost and you will know exactly which way to head.

When we reached the water, we found steep slopes down, but supporting ropes to assist in the decent. Down on the beach the water washes up with great views to the south of Long Island.

Hope and I got all reflective on our hike (must have something to do with the pretty views). We reflected on both of our lives, where we are headed, what we are nervous about and the excitement we have for the road along the way. Thinking in the near future, Hope would like to join the Peace Corps and I would like to continue to embellish my college life with whatever additional means I can. Multiple personalities is not typical ones goal, but I like the life style of multidimensional living. Here on Block I am a hotel front desk worker, a freelance journalist, a bouncer at Martini night, a tri-athlete in training and a travel blogger. Not too shabby.

Wading pools created by the ties for children means looking for creatures, sadly for a 20 year old, it means attempting to get artsy for Instagram likes. I digress, but still participate nonetheless.

The Hallow provides a great short hike for those looking to give their butts a rest from their beach chairs on the island. With our bike ride home taking us the southern loop, Hope and I covered a good portion of the island before rest of the town was finished with their morning cup of joe. Be prepared to feel better about life in general post hike.

What’s the best adventure you’ve ever been on before noon? Do you have a favorite morning baked good? What’s your “triple threat”? Why am I not #instafamous yet? Comment below

Key to Cayman: Sink or Swim

Blogging is like a bug. If that makes you think of getting sick, the analogy works; you catch the bug and then at its will. If if makes you think of insects, the word play still applies; with the blogging bug one can not ignore the pestering to report and share the interesting moments of one’s life. It looks like my sister Kerry has caught the bug. I couldn’t be more excited! The Key to Cayman, how does that sound? With two posts, she’s a legit contributor. Enjoy her story of island life, just a little more south.

Last weekend was the picturesque “island living” student weekend. Basically for one weekend I do what everyone thinks I am doing going to school on an island, go to the beach and party. But in reality it is a whole lot of sitting, sweating and stressing.

Anyway, a surprise guest showed up on island, she might also be the hottest member of the Coast Guard (my sister Tara is the running as well) Bri from Miami. She was in town on her way to Belize on her big boat. The coolest way to visit me by the way is via boat (screw customs and immigration, lines are poor people…I kid but I’ve always wanted to say that). I like to think that she came because she heard that the VBMA (Veterinary Business Management Association) was hosting its first annual beer pong tournament. And guess who was in charge? ME (the president).

The Winning Team: The Designated Drinkers

I was able to get the local beer company on the island to sponsor the event and it was a huge hit. There were 14 teams of two and everyone had carefully crafted team names ,which were oh so original. Some of my favorites included: Bigjimny, Mawd Cow Disease and Rush Hour (it was a team of one black guy and one Asian guy) very creative. Anyway, after a two hour nail bitter, not only for the person in charge of running the bracket but the two finial teams dueled it out for the grand prize of $140 Cayman Island dollars. The club got to keep the remaining portion. It was a lot of fun and we got to really get to know each other on a very drunk level of play.

Anyway, the next morning I arose out of bed with a pounding headache and the sense of “I think I have something important to do today” and I did. I had signed up to swim the Cayman Islands Flower 1 mile Sea Swim. All my training (or lack there of) had come down to this. The swim starts at the Ritz Carlton on Seven Mile Beach and goes to Royal Palms Beach club one mile down. The race attracts swimmers from all over the island and internationally to come compete in one of the world’s largest open water sea swim event. There were over 900 competitors in the race. The start of the race was a bit jumbled but as soon as I caught my stroke things were better and I finished in just under 38 minutes. For my lack of training and wardrobe malfunctions (my bikini bottoms kept failing off) I was very happy with my performance. Pushing myself over the final six months on island is my next step.

All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become. Think about it.