Curator’s statement
Our family set out on a unique adventure along the eastern seaboard, traveling by boat and stopping in vibrant coastal towns, each with its own charm. This journey was packed with new experiences, from the thrill of kayaking and paddleboarding off the rocky shores of Rhode Island to enjoying epic Fourth of July celebrations on Block Island. Champlin’s Marina on Block Island was a standout. It combines resort-style amenities with marina convenience. Each stop offers beautiful marina settings, pools and excellent dining options. This trip highlighted the joy of exploring by sea and left us eager to return, especially to Block Island.
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First Stop: Huntington, NY
Our adventure began in Huntington, where we docked at the Huntington Yacht Club. This marina had a great pool, which the kids loved, and a fantastic on-site dining facility. We had dinner at Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar, enjoying a refined meal with views of the water, which made for a perfect start to our trip.
Second Stop: Sag Harbor, NY
Next, we docked at Sag Harbor Village Marina, which turned out to be the best-located marina of the entire journey. The town’s historic charm and walkable layout made it easy to explore. We enjoyed an Italian dinner at Dopo La Spiaggia, where the fresh flavors and cozy ambiance were just right for our family. Sag Harbor’s marina provides an ideal base to experience the town’s lively yet relaxed vibe.
Detour Dinner: Montauk, NY
During our stop in Sag Harbor, we decided to make a dinner trip to Scarpetta Beach in Montauk. Although we took an Uber for the drive, the journey was absolutely worth it. The restaurant’s oceanfront setting and upscale Italian cuisine created a memorable dining experience, adding an extra layer of luxury and indulgence to our trip.
Highlight: Block Island, RI
Block Island was the absolute highlight of our trip and a place we will definitely return to. We stayed at Champlin’s Marina and Resort, a next-level marina with resort-style amenities. The marina has everything: a fantastic pool, spacious dock area and even on-site dining options, making it easy to relax and enjoy the island.
ThOur time on Block Island was filled with outdoor activities, including stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. These are perfect ways to explore the surrounding waters and take in the island’s natural beauty. The Fourth of July parade on Block Island was epic. IT showcases festive floats, local spirit and a celebratory atmosphere that made it a memorable experience for us all. We also visited Spring House, where the kids (and adults!) had a blast rolling down the hill — a simple yet unforgettable family moment.
To explore more of the island, we rented bikes from Aldo’s Mopeds, which allowed us to take in the scenic views and enjoy the island at a relaxed pace. We capped off our Block Island stay with dinners at Winfield’s and Block Island Oyster Bar & Grill, where the seafood was as fresh and delightful as the island itself.
Last Stop: Port Washington, NY
On our way back, we docked at Port Washington Marina. It has a beautiful pool and convenient dining facilities, perfect for relaxing after our days on the water. Our final dinner was at La P’tite Framboise, a charming French bistro. This was a wonderful spot to reflect on the adventure and celebrate the end of an incredible journey along the coast.
Need to know
Top Destination: Block Island is a must-visit, especially during the Fourth of July celebrations. From paddleboarding and kayaking to an epic island parade, it’s a destination that promises both relaxation and excitement.
Resort-Style Marinas: Champlin’s Marina on Block Island offers a resort-like experience with pools, dining and easy access to activities. Huntington and Port Washington marinas also provided excellent pool facilities and dining, making each stop comfortable and family-friendly.
Exploring by Boat: This style of travel allowed us to enjoy each destination at our own pace. Docking in marinas with pools and on-site dining made the trip convenient and fun for the whole family.
Best Marina Location: Sag Harbor Village Marina’s prime location made it the best base for exploring the town and accessing restaurants and shops on foot.
Memorable Detour: Taking an Uber to Montauk for dinner at Scarpetta Beach was worth the trip, adding a touch of luxury and oceanfront dining to our journey.
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Rhode Island.
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Priscilla Baldari
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