WELCOME TO BLOCK ISLAND
We can't wait to share the island with you! Block Island has been a very special place for the Mensching family for over twenty five years. Maxwell introduced Meghan to the island at the beginning of their relationship and they have spent countless weekends together on the island since. On July 2nd, 2018, he took her out into the wildlife preserve across from their house, just before the sunset, and he asked her so spend the rest of their lives together.
We hope that you take our wedding as an opportunity to explore and experience the island as much as you can, and hope that you fall in love with it as much as us! Below, we've included some of our favorite places to visit along with links for additional information.
PLEASE NOTE THAT MOST OF THE ISLAND IS CASH ONLY.
YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FIND SEVERAL ATMS ONCE YOU ARE ON THE ISLAND BUT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE AWARE OF THIS CUSTOM.
Restaurants:
PERSEPHONE'S KITCHEN
This is our favorite spot on the island for coffee, smoothies, and snacks. There's usually a line, as it's the rest of the island's favorite as well, but it moves pretty quickly. We recommend coming here for your caffeine needs and trying their baked good selections!
COFFEE & QUICK BREAKFAST
COFFEE & COCKTAILS
The Historical Surf Hotel was recently renovated into the Block Island Beach Head with three different dining options. We love their Coffee & Cocktails for its location, (right downtown and on the water) and the whole aesthetic. Our favorites include the coffee drinks, the fruit & oatmeal bowl, and the breakfast sandwich.
COFFEE & ISLAND VIBES
ERNIE'S
This is our go to spot for breakfast and we always wait for a table on the deck outside. If we're arriving to the island on an early morning ferry, we're usually heading to Ernie's as soon as we arrive. You can't go wrong with any breakfast option, but we definitely recommend that you try the blueberry pancakes!
BREAKFAST RIGHT OFF OF THE FERRY
THE 1661 INN BREAKFAST
We recommend this spot for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and an extensive Champagne Breakfast Buffet. We love the omelet station!
BRUNCH WITH A VIEW
THE OAR
Owned by the same family as 1661, this is our favorite spot on the island located in New Harbor on the beautiful Great Salt Pond. It's perfect for lunch or dinner and we recommend trying their incredible sushi and you MUST order one of their famous mudslides, top shelf.
AN ISLAND STAPLE
THE SPRING HOUSE
We love spending an afternoon on the lawn looking out over the ocean or stopping in for a quick lunch on the wrap around porch. We love the pizza, scallops, and the pesto chicken focaccia! This historical hotel is a must visit during your time on the island.
LUNCH ON THE TERRACE OR DRINKS ON THE LAWN
THE BEACH HEAD
Owned by friends of the family, this is a great spot for a casual bite to eat just steps away from Crescent Beach. We love the Lobster Mac and Cheese (but we suggest you share), the Seafood Nachos, and the Halibut. This is a great spot for either lunch or dinner!
ENJOY A MEAL RIGHT ON THE BEACH
THE ATLANTIC
This is definitely one of the best culinary experiences on the island and it also has an incredible lawn overlooking the island. You also get front row seats to the 1661 Farm & Garden featuring camels, llamas, goats, a yak, a zebu and more. We recommend checking their schedule to see when their jazz band will be playing!
CLASSY DINING WITH VIEWS OF THE ISLAND
SMITTY'S
It has been determined, after extensive research, that this is the best ice cream on the island. Their ice cream comes from an award-winning dairy farm in Massachusetts named Richardson's. It also has a great seating area with a fire pit and views of the New Harbor. We recommend the Oreo, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and their ice cream sundaes!
THE BEST ICE CREAM ON THE ISLAND
Things to do:
MANSION BEACH
We hope you are able to take some time to enjoy some of the incredible beaches on the island. Mansion Beach was voted one of New England's Best Beaches by Conde Nast and it truly is a slice of paradise. It also happens to be the view we will be getting married in front of!
BLOCK ISLAND BEACHES AND PARKS
CLAYHEAD TRAIL
We love spending a few hours out on one of the trails and every time we do, we fall more in love with the island. Our favorite trail is the Clayhead Trail, which begins right next to the Mensching House and has some of the best views. Don't forget to check for ticks.
WALKING AND HIKING ON THE ISLAND
MOHEGAN BLUFFS
This is one of the most scenic spots on the South side of the island and is also one of the most popular stops along the island's 7.5 Biking Loop. Although our wedding weekend falls just before the peak season begins, we recommend pulling into the drive next to the Mohegan Bluff Trailhead in order to avoid any possible crowds.
200 FEET TALL & 140 STEPS DOWN
BLOCK ISLAND FARMER'S MARKET
The Farmer's Market takes place every Saturday at Legion Park and every Wednesday at the Spring House. Check their Facebook, linked below, to confirm the schedule!
LOCAL FRUITS, VEGETABLES, CHEESE, SHELLFISH, ARTS & CRAFTS
NORTH LIGHTHOUSE
Although the Southeast Light is another must see destination, down the road from Mohegan Bluffs, the North Light is our favorite. Partially because it's a quick walk or run from the Mensching House, but also because of the 300 degree views of the ocean and mainland.
BLOCK ISLAND LIGHTHOUSES
HODGE FAMILY WILDLIFE PRESERVE
Located directly across from the Mensching House, this is our favorite spot for a pre sunset or post dinner walk. We can't wait to show you the sweeping views of the entire West side, with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, at the Welcome Event on Friday Evening!
WHERE MAXWELL PROPOSED TO MEGHAN!
WATER ACTIVITIES
Paddle Boarding and Kayaking are great ways to see the Island via its Inner Ponds. We recommend renting the boards or boats for an hour before returning to land and getting some Smitty's Ice Cream (read more under our restaurant section) right next door!
PADDLE BOARDING AND KAYAKING
1661 FARM AND GARDEN
The farm is located just a few blocks from the ferry and there's no charge to see the animals! Our favorite is the separate enclosure for of the Alpacas but we've heard great things about the Goat Yoga, as well. One of Meghan's first memories of the island is walking over to the farm after a cocktail on the lawn at The Atlantic (read more above).
BLOCK ISLAND'S MINI ZOO
EXPLORE
However you choose to move around the island, we hope you spend at least a little time exploring. With 32 miles of hiking trails, 17 miles of beach, and over 50 shops, you'll find plenty to do. With that being said, we would be happy to offer even more suggestions.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or for more recommendations!
WIKE, BIKE, RIDE, OR DRIVE